Capital Cities

Capital Cities is an American indie pop duo formed in Los Angeles in 2010 by Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian. They gained mainstream attention with their 2011 single "Safe and Sound," which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification. Their debut album In a Tidal Wave of Mystery (2013) reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 and spawned additional singles including "Kangaroo Court" and "I Sold My Bed But Not My Stereo." The pair is known for upbeat synth-driven indie pop with funk and electronic influences, often incorporating brass and vocal harmonies. They have collaborated with artists such as Tupac Shakur estate for a remix and performed at major festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza. Their catalog includes two studio albums and several EPs released primarily through Lazy Hooks and Capitol Records.