We Are Scientists is a New York City-based indie rock band consisting of lead singer Keith Murray and bassist Chris Cain that formed in Berkeley, California, in 2000. The band has stated numerous origins for their name, most notably the song “We are Scientists!” from the ‘90s band Cap'n Jazz. They have also said that, while returning a truck rented from U-Haul, the inspector assessed their wardrobes and asked if they were scientists.

Cain said that in the band’s early years “There were a lot of bands that were incredibly inspiring to be around and see in their early days, like The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. We definitely felt like our songs were capable of competing in that world.”