The band's music is most readily identified by their use of pop melodies in contrast with singer Mains' often aggressive vocal style.

After determining to pursue music full-time, the band relocated to Mike and Shannon's home state of Michigan.

After touring consistently for over a year in support of their debut, Mike Mains & The Branches signed to Platinum Pop Music.

[4] In the spring of 2013, the band launched a successful crowdfunding campaign through PledgeMusic[5] and began recording new material for a follow-up album.

In August 2018, the band announced that they had signed with Tooth & Nail Records.,[6] and launched another successful crowdfunding campaign to help fund their third studio album, When We Were in Love.

Mike Mains & The Branches's debut album, Home, was initially released without notable critical response.

“Noises” attracted attention for its "gritty, rock edge", while "Slow Down" brought a whole different, "calm, folk-like" side of Mike Mains to the table.

[15] Nate Wethy, who started as an interim touring bassist, would eventually come to fill the role of a full member for four years, leaving in 2015.

Josh Smith, a music producer from Lansing, Michigan is credited with the production of the band's first EP, and is also listed as playing lead guitar on Home.

According to an interview with Vents magazine, the band stated the reason that they did not come out with new music between those five years was due to time and resources.