Led by songwriter Michael Fitzpatrick, Fitz & the Tantrums brew up a retro sound inspired by Motown and Stax Records. Fitzpatrick initially formed the Tantrums as a neo-soul solo project, having purchased an old church organ and found that it helped inspire his songwriting. While recording a solo EP, he recruited an old college friend, James King, to add horn arrangements to the material. The lineup grew from there, with the Tantrums eventually becoming a coed septet. Songs for a Break Up, Vol. 1 marked the group’s first release in 2009, and Fitz & the Tantrums headed to South by Southwest the following year, stirring up some industry buzz in the process. In 2010, the band returned with its sophomore effort, Pickin' Up the Pieces, featuring the single "MoneyGrabber." ~ Andrew Leahey