Tapes 'n Tapes is an indie rock band hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, that burst onto the alternative music scene in the mid-2000s. Formed in 2003, the band initially consisted of Josh Grier on guitar and vocals, Matt Kretzmann on keys and horn, Steve Nelson on bass, and Karl Schweitz on drums, with several lineup changes throughout their career. They gained prominence with the release of their self-titled EP "Tapes 'n Tapes" in 2004, but it was their 2005 full-length debut album, "The Loon," that garnered them significant attention. With standout tracks like "Insistor" and "Cowbell," the album's compelling blend of raw energy, catchy hooks, and idiosyncratic rhythms quickly won over fans and critics alike, earning them comparisons to genre-defining acts like Pavement and The Pixies.

Following the critical success of "The Loon," Tapes 'n Tapes released "Walk It Off" in 2008, an album produced by Dave Fridmann, notable for his work with The Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev. The album continued to showcase the band's penchant for fusing elements of lo-fi rock with emotive lyricism and complex structures, though it presented a more polished sound than its predecessor. The band's third studio album, "Outside," arrived in 2011, offering a mature take on their established sound, incorporating richer textures and a broader dynamic range. While "Outside" did not capture the same level of buzz as their earlier work, it demonstrated the band's growth and their ability to evolve artistically. Tapes 'n Tapes' journey through the indie rock landscape reflects their dedication to songcraft and their contribution to the genre during the surge of independent music in the 2000s.