Cap'n Jazz was formed in 1989 by brothers Tim and Mike Kinsella in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to be one of the most influential emo bands of the ‘90s.

Starting off as a simple garage punk band, they distinguished themselves with Tim Kinsella’s cryptic, dizzying lyrics and unique voice, along with catchy melodies and a fusion of post-hardcore, emo, and indie rock. They were one of the pioneering bands of midwest emo.

The band released a few split singles and contributed some songs to compilations before releasing their only studio release, Shmap'n Shmazz in 1995 before splitting up soon after. Mike Kinsella went on to form the legendary emo band American Football and Tim formed the band Joan of Arc. All of Cap'n Jazz’s work was released in the compilation album Analphabetapolothology. The band reunited in 2010 and in 2017 for the Chicago music festival Riot Fest, and again in 2024 for Best Friends Forever Fest in Las Vegas.