Shearwater is an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in Austin, Texas. The group began as a collaboration between two musicians, Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff, who were also members of the band Okkervil River. The project initially served as an outlet for songs that were stylistically different from their main band. Over time, Shearwater evolved into a distinct entity with Meiburg at its core as the principal songwriter and an ever-evolving lineup of musicians contributing to its rich, layered soundscapes.

The band’s work is characterized by ambitious thematic albums, which often explore the intersections between humanity and the natural world. The music combines the visceral with the intellectual, featuring lush arrangements and soaring vocals. Shearwater's discography includes several critically acclaimed albums such as the expansive "Palo Santo" (Expanded Edition), the environmental themed "The Golden Archipelago," and the urgent "Jet Plane and Oxbow." Their 2022 release, "The Great Awakening," continues their tradition of delivering introspective lyrics coupled with sophisticated songcraft, further cementing Shearwater’s reputation as crafters of thought-provoking and emotionally resonant music. Through their consistent output, including works like "Rook" and the "Quarantine Music" series, Shearwater has amassed a dedicated following and remains an influential presence within the indie rock genre.