About the Collection:
Soundscreen Design has curated an exclusive line of t-shirts, hoodies and tote bags featuring original designs from 3 studios for 9 prominent indie-rock artists. Jay Ryan / The Bird Machine’s exclusive design for The National is featured on premium, custom fit, 100% organic cotton garments. This limited edition seasonal collection takes a fresh approach to traditional band merchandise in terms of both quality and design.

About the Designer:
Based in Skokie, IL, Jay Ryan has been making screen-printed concert posters in Chicago since 1995. Known for his hand-drawn text, computer-free design technique, and humorous animal subjects, Jay has worked for thousands of indie rock bands, including Fugazi, Shellac, the Flaming Lips, Andrew Bird, the Melvins, My Morning Jacket, Mudhoney, Modest Mouse, the Decemberists, and Hum, as well as his own band, Dianogah. Heavily involved in the ‘Gigposters’ community, he was Vice President of the American Poster Institute from 2003 – 2007, and was involved in organizing the successful ‘Flatstock’ poster convention series. As owner of The Bird Machine screenprinting shop, Jay has shown his prints and lectured across the US and Europe. In 2005, Punk Planet Books published a book showcasing Jay’s work, entitled ‘100 posters / 134 Squirrels: A decade of hot dogs, large mammals, and independent rock.”

About the Band:
Formed in 1999, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, Bryan and Scott Devendorf and Matt Berninger met in Cincinnati, but are currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Their 2005 release Alligator first brought them critical acclaim, while their latest album, High Violet, was just released in May 2010, and has been met with widespread acclaim as well. One of the more politically active bands, the Dressner brothers produced the recently released Dark Was the Night compilation featuring 31 tracks from various artists, with proceeds from the sale used by the Red Hot Organization, dedicated to helping those living with AIDS and HIV. Their most recent release, High Violet, has received universal acclaim and entered the billboard top 10 on it's release week. The National is currently on tour with international tour dates through the end of the year.