Low Roar's dreamy folk finds beauty in the somber side of life. Formerly the frontman of Oakland, California alt rockers Audrye Sessions, Ryan Joseph Karazija began Low Roar as a response to the change and loneliness he felt in the wake of moving to Reykjavík, Iceland. He chronicled the challenges of acclimating to a foreign land, finding work, and supporting his family by writing a song each day, the results of which appeared in 2011 on Low Roar's self-titled debut record. The release featured loops and layers of guitar, harp, pump organ, percussion, and keyboard against Karazija's clear, mellow vocals and plaintive lyrics. Karazija would release four more Low Roar albums prior to his death on October 29, 2022 at the age of 40.