Local Natives features Kelcey Ayer, Taylor Rice, Ryan Hahn, Matt Frazier, and Nik Ewing, who played with the band as a touring member from 2012 through 2013 before joining as a full-time member. They released their third album, Sunlit Youth, in 2016.
Ewing launched a solo covers album in early 2019 under the name Chewing, covering the music of Dennis Wilson's 1977 Pacific Ocean Blue album.
"We covered a few songs for and were in last night's episode of The Shrink Next Door streaming on Apple TV Plus," posted the band online November 20, 2021. "To celebrate, we've released a new EP of 80s covers, three of which are in The Shrink Next Door, all of which are streaming everywhere. A special cassette version is available this Friday at independent record stores for Record Store Day."
The band is seen on the show performing three ’80s covers at the Pen Gala, an event in which Ike (Paul Rudd) is using Marty's (Will Ferrell) money to buy expensive auction items for charity. They also appear as extras in a bidding scene during which they watch the comedy duo improvise their lines back and forth. "Thank you Michael Showalter for inviting us into your 80s dream world and getting us to cover Michael McDonald. Getting to watch legends Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd film in person was incredible, let alone be alongside them in a couple scenes." The Music From The Pen Gala 1983 EP features covers of Roxy Music, Gerry Rafferty, Michael McDonald, and 10cc.