Beat Happening is an indie-pop band that emerged from Olympia, Washington in the early 1980s, providing a sharp contrast to the gritty punk and grunge sounds that were prevalent in the Pacific Northwest music scene at the time. Formed by Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis, and Bret Lunsford, the band was known for its lo-fi sound, minimalist instrumentation, and an innocent, deliberate naiveté in its lyrical themes. They were pioneers of the DIY ethic in indie music and were closely associated with the influential independent label K Records, which Calvin Johnson co-founded.

Their self-titled debut album "Beat Happening" was released in 1985 and was followed by a series of critically acclaimed records throughout the late '80s and early '90s. Albums like "Jamboree" (1988) and "Black Candy" (1989) cemented their status as indie darlings, while their final studio album "You Turn Me On" (1992) showcased a more mature and expanded sound. While Beat Happening has not released new music since the early '90s, their influence persists, with a back catalog that has been celebrated with compilations like "Music To Climb The Apple Tree By" (2003) and retrospectives such as "Look Around" (2015). The band's simplicity in structure and performance, along with their pioneering approach to independent music, has inspired countless indie artists and forged a legacy that resonates within the genre to this day.