Consisting of Edinburgh native Martin Barnaby Cole and the Leeds-born Steven Mark Halliday, the house production duo Agent Sumo took its name from two words put together from suggestions by friends. Although the two lived in Leeds at the same time for a period and frequented the same clubs, it wasn't until 1998 when the pair were living in London that they were introduced by a mutual friend.

Together they produced a mix of the Seahorses' song Love Is the Love, getting a copy to the band's John Squire (who was apparently non-plussed). An early independent release, 1999's Sunflowers made a name for them amongst the clubbing community and Agent Sumo was signed to Virgin. Their first single for the label was 24 Hours, which found favour with fans of the genre and preceeded the full-length album Do It Yourself (We Did), which was released in 2002.