Comprised of childhood friends, lead vocalist and guitarist Andy Schmidt and drummer Brad Booker, later bringing in bassist Kevin Gagnepain when all three were enrolled in the University of Missouri-Columbia, St. Louis's Stir have been making a name for themselves through their extensive touring and glossy power-pop. Originally signed by Aware Records after their showcase at the 1995 South By Southwest festival, their self-titled debut, though rather low budget, received some airplay. Eventually signing with Capitol Records, Stir produced a more focused, radio-friendly follow-up with 2000's Holy Dogs.