AJR began busking in various parks of New York City on July 9, 2005,[2] performing as tap dancers under the name lit.

[3] Through donations made from passerby, the group was able to afford instruments, microphones, and a computer, transitioning into performing music.

[4] The brothers began referring to their band as Adam, Jack and Ryan, taking inspiration from Peter, Paul and Mary, before shortening it to AJR.

[7] AJR released their first and eponymous EP in 2012,[8] featuring the song "The World Is a Marble Heart" alongside three other tracks.

[12][13] The album was initially planned for release on September 30, 2014, but was ultimately delayed for production and came out on March 3, 2015, which was also Ryan's 21st birthday.