In 2003, Arizona duo The Format released their major-label debut, Interventions and Lullabies, and quickly developed a sizable fan base. Vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means masterfully blended suburban teen angst with euphoric power-pop hooks, and often showed a softer side. Atlantic Records dropped them in '05, but despite offers from other labels, the band released their winning sophomore album on their own. They split in '08 to pursue other projects: Ruess formed GRAMMY®-winning pop group Fun., and Means has recorded solo.