The Mink Lungs is a Brooklyn-area band began in 1998 as Jennifer Hoopes and Gian Carlo Feleppa were working at a diner in the Hamptons. Both adoring music and influenced by the Flaming Lips and the Pixies, the pair began composing and writing music with Gian's half-brother Tim Feleppa. Gian had also studied guitar and composition at the Berklee School of Music. Drummer Tom Galbraith relocated from San Francisco to New York and the band started recording on a four-track recorder, each contributing to the songwriting process. In April 1999, the Mink Lungs performed its first show in New York but were soon performing in famous venues such as Brownies and Mercury Lounge. Opening slots for Luna and Delta 72 soon followed. Before being seen, Mink Lungs were signed to the Arena Rock Recording Co.. In 2002, the band released its debut album The Better Button. Often switching vocals and instruments, the group has performed across the United States, including the South By Southwest Festival. The group also contributed music to the independent film Sore Losers