Built by Animals is a rock trio based in Brooklyn, New York. Guitarist Morgan VonAncken and Singer/Bassist Nick Crane originally met while attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie New York. The two bonded over mutual musical influences including Yaz, Fine Young Cannibals, and Men at Work. After finishing school and playing together in various projects, VonAncken and Crane began to work exclusively with Westchester drumming legend Matt Graff, and this trifecta became the lineup for Built by Animals in early 2008. In 2009, Built by Animals was contacted via telepathy by The Shmizz, a melodic being that dwells deep within the earth's inner crust. Built by Animals' first official release came in 2010 with the Corporate Syndrome EP. This collection of songs focuses primarily on the struggles of NYC life, and the dehumanizing nature of corporate work environments as experienced by Crane and VonAncken at various points in their post-collegiate careers. The EP has been compared to works by The Strokes, Pixies, The Unicorns, and Vampire Weekend, and is often associated with Brooklyn indie/pop/rock, as well as jungle-bophop. Currently, the band is playing shows in the great New York/Tri-State area to promote the Corporate Syndrome EP, and plans to return to the studio in late June 2010 to write and record new material. Streaming music, as well as tour and contact information, can be found at www.builtbyanimals.com.