The Paper Kites in Washington DC

About The Paper Kites

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band that emerged from Melbourne in the early 2010s, building a devoted following through meticulous songwriting and layered instrumentation. Their breakthrough came with 2012's "Bloom," a sprawling seven-minute track that showcases their ability to build emotional momentum without relying on conventional pop structures. The band—led by Sam Bentley's understated vocals and guitar work—treats songs like architectural projects, adding strings, woodwinds, and subtle rhythmic shifts until what started as a whisper becomes something immersive. Their albums "Twelvefour" and "On the Train Ride Home" established them as craftspeople more interested in texture than flash. They've maintained a steady presence in indie folk circles, occasionally breaking through to wider audiences, particularly in streaming contexts where their patient, detailed approach tends to reward repeated listening. Fans appreciate them for the opposite of hype: they're a band that sounds better the more you pay attention.

Shows are quiet, attentive affairs. Audiences lean in rather than shout. The band's precision translates well to stages—every string arrangement and timing shift lands. Crowds tend to be respectfully devoted rather than rowdy, and the overall vibe is contemplative. Good venue for actually hearing what they're doing.

Known for Bloom, Twelvefour, Electric Worry, Reckless Love, Don't

The Paper Kites + Washington DC

The Paper Kites have maintained a quiet but steady presence in Washington DC's music landscape. Their last visit came in September 2025, when they played Filene Center with the kind of understated grace their catalog demands. The Australian band worked through their catalog of intricately layered indie folk—the kind of songs that sound simple until you notice how many moving parts are holding them up. 'Twelvefour' and 'Bloom' likely anchored the set, those tracks that hit different in a venue like Filene Center, where the acoustics catch every fingerpick. They're the sort of band that doesn't need to fill silence, which makes them a natural fit for DC crowds that appreciate restraint.

The Paper Kites in Washington DC News

• THE PAPER KITES Unveil Seventh Studio Album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’ The Rockpit · Jan 24, 2026
• The Paper Kites Are Coming Back: 2026 Tour Brings New Album and Unforgettable Nights to North America Live Music Blog · Sep 30, 2025
• The Paper Kites Plot North American Tour Exclaim! · Sep 30, 2025
• The Paper Kites to Embark on 2026 North American Headline Tour BroadwayWorld.com · Sep 30, 2025
• The Paper Kites Return With An Exuberant Ode To Freedom And Wanderlust On Outlaw Epic "June's Stolen Car" Shore Fire Media · Aug 25, 2023

Live Music in Washington DC

Washington DC has always had a soft spot for thoughtful indie folk and bedroom pop—artists who prioritize songwriting over spectacle. The city's music venues, from intimate clubs to amphitheaters like Filene Center, have fostered a audience that values subtlety. That sensibility aligns perfectly with The Paper Kites's approach: delicate instrumentation, conversational vocals, and songs built on genuine emotion rather than production flourishes. DC crowds tend to sit with music rather than just consume it, which is exactly what The Paper Kites's work demands.

Washington DC road trip to see The Paper Kites?

Stay in Georgetown or Capitol Hill, both walkable neighborhoods with excellent restaurants and bars. Book a table at Kinfolk in Capitol Hill for refined New American cooking, or head to Pineapple and Pearls for something more elaborate if you want to splurge. During the day, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden offers world-class contemporary art without the crowds of the main Smithsonians. Walk the C&O Canal towpath if the weather cooperates. Hit up one of the city's serious record shops like Smash! Records before the show.