The Bellwether

John William Grant, born on July 25, 1968, is an American singer, musician, and songwriter who also holds Icelandic citizenship. He was initially known as the co-founder, lead singer, pianist, and primary songwriter for the alternative rock band the Czars. The band released six albums between 1994 and 2006 before disbanding. Following a four-year hiatus, Grant launched a solo career. His debut solo album, Queen of Denmark (2010), was named the best album of the year by Mojo. His second album, Pale Green Ghosts (2013), received the same recognition from Rough Trade. His third album, Grey Tickles, Black Pressure (2015), achieved widespread critical acclaim and reached number five on the UK albums chart. His fourth album, Love Is Magic (2018), entered the top 20 in the UK. His subsequent albums, Boy from Michigan (2021) and The Art of the Lie (2024), also received positive reviews. Additionally, Grant released a live album with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, titled John Grant and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra: Live in Concert (2014), featuring performances of songs from his first two albums accompanied by the orchestra.