Circa Now won the Freedom Sessions band competition in 2008, the same year they were nominated for Best Rock Album at the San Diego Music Awards, for their album 100 Watts.
Among the opportunities that subsequently opened for the glam-garage trio was the chance to have their April 2010 album Hotter Than a Pistol recorded by A-list producer Alan Sanderson (Rolling Stones, Weezer, Elvis Costello), who likens the band to T. Rex and the Stooges. “These three have the right idea,” says Sanderson. “If you’re looking for raw energy in your music, this is it.”
In early 2011, their song “100 Watts” was included the Rock Band bundle of video game songs. Shortly after that, the band announced that drummer David Tye is moving to Dublin and the group is going on hiatus.