The two were initially working as jingle writers and met on craigslist in 2011. Shortly after meeting, they released an EP online, which included the song "Safe and Sound," an upbeat mesh of programming and melody that went viral and gained the act a lot of Internet exposure. Eventually, Merchant and Simonian were joined by bassist Manny Quintero, trumpeter Spencer Ludwig, guitarist Nick Merwin, and drummer Channing Holmes. The fully realized live version of Capital Cities played festivals internationally, opening shows for Jane's Addiction, Asher Roth, and many others. The full-length In a Tidal Wave of Mystery appeared on Capitol in June 2013. ~ Fred Thomas