While intermittently writing music with keyboardist John Berg (who briefly played in Monkey Rhythm) Gates started working with multi-instrumentalist Matt Winegar (who came to Gates’ attention after being recommended by his friend Les Claypool). Gates and Winegar developed a fruitful working relationship, which had them sequestered away in Winegars Fremont CA home for months, recording on a primitive Tascam 388. The musical pair slowly developed their melodic pop style while amassing a large collection of original songs. With the help of Matt Wallace the duo (With Keyboardist John Berg) secured a publishing deal with publishing giant Peer Music.