Early on, the group took on a funk sound reminiscent of the early 1970s. This style failed to catch on, and their first two LP's, 1974's "Magicians Holiday" which was recorded at Leon Russell's historic The Church Studio and 1977's "The Gap Band" (not to be confused with their 1979 album), failed to chart or produce any charting singles. Afterwards, they were introduced to LA producer Lonnie Simmons, who signed them to his production company Total Experience Productions (named after his successful Crenshaw Boulevard nightclub), and managed to secure a record deal with Mercury Records.