Origami Angel

Formed in 2016, Washington DC duo Origami Angel has spent the better part of the last decade breaking down genres and expectations at the same time. Vocalist/guitarist Ryland Heagy and drummer Pat Doherty blur the lines between emo, pop-punk, hardcore, and whatever else they feel like incorporating. They don’t need a bassist to pull off their hyperactive and heartfelt sound — Heagy’s guitar rig splits signals between guitar and bass amps, creating the sound of two separate instruments being played.

“We don’t use any bass tracks at all; every main vocal, guitar, or drum you hear during an Origami Angel show is all happening onstage,” Heagy explains. “I don’t view myself as playing bass and guitar at the same time. I view myself as playing Origami Angel bass guitar.”
Across a growing catalog that’s featured a different release every single year going back to 2017, Origami Angel has built one of the most loyal followings in modern punk. Their signature blend of sincerity and creative adventure has become their calling card, proving just how exciting emo can get once you stop playing by everyone else’s rules.

Albums like their 2019 debut Somewhere City and it’s 22-track follow-up GAMI GANG set the tone for their ability to crank out catchy, acrobatic anthems with ease. Their latest album, 2024’s Feeling Not Found, made with Grammy-nominated producer Will Yip (Turnstile, Tight Fight, Movements), has only expanded the Gami universe even farther as they thread together hardcore breakdowns, pop-centric hooks, surprise ska moments, and CRTV fuzz. The album earned praise from Pitchfork for its “expansive emo-pop embellished with screamo, post-rock, and electronic experimentation," BrooklynVegan who dubbed the record “unmistakably unique,” and many more.
On the stage and across the globe, Origami Angel has a reputation for being one of the most exciting bands in the scene right now. From festival slots to headlining tours, supporting bands like The Story So Far and Neck Deep, and taking their show all the way to Southeast Asia and beyond, it’s clear this band has grown from DIY staples to genuine heavy-hitters.

Now back home and writing their next record with Yip—planned for spring recording—the band is poised to level up once again. It’s the latest chapter in the Origami Angel story; hailed by Consequence and Vulture as one of the best emo bands of the past fifteen years.