Pop duo Capital Cities was formed after songwriter Ryan Merchant responded to Sebu Simonian’s ad offering his production services. ∙ After finding success as a jingle-writing team, Capital Cities self-released their 2011 single “Safe and Sound,” which went on to sell 2 million copies. ∙ “Safe and Sound” was used in several commercials, including one for a cola company that had turned down the original version, written as a jingle. ∙ Outkast’s André 3000, singer Shemika Secrest, and NPR announcer Frank Tavares were featured on “Farrah Fawcett Hair,” and Rick Ross rapped on “Girl Friday.”