The Autumn Defense is an American band formed in 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group consists of multi-instrumentalists John Stirratt and Pat Sansone. Initially a side project for Stirratt, known for his work with Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, the duo began collaborating to produce 1960s-style rock/pop music. Their debut album, The Green Hour, was released in 2001 on Stirratt's Broadmoor label. The band gained critical acclaim with their follow-up album, Circles (2003), which introduced Sansone as a songwriter and featured press coverage. In 2004, after the release of Circles Sansone joined Stirratt as part of Wilco's six-man lineup, in which he still remains. Stirratt released an album with his twin sister Laurie, entitled Arabella in 2004, which featured several Autumn Defense collaborators including drummer Greg Wieczorek, bassist Brad Jones, and guitarist John Pirruccello. In 2007, they released their self-titled third album on Broadmoor Records, marking the first time both members shared equal songwriting and lead vocalist duties. The band continued with Once Around (2010) and Fifth (2014), both on Yep Roc Records. UK based vinyl only reissue label Be With Records has re-released three of The Autumn Defense's albums on vinyl LP. In October 2025, the band released their sixth studio album Here and Nowhere.
