In January 2011, Sly finished writing for his next solo album. He entered the studio later that month to start recording. He described the album's sound as being "sad". By February 2011, Sly had recorded 17 songs for his album and decided to take a break from the studio to play some solo acoustic shows and road-test some new songs. In March 2011, Sly announced that he was going back to the studio with producer Jamie McMann. Between April 7–18, 2011 and May 31 – June 6, he played two short Canadian tours in support of his second solo album. In June 2011, The mixing process for his second solo album, titled "Sad Bear", had begun.