Drawing inspiration from influences as disparate as The Band, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco and Ryan Adams,[1] Hires became the first artist to sign with F-Stop Music, an imprint of Atlantic Records.

Initially drawn to the punk, Post-hardcore, and Emo scenes, Hires later developed an interest in artists like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, which explains the uniqueness of his vocal and instrumental harmonies that dabble in both traditional and contemporary musical realms.

Although only four songs in length, the EP gained him solid exposure, with critics comparing him to the likes of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Matt Costa, Mat Kearney, and Bright Eyes.

[3][4] Building his fan base in preparation for his debut album, Hires appeared at the SXSW Music Festival and on the 2009 Mayercraft Carrier.

[5] Tracks from Take Us to the Start have appeared on Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Cougar Town on ABC and Life Unexpected on The CW.