Beat Happening epitomized an independent spirit in music, crafting raw and unfiltered songs that captured a blend of punk rebelliousness and youthful innocence. Formed in Olympia, Washington in the early '80s, the band, led by Calvin Johnson, Heather Lewis, and Bret Lunsford, stood out with their simplistic yet unique approach to music, releasing influential albums like 1989's Black Candy.

Throughout the '80s and early '90s, Beat Happening's impact on the indie scene grew, culminating in events like the International Pop Underground Festival organized by Calvin Johnson in 1991. Despite a hiatus in the '90s, the band's legacy was solidified with releases like You Turn Me On and the retrospective collection Look Around in 2015. In 2019, a comprehensive box set titled We Are Beat Happening was released, showcasing the band's complete discography along with archival materials, reaffirming their lasting influence in the music world.