Boston, Massachusetts-based Passion Pit originated as a solo endeavor by singer and songwriter Michael Angelakos, initially crafting a Valentine’s Day present for his partner. The EP ‘Chunk of Change’ was the enchanting result of this heartfelt gesture, catching the attention of friends and acquaintances who were captivated by the music. Over time, Passion Pit transitioned from a personal expression of Angelakos’ emotions to a fully-fledged band, performing live and supporting renowned artists like Death Cab for Cutie. This traction led to the interest of labels, with Frenchkiss picking up ‘Chunk of Change’ in 2008 for re-release, including two bonus tracks. Notably, the track ‘Sleepyhead’ from the EP garnered significant praise from bloggers and fans of lively electronic indie pop music.
Columbia Records recognized Passion Pit’s potential and collaborated with Frenchkiss to release the group’s debut album, ‘Manners,’ in 2009. The band, now expanded with members Nathan Donmoyer, Ian Hultquist, Ayad Al Adhamy, and Jeff Apruzzese alongside Angelakos, achieved success as ‘Manners’ climbed to number 51 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and made an impact in international markets. Their highly anticipated follow-up in 2012, ‘Gossamer,’ was well-received, featuring hit singles like ‘Take a Walk’ and ‘I’ll Be Alright,’ with Xander Singh joining the band. However, Angelakos had to halt tour activities post-release to seek treatment for his bipolar disorder.
After a hiatus, Passion Pit returned to the spotlight with events like an appearance on Saturday Night Live and the release of the ‘Constant Conversations’ EP. The band faced changes with members leaving in 2014 but bounced back in 2015 with the launch of the album ‘Kindred,’ featuring the single ‘Lifted Up (1985).’ Angelakos, now the sole credited member, navigated personal struggles amidst the album’s success, including battles with health issues and personal revelations. Passion Pit continued touring and releasing music, with notable moments like the launch of the ‘Tremendous Sea of Love’ album and the announcement of a venture supporting musicians’ mental well-being through the Wishart Group. Despite intermittent breaks, Angelakos remained dedicated to creating music and connecting with fans through live performances and collaborative projects, symbolized by the track ‘I Found U’ with Galantis.