Guitarist Graham Young, bassist Adam Reed, pianist Christian Wilder and drummer Tony Audia formed the folk-rock group Michigan Rattlers while in high school. The band started out by performing at local haunts before moving to Los Angeles, where it recorded its first demo. Johnny K, a well-known producer, took the band under his wing and helped produce its first EP - Michigan Rattlers EP. The EP was acclaimed by music gurus and the band was named as one of the 'Ten New Country Artists You Need to Know' by Rolling Stone. Its first full-length album Evergreen was noted for its robust songwriting and composition.