Mates of State, the indie pop duo of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, began their prolific career in 1997, rapidly establishing their unique sound through early releases. Characterized by a distinctive blend of drums and electric organ, their initial releases captured critical attention. The duo released their debut full-length album, My Solo Project, in 2000, followed by Our Constant Concern in 2002 and Team Boo in 2003, all through Omnibus and Polyvinyl Records. Their early output was further augmented by the All Day EP in 2004, solidifying their reputation for intricate rhythms and compelling male/female vocal harmonies.
Additionally, Kori Gardner chronicled their experiences of touring with their daughters in the popular ‘Band on the Diaper Run’ blog for Babble.com. With a career spanning over two decades, Mates of State has released seven full-length albums and four EPs, including the Youre Going To Make It EP in 2015. Their continuous evolution of sound, coupled with their consistent touring and diverse creative endeavors in film and television, underscores their enduring presence and unique artistic identity within the independent music scene.