Death Cab for Cutie

Washington State indie/emo band Death Cab for Cutie formed in 1997. Currently composed of Ben Gibbard, Nick Harmer, Dave Depper, Zac Rae, and Jason McGerr, the band started as Gibbard's solo project. Their first couple albums had a lofi emo style that earned them a following, setting the stage for 2003's critically-acclaimed Transatlanticism. The album earned them commercial attention, and songs from it were featured in many movies and TV shows, such as The O.C. and Easy A.

Following the artistic and commercial success of Transatlanticism, the band signed to Atlantic Records, a major label, and released Plans in 2005. The record got a nomination for Best Alternative Album at the Grammys, and was certified platinum in 2008.

Their next album and EP saw a shift in styles, citing influences atypical with their previous style, and featuring longer track times than the band could've dreamed of at their formation. Following this release, the band shifted away from a guitar-centric style, Codes and Keys was inspired by electronic bands such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.

The band has expanded their catalogue and continued to tour since Codes and Keys, recently embarking on tour with Gibbard's other project, The Postal Service.