The San Francisco-based duo of Alexander Chen (b. 1981) and Kenji Ross (b. 1980), Boy In Static, began when a three-song demo caught the attention of The Notwist's Markus Acher, who signed the band to his new label Alien Transistor. The debut album Newborn (2004) soon arrived, characterized by dead-of-night recording sessions, lush string arrangements, thunderous synths, and yearning vocals.

In 2005, Boy In Static was introduced as a live band to worldwide audiences, supporting 13 & God (the collective of The Notwist and Anticon's Themselves) on their US and European tours, and earning a positive review from the New York Times along the way. 2006 saw the completion of sophomore album Violet (Mush Records). Showcasing a floor-stomping dynamic stage show of Chen's viola and Ross's live electronic drumming, Boy In Static embarked on a tour of Japan with Lymbyc Systym, and two US tours supporting Freezepop. 

A third album, entitled Candy Cigarette, is set for release in March 2009 (Fake Four Inc & Circle Into Square). The album marks a shift in direction for Boy In Static, and also features guest contributions from Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), Liz Enthusiasm (Freezepop), and Ulrich Schnauss.

Chen has also shown interactive and sound art in various galleries around the world including Barcelona's Sonar Festival. The Guardian recognized 2002's Sonata for the Unaware, a piece which generated music from video footage of Philadelphia subway commuters.

Boy In Static has shared the stage with artists such as 13 & God, Freezepop, Lymbyc Systym, Stereo Total, and Why?. Boy In Static has collaborated and been remixed by artists such as Her Space Holiday, Alias, Styrofoam, Montag, Helios, and Future Bible Heroes.