Derek Edwards Miller and Alexis Krauss.

In a 2012 interview, Krauss remembers her first impressions, saying:
Derek's music sounded like a really interesting challenge, but I wasn't thinking he was somebody I wanted to develop a creative relationship with.

About

Sleigh Bells is an American musical duo from Brooklyn, New York City, formed in 2008. The duo consists of Derek Edward Miller (guitar) and Alexis Krauss (vocals). After signing to N.E.E.T. Recordings and Mom+Pop, Sleigh Bells released their debut album, Treats, on May 11, 2010. Their follow-up album, Reign of Terror, was released on February 21, 2012.

Both members of Sleigh Bells had previous experience performing and touring in a musical ensemble. From ages 17 to 22, Florida-native Derek Miller was a guitarist in the hardcore band Poison the Well and left due to creative differences. After his departure from Poison the Well, he sought out to be songwriter and producer, and also worked as a waiter or barback in various cities across the United States. Alexis Krauss grew up in New Jersey and has a background in theater and television. From ages 12 to 16, Krauss performed in the teen pop group RubyBlue. After RubyBlue broke up, Krauss went to college for political science, taught Spanish to elementary school children in The Bronx and performed at weddings on the side for fun.

In March 2008, Miller moved to Brooklyn to find a female vocalist for some song demos he was working on. By April 2008 he started working at a Brazilian bistro in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—and in July 2008, Krauss and her mom dined at the restaurant. The two met in a park and listened to Miller's demos through headphones. Krauss had a scholarship to continue college but joined Sleigh Bells instead.