[3] Tapes singer Josh Grier says their first album was recorded "...in the winter time at a cabin in the Wisconsin woods with no running water or toilet paper.

It was a lot fun to do it on our own and get a little crazy, but it was also frustrating since we didn't really know entirely what we were doing" Tapes 'n Tapes gained popularity after a series of write-ups on music blogs, first on EAR FARM then on sites such as Music For Robots and Gorilla vs. Bear, leading some to cite them as the most recognizable examples of a "blog band" [citation needed].

However, it wasn't until The Loon received a favorable review from Pitchfork Media, including a "best new music" commendation, that the band started to find success.

After release of their self-titled EP, the band played with more well-known acts such as The Futureheads, The Streets, Metric, Calvin Johnson, and I Am the World Trade Center.

The band made its American television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman on July 25, 2006, performing the song "Insistor."

Aziz Ansari's character, a psychotic "Indie Marketing Guru" named Clell Tickle, pushes bloggers to feature MP3s of the band on their blogs.

The band has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[7] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.