1940ih

1940ih is a contemporary indie-pop band originating from Portland, Oregon. The group was formed in 2014 by vocalist‑songwriter Emma Larkin and guitarist‑producer Daniel Ortiz. Their name derives from a personal anecdote; Larkin grew up listening to classic 1940s records while traveling in Idaho (abbreviated as “IH” in her diary), and the band’s palette draws inspiration from that era’s melodic sensibilities.

The band’s debut EP, “Midnight Junction,” was self‑released in 2015 and attracted attention for its blend of vintage chord progressions and modern electronic textures. They followed with the full‑length album “Suburban Sundays” in 2017, which peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Their music often explores themes of nostalgia, urban solitude, and the paradox of technological advancement. Critics have compared their lyricism to that of early 1990s alternative acts, while noting a distinctive use of 4/4 time with syncopated hi‑hat patterns.

In 2019, 1940ih signed to independent label Silver Lining Records and released the single “Electric Canopy,” a track that earned airplay on Pacific FM and was featured in a television drama’s soundtrack. The band performed at the South by Southwest festival that same year. Their 2021 album “Sunlit Tuesdays” featured a collaboration with bassist Ryan Cheng and was praised for its mature songwriting.

As of early 2024, 1940ih is touring across the western United States to promote their latest project, “Neon Horizon.” The group maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans through behind‑the‑scenes content and livestreamed studio sessions. The band is known for its DIY ethic, often handling production, mixing, and distribution tasks in-house. Their creative output remains deeply rooted in the juxtaposition of past musical styles and contemporary production techniques.