The Maroons

Prior to forming the Maroons in 1993, all of its participants had already established themselves in the Northwest music community. The original lineup consisted of singer and guitarist John Moen, who had served as drummer for Elliott Smith, Pete Krebs & Gossamer Wings, Heatmiser, and the Spinanes among other projects, guitarist Jim Talstra from the Minus 5, bassist John Cox of Satan's Pilgrims, and drummer Eric Bennes. Their debut album I Am to Blame appeared on Slo-Mo Records in 1996, marking the first time their indie pop reached listeners outside the region. Once keyboardist Mike Clark, who had performed with Moen in Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, joined the group, the Maroons—who continued working on separate endeavors—issued You're Gonna Ruin Everything through In Music We Trust in 2002.