Capital Cities

Beginning as composers of commercial jingles in Los Angeles, the indie electro group Capital Cities later redirected their flair for bright, melodic writing toward pop music. Their synth-driven, horn-accented singles “Safe and Sound” and “Kangaroo Court” spread rapidly online, carrying the 2013 debut album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery onto the Billboard 200.

Core songwriters and composers Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian first connected in 2010 through Craigslist while creating advertising jingles. Soon after their partnership formed, they posted an EP that contained “Safe and Sound,” an energetic fusion of electronic programming and melody that circulated widely and drew substantial internet attention to the act. Bassist Manny Quintero, trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, guitarist Nick Merwin, and drummer Channing Holmes later joined the lineup. The expanded live incarnation of Capital Cities appeared at international festivals and supported Jane’s Addiction, Asher Roth, and additional artists on tour. Capitol Records issued the full-length In a Tidal Wave of Mystery in June 2013, followed later that year by the Kangaroo Court EP. The following year, an inventive video for “Kangaroo Court” earned the band a Grammy nomination. Audience reach grew further in 2014 when Capital Cities opened shows on Katy Perry’s Prism tour.

In summer 2017 the group returned with its fourth EP, Swimming Pool Summer, which included rapper Rick Ross on “Girl Friday.” Their second studio album, Solarize, appeared the next year.