Inspired by the likes of Belle and Sebastian, the Apples in Stereo, Elliot Smith, and the Beatles, the Norfolk, VA, three-piece would eventually embark on a revolving lineup while gigging throughout the East Coast. Their first self-titled EP was packaged in 1996 through Space Cat Enterprise, followed by a brief hiatus of Astropop 3 that resulted from everyone quitting, with Villanueva moving to front Our Starblazers in 1997 as well as moving out to California to embark on a solo career. During his tenure on the West Coast, Astropop 3's first self-titled album was released in 1998, which was eventually followed by Villanueva returning to Virginia in 1999. That same year, the Astropop 3 reformed with the settled lineup of Angelique Everett (vocals), Keith Vanetta (bass), and Wendel Nichols (drums). ~ Mike DaRonco