The Crane Wives is a four-piece indie band founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States in 2010.

Emilee Petersmark (guitar/vocals) and Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals) were aspiring solo artists working at a Chinese restaurant in Grandville, Michigan.

[3] The band's upbeat sound, folk influence, and use of three-part harmony set them apart in the indie rock-dominated Grand Rapids music scene.

The members claim a wide variety of influences: folk, blues, ska, punk, and heavy metal.

[citation needed] In June 2011, the band received a degree of national attention when The Decemberists lead singer Colin Meloy saw their album Safe Ship, Harbored at NPR during an interview and had his picture taken with it.

[4] Paste Magazine listed the band among "12 Michigan Acts You Should Listen to Now",[5] and they received the "Local Spin of the Year" from Grand Rapids Press.