Blending a background in experimental composition with a love for pop culture and a penchant for absurdism, Dan Deacon has gained an enthusiastic following and critical acclaim for his highly energetic performances and elaborate recordings. Much of his best-known material, such as 2007's Spiderman of the Rings, contains electronically manipulated vocals and buzzing, neon-like synth tones, and is overwhelmingly giddy and joyous. However, he has also written more nuanced, reflective pieces, like 2012's America, and is involved with the contemporary classical world in addition to his work as a soundtrack composer. Among other films, he wrote the music for the acclaimed 2016 documentary Rat Film, which he also appeared in. Mystic Familiar, his fifth solo studio album, was released in 2020. An advocate of D.I.Y. culture, Deacon is a co-founder of Wham City, a Baltimore-based collective of musicians, performance artists, comedians, and filmmakers who have organized numerous events and tours.