The Format’s Sam Means and Nate Nuess Release New Music Since The Duo’s Official Break Up

Originally published: Sept. 24th, 2009

One of the biggest disappointments in the rock world during the past year and a half was the official break-up of the awesome Arizona indie duo The Format. During the seven years they were together, The Format released two amazing albums, and a number of EPs, winning overwhelming praise from the music press, bloggers and fans.

Sam Means, one half of the now defunct music duo, recently scored the soundtrack to the indie comedy film The Sinking of Santa Isabel. The album for the soundtrack includes six songs and some 20 instrumental pieces. Means apparently came to make the soundtrack after the original score was scrapped by the film makers. Even though the budget was apparently non-existent by the time the opportunity came around for Means, he told Spin that wasn’t a problem: “It was a challenge I happily accepted. Who needs a budget when you have a laptop, a cheap microphone, and some extremely helpful friends?”

The song from the soundtrack featured here – and made possible by Spin – is called “Yeah Yeah.” Clocking in at just a few seconds under two minutes, the song starts out mellow and sweet and then picks up halfway with enhanced percussion rhythms, piano keys, a fiddle and a lush flow of choruses until it begins to fade out, with Means singing “yeah, yeah.”

“Yeah Yeah” – Sam Means from The Sinking of Santa Isabel (2009)

The other half of The Format, Nate Ruess, is currently involved with his new band called Fun, which includes Andrew Dost, formerly of Anathallo, as well as former Jellyfish and Steel Train members. Fun released their debut, Aim & Ignite, last month.

“Be Calm” – Fun from Aim & Ignite (2009)

Ears to the memories:

“Oceans” – The Format from Dog Problems (2006)

“Time Bomb” – The Format from Dog Problems (2006)

“Closer” – The Format, unreleased (2007)

“The Compromise” official YouTube video.