Brackbill grew up in Pennsylvania and spent several years working on music-related projects like acting as tour manager for the bands Q and Not U and Zombie, and booking shows at a DIY Pittsburgh venue called the MR. Roboto Project. He wishes he'd had a camera around during those days to capture the candid moments that happen when you're immersed in a rich subculture. Brackbill helped book Death Cab for Cutie in a room that holds 100 people and let Bright Eyes Crash at his apartment.