Pfenning had worn multiple hats during his five-year run with Chairlift, serving as the band's lead guitarist, backup vocalist, producer, and co-writer of nearly every song, including the hit single "Bruises." He rolled all of those responsibilities into Rewards, too, combining his previous band's penchant for atmospheric, 1980s-influenced electro-pop with a soft and whispery acoustic aesthetic. To drum up interest in his new songs, Pfenning hit the road with We Are Scientists, opening a string of dates on the band's 2010 North American tour. He also began releasing material under the Rewards name, kicking things off with the 12" single Equal Dreams -- released in fall 2011 by Pfenning's new label, DFA Records, with guest vocals by Solange Knowles and Blood Orange's Devonté Hynes -- and steadily working on a full-length debut. ~ Andrew Leahey