New York City's alternative scene saw a bloom in activity during the 2000s, with bands like The Strokes, Interpol, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs reaching stratospheric levels of mass popularity. Perhaps to a lesser degree, indie outfit The Virgins managed to reach a great level of international recognition without possessing the tenure of the previously mentioned artists.
The band is comprised of Donald Cumming (vocals), Wade Oates (lead guitar), Nick Zarin-Ackerman (bass), and Erik Raternsperger (drums) Their contemporary progressive sound incorporated funky vocals, and a series of new-wave staples reminiscent of 70s alternative music.
It all began with "The Virgins '07" EP, which included demos of songs that would later become anthems for fans all over the world. The early compilation would later reach the hands of Atlantic Records, who offered to sign the band due to their popularity in the New York club scene. A year later, they broke into the scene with their hyper-popular single, and all-time greatest hit "Rich Girls," as a part of their self-titled debut album. This led to touring at prominent music festivals such as SXSW, Lollapalooza, Leeds, and Reading, among others. It is important to note that this is no small feat for a relatively wee band, as these festivals opened the gates for international touring experience around different European countries.
For their return to the studio, Cumming announced that the band had signed with Cult Records, owned by New York legend, Julian Casablancas. Their next full-length titled "Strike Gently" would debut in 2012, and was supported by heavy touring across the United States, including a partnership with The Killers.
In 2013, Cumming announced that the band would undergo a very rational break-up, during an interview with Rolling Stone. He explained that there were no inner conflicts leading up to the rupture, "I was a young guy and wanted to be in a band and it was great, but I don't feel that way anymore." This schism was a reflection of the different points in their professional careers. "I just want to keep doing new things," he concluded.
