Kurt Samuel Vile (born January 3, 1980) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer from the United States. He is well-known for his solo work as well as his time as the main guitarist for the rock band The War on Drugs. Vile is joined in the studio and on stage by his backup band, the Violators, which presently consists of Jesse Trbovich (guitar, saxophone), Rob Laakso (guitar, bass, keyboards), Kyle Spence (drums), and Adam Langellotti (bass).
Vile’s fourth studio album, Smoke Ring for My Halo, was released in 2011, which considerably enhanced his prominence. Wakin on a Pretty Daze, his fifth studio album, was released in 2013, with Laakso replacing Granduciel in his supporting band. Vile released his sixth studio album, B’lieve I’m Goin Down…., in 2015. “Pretty Pimpin,” the album’s debut single, was Vile’s best-performing song to date, topping the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs list in March 2016. Lotta Sea Lice, his 2017 CD, is a collaboration with Australian singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett. Bottle It In, his ninth studio album, was published in 2018, followed by a country-influenced EP, Speed, Sound, Lonely KV, in 2020.
