Grayarea was formed in 2001 by Chicago natives Nosmo, McRae and Ruin. Based on the success of their self-released debut single, the progressive house anthem One for the Road, they were signed to UK-based Hope Recordings.
Being classically trained musicians, the Grayarea boys weren't content with having their music shackled to a DJ and a pair of turntables. After a pair of performances at the 2003 Winter Music Conference, they spent the majority of the year on tour playing live shows, utilizing an arrangement of the standard computers and synthesizers alongside live guitar, bass and drums.