Chairlift was an American electronic pop group known for crafting atmospheric and sophisticated synth-pop that gained prominence in the late 2000s. Formed in 2005 in Brooklyn, New York, the band originally consisted of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Caroline Polachek, multi-instrumentalist and producer Patrick Wimberly, and guitarist Aaron Pfenning. They first garnered attention with their 2007 single "Evident Utensil," a track that showcased their early, slightly off-kilter approach to pop and was later featured in an advertisement for the iPod Nano, significantly boosting their profile.

The band's debut album, Does You Inspire You, was released in 2008 and introduced their dreamy, retro-futuristic sound to a wider audience. Following the album's release, Aaron Pfenning departed to focus on his own project, Rewards, leaving Chairlift as a duo of Polachek and Wimberly. This shift solidified their creative partnership, leading to a more refined and confident direction. Their breakthrough arrived with the 2012 sophomore album Something, which contained the sleeper hit "Bruises." The song achieved mainstream success after being featured in another Apple advertisement, this time for the iPod Touch. The album was critically praised for its sharper songwriting and polished production, establishing Chairlift as significant figures in the indie electronic scene.

Chairlift's third and final album, Moth, arrived in 2016. It represented their most ambitious and accessible work, drawing inspiration from the vibrant pop and R&B of 1980s and 1990s New York City. The album featured sleek singles like "Ch-Ching" and "Romeo" and received widespread critical acclaim for its inventive production and Polachek's captivating vocals. Despite this creative peak, the duo announced an indefinite hiatus in 2017, choosing to amicably part ways to pursue other projects. Caroline Polachek embarked on a successful solo career, while Patrick Wimberly focused on production and collaborative work with artists like Beyonce and Solange. Though their time as a band was finite, Chairlift left a distinct mark on modern pop with their intelligent, stylish, and emotionally resonant music.