The Maroons

Already established members of the Northwest music scene before they came together in 1993, the Maroons -- first comprised of singer/guitarist John Moen (who was a drummer for Elliott Smith, Pete Krebs & Gossamer Wings, Heatmiser, and the Spinanes, among others), guitarist Jim Talstra (who played in the Minus 5), bassist John Cox (part of Satan's Pilgrims), and drummer Eric Bennes -- introduced themselves and their brand of indie pop to the rest of the world in 1996 with their debut, I Am to Blame, on Slo-Mo Records. After adding keyboardist Mike Clark (who played in Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks with Moen), the Maroons (all of whom had been busy with their various side projects) released You're Gonna Ruin Everything on In Music We Trust in 2002. ~ Marisa Brown