Iglu & Hartly formed in Colorado when three members met in university and moved to California to pursue music. They added a drummer and bassist. They signed to Mercury Records in 2008 after interest from major labels. Their debut single "Violent and Young" was critically acclaimed. Their next single "In This City" rose to number 5 in charts after an appearance on a TV show and secured their first hit. They received critical acclaim, playing at music events and their album was well received.