Kurt Vile is a guitarist and singer from Philadelphia. He was previously the lead guitarist in the band The War on Drugs and also has a burgeoning solo career. He was signed by Matador Records in May 2009 as a solo artist. His music has been likened to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty. His first album for Matador, titled Childish Prodigy was released in October 2009. Prior to signing with Matador, Vile released two albums, God is Saying This to You and Constant Hitmaker, on Mexican Summer and Woodsist, respectively.