Pagoda began as a musical concept of lead singer and guitarist Michael Pitt. While working on Gus Van Sant's 2005 film "Last Days", Pitt was introduced to Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, who signed on to the film as a musical advisor. Van Sant urged Michael to play Moore one of his original songs and Moore was impressed, eventually signing Pitt and Pagoda's then current lineup (which included Jamie Kallend, actor/musician Ryan Donowho and Indigo Ruth-Davis) to his Ecstatic Peace imprint.