Chairlift

Chairlift emerged as part of the synth renaissance of the early 2000s alongside bands like MGMT and Yeasayer. Originally formed by Caroline Polachek and Aaron Pfenning in 2005, the group found its sound after moving to Brooklyn and adding producer Patrick Wimberly. Chairlift’s twist on avant-pop was elevated by Polachek’s effusive vocals, which were highlighted on the band’s full-length debut, 2008’s Does You Inspire You, led by the ridiculously catchy single “Bruises.” When they moved to Columbia Records, their sound grew to include elements of rock, electronic, and ‘80s synth on the single “I Belong In Your Arms” from 2012's Something. The band was touring and recording, but members were also actively working on other projects; Polachek writing with Beyoncé and Wimberly producing for Blood Orange and Solange. After releasing their melancholic pop-fuelled third album, Moth, Chairlift officially disbanded in 2017 to pursue their separate creative endeavours.