Formed in the fall of 1996, in Sundsvall, Sweden, by lead vocalist and guitarist Lars Bygdén, the $1000 Playboys promptly conquered the attention of the Swedish alternative music scene. Counting on with an extended lineup featuring Gotte Ringqvist (acoustic guitar), Anders Bergman (guitar), Roger Norman (bass), Tomas Östman (keyboards), and Jens Höglin (drums), the Playboys focused on playing a unique and distinct style of pop/rock fusion. Illustrating influences ranging from country-rock to late-'70s American rock & roll, the Swedes seized their big chance when Peter Svensson, the Cardigans' guitarist, decided on financing the band's first album. During late 1997, Bygdén and the rest of the team recorded what was meant to be their debut album. However, after failing to get a satisfactory deal with a record label, the Playboys ultimately delayed the edition of the band's debut recording. It was only in 1999 that the band signed their first-ever recording contract with Massproduktion records, thus opening the way for the crew's first release. Gaining successive and regular airplay at several local radio stations, the band opened its own road to stardom. Originally released in October of 1999, The $1000 Playboys, their debut album, rapidly managed to conquer the recognition and respect of the local music media and of a greater audience. Two years after, the band entered a Stockholm studio to record their second full-length. Stay!, the Playboys' long-awaited second album, confirmed their on-growing recognition and local notoriety. ~ Mario Mesquita Borges, All Music Guide