Airport 5 is an indie rock collaboration between two prolific figures in the lo-fi music scene, Robert Pollard and Tobin Sprout. The pair are better known for their work with the influential indie rock band Guided By Voices (GBV), which was formed in the early 80s in Dayton, Ohio. With Pollard as the principal songwriter and frontman for GBV, and Sprout contributing significantly to both the songwriting and the visual aesthetic through album artwork, they honed a distinct sound characterized by short, melodic pop songs influenced by classic British Invasion bands.

The Airport 5 project saw the duo reuniting after Sprout's departure from GBV, with a collaborative dynamic that reversed their standard roles: Sprout focused on crafting the instrumental backdrop while Pollard took the reins with lyrical and vocal duties. In 2001, they released "Tower In the Fountain of Sparks" and followed up with "Life Starts Here" in 2002. Both albums continued the legacy of their earlier work—lo-fi production, catchy songwriting, and an eclectic rock sensibility. The releases were met with appreciation from longtime fans who valued the chemistry between Pollard and Sprout. Their collection "Selective Service," which rolled out in 2001, assembled rarities and b-sides that were well received for offering additional layers to the duo's already rich tapestry of music. Although not as widely recognized as Guided By Voices, Airport 5 maintains a special place in the hearts of indie aficionados, representing an intriguing footnote in the careers of two of the genre's most respected artists.