Capital Cities

Capital Cities are an American electronic duo from Los Angeles, formed in 2010 by producers Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. Creating upbeat, synth-pop music characterised by Simonian's enthusiastic vocal delivery and Merchant's intricate, sample-based production, Capital Cities quickly built a devoted following through their energetic live shows and infectious songs about love, connection, and living in modern urban environments. In a Tidal Wave of Mystery (2013), their debut album, produced the massive hit Safe and Sound, a song that became inescapable on radio in 2013 and has become one of the defining pop songs of the decade. Its whimsical production, catchy hook, and lyrics about finding safety in companionship made it an unlikely commercial success for an indie electronic duo. Capital Cities have continued to tour and record independently, maintaining a devoted fanbase despite the long gaps between releases. Serenade (2015) and subsequent projects have found the duo continuing to explore their signature blend of electronic production and pop sensibility without pursuing the mainstream success that briefly seemed within reach after Safe and Sound. The band's commitment to remaining independent and to creative autonomy has been cited by many artists in electronic and indie pop music as an exemplary model. They remain respected figures in the electronic music underground.