The Format

The Format was an American alternative pop-rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, centered around vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means. Blending baroque pop arrangements, horns, strings and driving rock instrumentation with sharply personal, often self-deprecating lyrics, the band built a devoted following during the 2000s despite limited mainstream radio exposure, largely through touring and word of mouth. Their sound moved between anthemic, theatrical choruses and quieter, more intimate songwriting, giving their records an emotional range that stood apart from much of the pop-punk and emo scene they emerged alongside.

The group released two studio albums along with several EPs before disbanding in 2008, leaving behind a catalog including tracks like «Dog Problems», «On Your Porch», «Snails» and «She Doesn't Get It» that became touchstones for fans of literate, orchestrally minded indie pop. Their live document, ‘The Format, Live at the Mayan’, captured the band's energetic, communal concert atmosphere, which became a defining part of their reputation.

After the split, Nate Ruess went on to form fun., achieving major mainstream success and winning a Grammy Award, while Sam Means continued making music independently, including a self-released solo record. The Format's influence persisted through this later work and through a cult fanbase that kept the band's catalog alive well after its breakup.