hoerner was a fan of hardcore punk and post-hardcore bands, and decided to become a musician after attending a concert of fugazi. hoerner became the housemate of bassist nate mendel while attending the university of washington, and they formed the band which would later become sunny day real estate. after being joined by drummer william goldsmith, they started the band empty set. after the band recorded a two song demo, they changed their name to chewbacca kaboom, and band recorded a six song demo under that name. later, the band once again changed their name to one day i stopped breathing. finally, the band settled on the name sunny day real estate.