in cincinnati, randall and keenan worked together at a local waffle restaurant, taste of belgium. while employed, the two played their first show as dawg yawp, covering the beatles and performing acoustically on the floor of the restaurant. after hearing the duo perform, rob fetters offered to produce their debut album. fetters became a mentor to the band during their recording process. the first six of these recordings were released as the "two hearted" ep on may 6, 2015.