Criteria is an indie rock band from Omaha, Nebraska, formed in 2003 when ex-Cursive founding member Steve Pedersen returned to his hometown after graduating from the Duke University School of Law.

He spent six months in a friend's basement where he wrote all ten songs for his new project's debut album.

Steve Pedersen worked as a lawyer, making it hard for the band to promote their album.

After signing with Saddle Creek, Pedersen quit his day job to spend full-time making music and touring.

Criteria's most recent performance took place on December 12, 2013 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, during which Pedersen mentioned the band was working on a new album.