Self-described as a "desert pop" band, Peoria, AZ-based the Format materialized around two friends, vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, in the early 2000s. Taking influence from '60s music to craft their own spirited indie pop melodies, the pair were barely in their twenties when they laid down a five-song EP with producer Bob Hoag. Next thing they knew, the first track from that EP -- the aptly titled "The First Single" -- found its way onto local radio and became a minor hometown hit.