 Smith began working on a solo album, while Thorn produced Amy Correia's album "Carnival Love", recorded with Live, on their album "The Distance to Here", and searched for a singer for their project.After listening to several singers, Thorn met vocalist Chris Shinn, during his time as touring guitarist with Live, after hearing an album by his previous band Celia Green.Shinn soon relocated to Seattle, due to his own house in North Carolina being burnt down, staying at Thorn's house while the guitarist was on tour with Live.