By 1997, Partridge and bassist Colin Moulding had amassed over 40 new songs, most of which were written by the former. The 11 that were ultimately selected for "Apple Venus Volume 1" were written between 1992 and 1994. Partridge's offerings were an elaboration on the more orchestral style he previously developed with "Nonsuch" tracks "Omnibus", "Wrapped in Grey" and "Rook". When "Nonsuch" was completed, Partridge purchased an E-mu Proteus, and felt inspired by its samples, even though he was not a proficient keyboard player. His writing process changed in that, for some cases, the arrangement was completed before the actual composition. The songs changed little from how they were conceived on their early demo tapes when recorded in a professional studio.