Founded in 2006 by Kyle Van Buskirk, as an outlet for his songwriting, the Kyle Van Band jumps between genres and over definition. "If you must label it," he says, "rock, Cajun, Irish, and country comes closest."

Van Buskirk says he began writing songs at the age of 6 but didn't have a chance to pursue it with a band until he was 18. Even then, he didn't stick with one genre, playing simultaneously with experimental, classic rock, funk, blues, and ska bands.

After working as a teacher and filmmaker in Virginia, Venezuela, Europe, and Africa, Van Buskirk returned to San Diego and formed the KVB.