Lord Huron 'wide open and ambitious' (Updated December 11, 2012)

For the most dedicated artist, a career can be sparked in the oddest of places or in the strangest of ways. For Michigan native Ben Schneider, a solo project started in his bedroom has morphed into the musical personality known as Lord Huron.

Schneider, who spent months in Los Angeles writing songs and designing artwork, wasn't exactly sure where his ideas were headed. It was a week on the shores of Lake Huron that inspired Schneider to record at least three of the tunes that would comprise a first EP called "Into the Sun." He posted the project online immediately, and thanks to strong response put a band together upon his return to L.A. The result was Lord Huron's second EP, "Pop & Hiss." Critics praised the Caribbean-influenced percussion, lush acoustic guitars and Midwestern-accented harmonies, gaining Lord Huron an even larger following.

Lord Huron's first official music video, for the single "The Stranger," was released in January 2011. The band then toured heavily throughout the year, including performances at South by Southwest, Outside Lands and Lollapalooza. Eventually, they signed with independent label, IAMSOUND Records, in January 2012. Their first full-length album, "Lonesome Dreams," was released eight months later, with NPR (National Public Radio) comparing it the sound of two radio stations drifting together to create a mashup. The critic also described the project as, 'wide-open and ambitious, but also giddy and unpredictable.'

Lord Huron recently wrapped a fall tour, and will tour Europe in early 2013. Dates are currently scheduled in London, Hamburg, Brussels, Berlin and several other locations.