There is something particularly exciting when a band becomes buzz-worthy overnight, after forming over a fated Craigslist connection, and Los Angeles based electro/pop/rock group Capital Cities are just that. The front members Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian were working as jingle writers before meeting on the internet, forming a composing team, and then slightly diverting from their path to create music for their blossoming band in 2010. In fact, they actually used some discarded demos from commercials they were working on as inspiration for their own songs. Progressive, right?

It’s not hard to imagine that the guys come from a music production background, the music is feel good with easy to follow lyrics, covered with surprising tones and foot tapping beats all the way through. If you turned an old school Super Mario Brothers game into a dance party venue, Capitol Cities is the synth music that would replace the video game muzak. Infectious electro turns all grown up.

Their debut EP was released in 2011 and quickly garnered attention from blogs and online music trackers around the world. Their single “Safe and Sound” shot to number 2 on Hype Machine, number 1 on CMJ’s A&R’s unsigned spin chart, and even hitting the number one spot on South African radio…all after supposedly being written and rejected for a Coca Cola ad.

For live shows the boys are joined by Manuel Quintero (on bass), Nick Merwin (on guitar), and Spencer Ludwig (on the trumpet).  So far the band has taken to the road performing shows across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America, and have shared the stage with performers like Kendrick Lamar, Chromeo, and Theophilus London. They even have some fun covers out there that stand as solid remakes, Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a bold choice that they knock out by staying with their unique sound.

Want to see them live? Jam out on Halloween night at American Junkie in Hermosa Beach and at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa on December 15^th.