 Smith and Thorn moved to Seattle, Washington following Hoon's death, with the band taking extended break, releasing "Nico", a rarities compilation album, in 1996.The same year, the remaining band members began discussing the possibility of continuing Blind Melon with a new vocalist, eventually deciding to continue under a different moniker and, unsuccessfully, auditioning a number of singers before going their separate ways.While in Seattle, Smith and Thorn began a new project that was put on hold after Thorn moved to Los Angeles in early 1998.