Ratboys

Ratboys are an American indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 2010 by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Julia Steiner and her partner, lead guitarist Dave Sagan. The duo initially came together while studying at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, before relocating to Chicago in 2015. Over the years, the band has solidified its lineup with bassist Sean Neumann and drummer Marcus Nuccio, both of whom officially joined in 2020. Known for their introspective approach to indie rock and dynamic live performances, Ratboys have become fixtures on tours alongside rising acts like PUP, Soccer Mommy, Diet Cig, and Wild Pink.
The band's discography spans six studio albums, beginning with their debut AOID (2015) on Topshelf Records. Their second album, GN (2017), garnered significant critical attention, earning recognition from Rolling Stone as one of the "15 Great Albums You Probably Didn't Hear in 2017" and praise from Uproxx rock critic Steven Hyden. Ratboys continued their upward trajectory with Printer's Devil (2020), which MTV called "the best album of their career," while Pitchfork celebrated its emotional depth as "comforting and sobering all at once." The band's fourth album, Happy Birthday, Ratboy (2021), marked their 10-year anniversary and featured the track "Go Outside," which was later featured in a Walmart ad campaign. In 2023, they released The Window, recorded in Seattle with producer Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, which the Chicago Tribune hailed as "[t]he most confident, assured version of the Chicago band's music." Their most recent work, Singin' to an Empty Chair, arrived in February 2026.
Ratboys have established themselves as a vital force in the contemporary indie rock landscape, with their music earning consistent accolades from major publications and their touring presence helping to elevate their peers. The band's evolution from bedroom project to critically acclaimed recording act reflects their commitment to both artistic growth and authentic storytelling, cementing their status as one of Chicago's most important homegrown acts.