Scotland Yard Gospel Choir is an American indie pop band from Chicago.
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Scotland Yard Gospel Choir was formed in 2001 by two college graduates with degrees in music. Despite the name, none of the members are from Scotland Yard or London and they do not play gospel music.[1] Matthew Kerstein and Elia Einhorn initially released a four track recording, "Do You Still Stick Out in the Crowd", then expanded to a four-piece by adding Ellen O'hayer and Sam Koentopp before releasing the single "Jennie That Cries".[2] The group began playing locally in Chicago, soon opening for Arcade Fire, Of Montreal, The Walkmen, The Fiery Furnaces, and Jay Bennett. Their debut album was released late in 2003, called "I Bet you Say That To All The Boys".[3] In 2005, co-founder Matthew Kerstein and Sam Koentopp left the band to begin Brighton, MA. Elia continues to front SYGC with their sophomore release on Bloodshot Records in 2007.[4][5]
On September 24, 2009 the band was involved in a major automobile accident while on tour. [6][7] Their tour van's tire split and the vehicle rolled several times. All members survived, but the band is now dealing with substantial medical bills. To offset costs, the band and their label have held benefit concerts and set up a donation fund.[8]