Capital Cities Takes the World By Storm (Created April 24, 2013)

A Los Angeles-based duo that found fame via the Internet, Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian have come together as the alt-dance group Capital Cities. From their self-titled debut EP to the uplifting single "Safe and Sound," their brand of electronic-infused pop rock has suddenly and sincerely taken the world by storm.

From one city to another, their popularity continues to soar; it has as much to do with their back story as it does with their music. Simonian was born in war-torn Syria to Armenian parents, but raised in Lebanon until the age of six when his family escaped civil war. He studied piano and voice and sang in choirs, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in music. And he met Merchant -- a bit of a child prodigy in his own right -- thanks to nothing more than a Craigslist ad for music production services.

Think the story can't get better? It does. Merchant and Simonian had such a natural chemistry, their success was nearly instantaneous. An independent self-titled EP attracted a buzz and a host of positive reviews. Influential blogs helped the duo's stock soar, and before long they had self-financed a successful radio campaign and planned tours that took them to South America, Europe and everywhere in between.

In December 2012, Capital Cities signed to Capitol Records. They are expected to release their debut full length album this summer. Supporting the project is the "Dancing with Strangers" tour, set to roll through 35 U.S. cities this spring and summer.