The Format

Calling themselves a "desert pop" outfit, The Format emerged in the early 2000s from the collaboration of vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Drawing on '60s influences to shape their lively indie pop songs, the Arizona duo—still in their early twenties—cut a five-track EP with producer Bob Hoag. The opening number, aptly titled "The First Single," landed on local radio and registered as a modest hometown success. By spring 2002 major labels had taken interest, prompting the band to sign with Elektra. Working from acoustic guitar ideas, they completed their debut album Interventions and Lullabies, which appeared in October 2003. After Elektra was absorbed by Atlantic Records, the set of breezy, summery, catchy tunes slipped through the corporate cracks.

Even so, a devoted and swiftly expanding audience took hold well beyond Phoenix. Their engaging live performances carried the music across the country, earning the Format opening spots on Yellowcard and Something Corporate's spring 2004 co-headlining tour. The Snails EP surfaced in 2005 and was sold directly through the band's website and during spring dates supporting Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World. Atlantic dropped the group that fall in a mutual decision, citing a mismatch in musical direction. Though other major labels soon expressed interest, the band chose to release Dog Problems on their own Vanity Label Records imprint, distributed by Sony/BMG, in July 2006—several months after it first became available for online download. Summer was spent headlining shows nationwide alongside Rainer Maria, Anathallo, and others.