Drowner began as a side project of Darren Emanuel (Swimming In, Apples to Earth). Darren’s increasing use of the guitar in both of his previous bands led him to an interest in the sounds of a resurgent shoegaze scene and some of the post-rock music happening in Texas and elsewhere. In 2008, he started writing demo tracks to test some new guitar sounds. The early tracks had a soaring, oceanic feel with strong melodies and heavy use of the Roland Space Echo, drenched in fuzzed-out reverb.

In 2010, Darren worked with a few different singers on the project before finding the perfect counterpoint in longtime friend Anna Bouchard. After some discussion of the project and various common influences (R.E.M., The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Mogwai) Anna and Darren began writing in their respective studios and sending demos and tracks back and forth via the internet. Anna brings not only beautiful vocals to Drowner but a deep lyricism. In guitar and vocals, music and lyrics, Drowner attempts to embody the power of music to overwhelm and transcend.