Originally a duo, Stepdad was formed in Chicago, Illinois during the summer of 2009 when Mark Tafel and Ryan McCarthy, who were roommates at the time, began writing songs together in their apartment.

They initially gained exposure in early 2010 when they composed a theme song for the popular web comic "Axe Cop".

In April 2010, the band released their first EP, Ordinaire, independently via Bandcamp.

The EP spawned two singles, "Jungles" and "My Leather, My Fur, My Nails".

In June 2012, Stepdad released their debut LP, Wildlife Pop, under Black Bell Records.