Augustana

Augustana is an American rock band formed in 2003, built around singer-songwriter Dan Layus. The group became widely known for its breakout single «Boston», a piano-driven anthem that received extensive placement on television shows such as One Tree Hill, Scrubs, and The Big Bang Theory, and helped define the mid-2000s wave of melodic, radio-friendly rock.

Following the success of their debut album All the Stars and Boulevards, Augustana continued with tracks like «Sweet and Low» and «Stars And Boulevards», maintaining a sound centered on Layus's emotive vocals and piano-based balladry. For their self-titled third album, Layus opened up the songwriting process to more collaborators, resulting in a bigger, more anthemic sound intended for live performance, heard on songs such as «Hear Your Name» and «Hotel Roosevelt».

Though the band's lineup shifted considerably over the years — with as many as six members involved at different points — Layus remained the sole constant, eventually also releasing solo material under his own name from 2016 onward. Augustana's catalog, including songs like «Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart Someday» and «Love in the Air», remains a touchstone of 2000s adult alternative and pop-rock radio.