Collections of Colonies of Bees emerged in 1998 as a new project from Chris Rosenau and Jon Mueller. Over the next two decades, Rosenau would remain the band’s one constant member—the anchor of Bees’ unmistakable music. Today, Bees consists of Ben Derickson, Chris Rosenau, Daniel Spack, Matt Skemp, and Marielle Allschwang. An impressive roster of collaborators has joined him over the years including Jon Minor, Jim Schoenecker, Thomas Winceck (Field Report, All Tiny Creatures), and Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso). Longtime Bees fan Justin Vernon even joined forces with the entire band to form Volcano Choir.
Their upcoming album, HAWAII, will be their first in almost four years.