Grandson (stylized: grandson) is a heavily political alt rock band established and fronted by Jordan Edward Benjamin.
Starting in late 2015, grandson released the singles "Bills", "Things Change", and "Bury Me Face Down" while signed under RCA Records.
In 2018, grandson was signed to Fueled by Ramen, and released the following EPs: A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1-3, Broken Down Vol. 1, No Apologies Live
Under FBR, gradnson released his debut album, "Death of an Optimist" in 2020. The album is described as a critical outlook of the current state of affairs during 2020, with grandson stating: "... It is both an origin story and an obituary navigating hope, anxiety, and the state of optimism in 2020." [NME]
grandson's second album was "I Love You, I'm Trying", which strays away from the political themes of his past music and takes a more introspective approach to one's role in this fucked up world we find ourselves in.
After taking a hiatus after releasing the album "I Love You, I'm Trying" in 2023, grandson announced in 2025 that he was now an independent artist after "the uphill battle I faced getting substantive lyrics into the sorts of spaces oligarchs at the head of major labels try to promise you- major playlists, radio, grammys, late night television shows." [itsneverenoughresttmrwisapproaching]
During this period, grandson released "One Last Dance" feat. Roman Morello, which became the ending credits song in Venom: The Last Dance (2024).
grandson's debut album under XX Records is INERTIA, released in 2025. This album swings back to the heavy political themes, particularly calling out the electoral machine within the United States, and how both dominating political parties are complicit in the oppression of minorities and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
This, in tandem to grandson's refusal to perform at the White House under the Biden administration, have drawn criticisms from former and current fans alike.
In response, he stated: "Alternative music is supposed to be rebellious. But what the fuck are we rebelling against nowadays? We’re in the craziest, scariest times of our lives and it’s just not there. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills. It’s heartbreaking to watch people give up. This new wave of fascism and race politics is being met with so much less resistance than last time. The tone is so different. There is so much less cohesion about how and when [we] stand up because of a mistrust that’s been built across the political spectrum. Everyone feels like they’ve been left behind. People don’t want to speak out. They want to get in good favour with these institutions contributing to this moment. The resistance isn’t nearly as vocal because people are preparing for this to be the new normal." [KERRANG!]
