The Lumineers: Band Lineup and Main Singer
The Lumineers are an American indie folk rock band known for their anthemic, storytelling-driven sound. The core members are Wesley Schultz (lead vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion, songwriting). While both contribute vocals and write songs, Schultz is consistently the primary lead singer and face of the group in live performance and recordings. This profile clarifies roles, addresses common points of confusion, and explains how the band’s vocal and songwriting setup supports their enduring, evergreen catalog.
Primary Members and Vocal Roles
To understand who sings the Lumineers’ songs, it helps to look at the official lineup and how responsibilities are divided. The band has maintained a stable trio since early growth, with Schultz and Fraites as cofounders and a rotating lineup of touring members for bass, keyboards, and additional guitar.
- Wesley Schultz: lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitar; co-writer on most songs; primary frontperson.
- Jeremiah Fraites: drums, percussion; co-writer; backing and occasional lead vocals in studio and live sets.
- Current touring bassist and keyboardists: support the core songs and harmonies but generally do not carry lead vocals.
In practice, the main singer of the Lumineers is Wesley Schultz, who delivers the majority of lead vocals across their catalog, from early demos to stadium tours.
Songwriting and Vocal Distribution
The Lumineers write songs as a partnership, most commonly Schultz and Fraites together. Their process typically starts with a guitar riff or lyrical idea, which they develop into full arrangements. Vocals are distributed according to who sings each part, but Schultz handles most of the narrative lead lines, while Fraites adds complementary backing vocals and occasional shared or featured lead moments. In the studio, layered harmonies and double-tracking are common; live, Schultz’s voice anchors the set.
Discography and Lead Vocal Highlights
Across their major albums, the Lumineers have built a catalog defined by Schultz’s distinctive, warm vocal tone. While Fraites contributes on drums and background vocals, the recognizable lead sound on radio hits and fan favorites belongs to Schultz. The table below summarizes key release details and clarifies who sings lead on landmark tracks.
| Release (Year) | Lead Vocalist on Key Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Ho Hey” (2012) | Wesley Schultz | Open-chord anthem; Schultz’s voice is the primary identifier. |
| “Stubborn Love” (2012) | Wesley Schultz | Upbeat lead; built around Schultz’s lead vocal and guitar. |
| “Submarines” (2016) | Wesley Schultz | Album Citizen Plaza; carries the main vocal line. |
| “Cleopatra” (2016) | Wesley Schultz | Narrative focus; Schultz leads the verse and chorus. |
| “Tin Man” (2020) | Wesley Schultz | Third album III; lead vocal and co-write with Fraites. |
| “Brightside” (2The Lumineers)” (2022) | Wesley Schultz | Single from the Brightside album; Schultz leads vocals. |
| Live and festival performances | Wesley Schultz (primary), Jeremiah Fraites (backing/occasional leads) | Setlists typically center Schultz; Fraites handles percussion and backing. |
Jeremiah Fraites’ Role and Contributions
Though Schultz is the main singer, Jeremiah Fraites is an indispensable creative force. As cofounder and drummer, he shapes the rhythmic and melodic foundation of Lumineers songs. In the studio, Fraites sings backing harmonies, percussion-driven textures, and occasionally steps into lead on specific tracks or live moments. His partnership with Schultz fuels the band’s storytelling approach. Fraites is not a touring replacement for Schultz; instead, he complements the vocal arrangement, ensuring the songs’ emotional core remains intact.
Live Performance and Touring Vocal Setups
On stage, audiences hear primarily one lead voice, delivered by Schultz with consistent power and clarity. Fraites typically occupies the drum kit and contributes background vocals when parts call for them, particularly in anthems that rely on call-and-response. Touring band members handle bass, keyboards, and additional guitar, filling out the arrangements without taking over lead duties. This configuration preserves the intimate, narrative feel that has become the Lumineers’ signature while scaling to arena-sized sound.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Fraites shares writing credits and occasionally sings backing or brief leads, some assume the Lumineers operate with two co-lead singers. In reality, the vocal hierarchy is clear: Schultz is the primary lead, Fraites is a supporting vocalist and percussionist who co-writes and helps craft arrangements. Other contributors join in the studio and on tour but do not displace Schultz as the main singer. Understanding this distinction helps fans accurately interpret credits, interviews, and live broadcasts.
Summary
The main singer of the Lumineers is Wesley Schultz, who provides the majority of lead vocals and represents the band’s central musical identity. Co-founder Jeremiah Fraites plays drums, adds backing vocals, and co-writes many songs, but the recognizable lead sound on recordings and at concerts comes from Schultz. The band’s structure—two core members plus rotating support players—has remained stable enough to sustain a broad, evergreen catalog that continues to reach new listeners.