Formed in 1978 by guitarist Arto Lindsay, Keyboardist Robin Crutchfield and drummer Ikue Mori, DNA were inspired by a promoter who wanted a band composed of first-time musicians. Rather than playing their instruments in a traditional manner, the trio instead focused on making unique and unusual sounds. Their music was described as sparse, noisy and angular and was compared to some of Captain Beefheart's output.
DNA performed and recorded rarely. Crutchfield left and was replaced with former Pere Ubu bass guitarist Tim Wright before the group's break-up in 1982.
Lindsay and Mori have continued to be active in music.