Formed in 2017, the Havnauts were founded when Shelbi Bennett (the Midnight Pine) began working on songs with Jenny Merullo (Black Sands, Heavy Guilt), a fellow teacher at the San Diego School of Rock. They were soon joined by Zak Kmak (Winchester Friendlies) for a few shows, and then added Josh Smith (Monkeys in Space) to their ranks.
Early singles released online include “Woke Up Late” and “Ghosts,” the latter also filmed as a video. Merullo has also drummed for French Kiss Koma and Shady Francos. Their Go For It EP was released in September 2018, recorded at Earthling Studios in El Cajon by Mike Kamoo. It won Best Local Recording at the San Diego Music Awards.
A video for "Gained Weight" debuted in September 2019, followed by an eight-song album, Real Good Now, recorded with Mike Kamoo at Earthing Studios and released on New Year's Day 2020. A video was produced in May 2020 for the track, “Melody Albertson.”