Capital Cities: The Indie Pop Architects

Capital Cities is an American indie pop duo known for their bright, synth-driven sound. Their major achievement is the global success of their 2011 single "Safe and Sound," which propelled their debut album to commercial recognition.

Early career

The duo formed in Los Angeles in 2010, consisting of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. They initially met for a commercial scoring project before deciding to collaborate on original music, leading to their self-released debut EP.

Breakthrough

Capital Cities broke through in 2011 with the release of the single "Safe and Sound." The track's popularity led to a major label deal with Capitol Records and set the stage for their debut album.

Key tracks

Safe and Sound - This platinum-certified single became a worldwide hit, defining the duo's optimistic synth-pop style.

Kangaroo Court - A track showcasing their inventive production and horn-laden, danceable grooves.

One Minute More - Another single from their debut that reinforced their knack for anthemic pop melodies.

Their debut album, "In a Tidal Wave of Mystery," was released in 2013. It incorporated their signature upbeat electronic sound with live brass elements, earning a dedicated fanbase.

The duo's activity became less frequent following their initial album cycle, though they released standalone singles. Their music maintains a presence for its distinctive, joyful production within the indie pop genre.

Listeners who enjoy the upbeat, synth-based style of Capital Cities might also appreciate the work of Foster The People, another group known for catchy indie pop anthems. The dance-oriented indie sound can be found in Passion Pit, who also blend electronic textures with pop songwriting. For a similar blend of electronic and live instrumentation, explore MGMT and their psychedelic pop influences.