Devotchka formed in Denver, CO, and included Nick Urata on vocals, guitar, and trumpet; violinist/accordionist Tom Hagerman; sousaphone/bass player Jeanie Schroder; and drummer Shawn King. Supporting musicians rotated in and out of the eclectic group's lineup, contributing such sounds as strings and bazoukis. While some described Devotchka's sound as polka-rock or circus music, the band was actually a cross-pollination of numerous influences, including cabaret, spaghetti Westerns, and the immigrant dance music of Eastern Europe. Supermelodrama, their self-released 2000 debut, garnered numerous accolades, and the band toured in support of the record with such luminaries as Calexico, 16 Horsepower, Flogging Molly, and Archer Prewitt. Una Volta followed in May 2003. Issued by the Boulder, CO, indie Cicero, Devotchka promoted the album through a tour with noted burlesque/fetish entertainer Dita Von Teese. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide