Band of Horses was formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2004.
Singer and guitarist Ben Bridwell started the group after the breakup of his Seattle band Carissa’s Wierd. The early lineup included Chris Early, Tim Meinig, and former Carissa’s Wierd guitarist Mat Brooke. The band was briefly known simply as Horses before adopting its better-known name.
Seattle’s music scene helped the group attract early attention. Band of Horses gained a connection with Sub Pop after opening for Iron & Wine at Seattle-area shows, and Sub Pop released the band’s debut album, Everything All the Time, in 2006.
A common mix-up is confusing the band’s formation city with its later base. Band of Horses eventually became associated with Charleston, South Carolina, but its origin remains Seattle. The group’s sound has been described through several overlapping labels, including alternative country, indie rock, Southern rock, and folk rock.