Format speaks their truth on the latest single

Emma James 09/29/2026

The story of The Format isn’t just about catchy rock anthems; it’s a testament to how shared interests, youthful ambition, and the courage to speak up can collide to create something profound. It all began not in a music studio, but under the glow of a blue album moon, where Nate Ruess and Sam Means found their creative footing.

Back in the mid-1990s, Nate Ruess and Sam Means were just high schoolers deeply immersed in the world of indie pop-rock. While Nate chased the sounds of Weezer, Sam was running the fan club website, providing a window into the community. Ruess, eager for deeper access, used his burgeoning skills to master website development, laying the groundwork for something bigger.

Fueled by this shared passion, Sam reached out and pitched the idea of WeezerFanClub.com. This connection wasn’t just about music; it was the genesis of their joint journey. One fateful tour date in Phoenix, where they met the band, provided the spark, fusing their fandom with a burgeoning musical desire. As their connection deepened, so did their musical ambitions, leading them to explore songwriting together.

This collaborative energy quickly evolved from a fan project into a genuine band. They began with the short-lived project Nevergonnascore, which soon rebranded into The Format. Their first single, “The First Single,” found a home on local rock stations in 2002, leading to a deal with Elektra Records. The subsequent years brought them significant highlights, from appearing on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” to playing abroad and connecting with influential figures like Jack Antonoff.

By 2008, The Format took a pause, and both Ruess and Means pursued separate paths—Means into score work and solo endeavors, Ruess back into music. Despite the geographical distance, the bond remained. Eventually, they reunited, finding a new trajectory that included family, marriage, and a shared desire to channel their experiences into meaningful art.

Five years after their initial split, the duo relaunched, releasing their first new album in two decades, Boycott Heaven, this past January. The album, produced by Brendan O’Brien, reflected a growing sense of protest, with tracks like “Holy Roller” and “No Gold at the Top” hinting at a powerful message against systemic inequality.

But the story of the Format extends beyond the music itself. During the recording sessions for the new material, they crafted an acoustic burner titled “The Bar Is Set So Low,” a poignant reflection on the state of humanity. When news broke about the tragic killing of activist Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, this song found immediate, urgent purpose. The reaction was clear: they felt compelled to play the song, recognizing the need to address the pressing issues of immigration and social injustice.

Inspired by this experience, Ruess and Means launched a community initiative called “Saturdays in the Park.” These free, open-air gatherings provide a vital platform for fans to connect, sing along, and engage directly with community organizations. It is a living demonstration of their belief that music can be a powerful tool for real-world change.

The Format’s journey demonstrates that legacy isn’t just about hits; it’s about finding a voice and using that platform for good. They continue to encourage people to join forces, turning their musical legacy into a movement focused on empathy, social awareness, and collective action.