Formed in 2009, the band features three brothers, guitarist/vocalist Rocky Lynch, guitarist/vocalist Ross Lynch, and bassist/vocalist Riker Lynch, along with their keyboardist/vocalist sister Rydel Lynch. Raised in Colorado, the siblings eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where they met drummer Ellington Ratliff, who rounded out the lineup. In 2010, R5 released their debut EP, Ready Set Rock. Since 2012, Ross has appeared as Austin Moon on the Disney TV show Austin & Ally. Similarly, Riker had a recurring role on Fox's Glee. This helped boost R5's profile, and in 2012 they signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

In 2013, R5 released their full-length album, Louder, featuring the single "Loud." The album reached number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their efforts saw them nominated for Best Band at the 2013 Disney Music Awards, and though they lost that honor, they did win the title of Next Big Thing at the Next Big Thing Awards. Ross made somewhat of a splash that year with his starring role in the very popular Teen Beach Movie, while also filming more episodes of Austin & Ally. R5 managed to keep their momentum and after completing a tour of Europe early in 2014, their third EP, Heart Made Up on You, was issued in July of that year.

A year later, R5 returned with their sophomore full-length album, Sometime Last Night, which entered the Billboard 200 at number six. Included on the album were the singles, "Smile," "Let's Not Be Alone Tonight," "All Night," "I Know You Got Away," and "Dark Side." Also released was the promotional single "F.E.E.L.G.O.O.D." The album featured more songs written by the band and showcased a more mature outlook and sound. ~ Matt Collar