The Singles

Fusing Midwest garage rock's drive with the memorable hooks and romantic themes of classic power pop, the Singles have sustained their reputation for bright, melodic rock since first building momentum in Michigan and later shifting operations to California. Guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter Vince Frederick launched the group in Detroit during 1999, drawing inspiration from foundational figures such as Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly while recruiting guitarist Will Yates, bassist Dave Lawson, and drummer Dave Knepp.

Steady performances in Michigan clubs helped cultivate a dedicated audience for the band's power pop approach. A 2003 agreement with Rainbow Quartz Records yielded the debut album Better Than Before, recorded under producer and engineer Jim Diamond; although British critics responded warmly, modest sales delayed the next project for three years. The follow-up, Start Again, appeared on the band's own Sound Artifacts Records imprint with Diamond again behind the boards and featured a revised lineup of Frederick alongside bassist John Hale and drummer Brian Thunders.

Three singles emerged in 2009, now featuring bassist Ryan Hurnevich alongside Frederick and Thunders, yet the group entered hiatus after Frederick relocated to Los Angeles. Retaining the Singles name, he issued the 2011 single "Tomorrow I'll Be Blue" and, the following year, joined forces with drummer and vocalist Nicky Veltman, another Detroit native formerly of the Gore Gore Girls. With a revolving cast of bassists, the pair established a presence on the Southern California club circuit and released the 2013 single "(She's Got) A Heart of Stone." Returning to the studio in 2014 with producer Rick Parker produced the third album, Look How Fast a Heart Can Break.

Unexpected attention arrived in February 2015 when actress and singer Scarlett Johansson revealed plans to form a band with Holly Miranda and Este Haim under the same moniker; after the new act issued the single "Candy," Frederick and Veltman promptly served a cease-and-desist notice that led to its withdrawal. With exclusive rights to the name secured, the Singles embarked on a concert tour and later completed their fourth album, Sweet Tooth, issued in 2017.