Canasta

Originating from Chicago, Illinois, the six-piece orchestral pop ensemble known as Canasta came together in 2002. Their lineup included Jeremy Beckford handling guitar and vocals, Matt Priest on vocals along with bass, trombone, and percussion, Kyle Mann contributing piano and vocals, Ian Wilson with keyboards and vocals, Elizabeth Lindau providing vocals and violin, and Josh Lava behind the drums. The year 2003 saw the release of their debut EP titled Find the Time. This effort quickly garnered praise from critics, including Jim DeRogatis, and secured recognition as the "best unsigned band" from a local newspaper. Such attention prompted a licensing agreement with the Chicago-based independent label Minty Fresh. Canasta's inaugural full-length release, We Were Set Up, arrived in 2005 under the production of Ted Cho. While working on their sophomore album, the band sustained public interest through the 2008 issuance of We Were Mixed Up, a collection of remixes from their initial album that incorporated contributions from artists affiliated with OFFiCE and the Hood Internet.