Nada Surf

Nada Surf was discovered by Cars frontman Ric Ocasek after a show at the Knitting Factory in New York City. Ocasek, who had already produced several other bands, offered to produce Nada Surf's album. When negotiations with Elektra Records broke down, Ocasek introduced the guys to the people at Maverick and they were signed soon after.

Nada Surf's first audition for the A&R reps at Maverick Records was hectic. They flew to Los Angeles at the last minute and had to rent gear to play for the executives. On top of that, frontman Matthew Caws had the flu. Fortunately, it all worked out and Maverick signed the band. Strangely, Elektra was allowed to release Nada Surf's first album High/Low because the label had already paid for the recording before negotiations with the band broke down.

Nada Surf paid for the production of their 2001 album Let Go with $1 and $5 bills. The album was produced by their friends Louie Lino and Chris Fudurich, who took the cash that came directly from the band's tour merchandise sales.