The Format

Self-described as a "desert pop" band, Arizona's the Format features vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Taking influence from '60s and '70s music to craft their own spirited indie pop melodies, they released two buzzed about albums with 2003's Interventions + Lullabies and 2006's Dog Problems, before going silent as Ruess gained wider fame with his band fun.. Following an extended hiatus, the duo reunited and in 2026 returned with their third album, Boycott Heaven.

Hailing from Peoria, Arizona, Ruess and Means formed the Format in 2001. They 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. By the spring of 2002, the Format had caught the attention of various major labels and chose to ink a deal with Elektra. They wrote songs together via acoustic guitar, and their debut full-length, Interventions and Lullabies, was issued in October 2003. But when Elektra was later absorbed into Atlantic Records, the album -- a solid effort of breezy and summery, catchy tunes -- got lost in the shuffle.

Despite the problems, the band still managed to develop a devoted (and rapidly growing) fan base that expanded far beyond Phoenix's city limits.

Through an engaging live show, their music continued to spread nationwide, and the Format even scored dates opening for Yellowcard and Something Corporate on their spring 2004 co-headlining tour. The Snails EP appeared in 2005, which the Format sold through their website and on spring dates with Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World. The group was eventually, and willingly, dropped from Atlantic that fall when the label could not see eye to eye with the band's musical vision. Upon their split, various other majors approached the Format, but they ultimately decided to release their next album, Dog Problems, through their own imprint, Vanity Label Records (distributed by Sony/BMG). The record was issued in July 2006 (though it was available for online download a few months prior), and summer was spent headlining shows around the country with Rainer Maria, Anathallo, and others in tow.

By 2008, the Format had essentially broken up with Ruess forming fun. with Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost. The group enjoyed major chart success, peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 with 2012's Some Nights. Ruess also released his 2015 solo debut, Grand Romantic. Meanwhile, Means recorded the soundtrack for the indie film The Sinking of the Santa Isabel and released several of his own singles.

Following the band going on hiatus, Means also founded the Phoenix-based Hello Merch company as an outlet for artists and musicians to manufacture and sell merchandise. It was at Hello Merch in 2020 that Ruess and Means reunited for an acoustic concert; their first in over a decade. While the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled a planned reunion tour, the pair stayed in contact. Around 2023, Ruess began playing guitar for the first time in his career. Songwriting on the instrument followed and he eventually realized the material would be a good fit for the Format. He and Means entered the studio and in 2026 delivered their long-awaited third album, Boycott Heaven. ~ Matt Collar & Corey Apar