While the Cowboy Junkies was touring to support Open, the band members started collecting second-hand recording equipment without a plan or purpose, just a need.

Having their rehearsal space become their recording studio changed the process of creating their tracks.

Previously, they would start in the rehearsal space, determine how the songs would work, then go to a studio when ready.

[3] Per the band, "For example "He Will Call You Baby" was recorded as the band was learning the arrangement and still unsure; "No Long Journey Home" was a trial run through with embellishments added later; "The Stars of Our Stars" was broken down into individual instruments and recorded piece by piece over the course of many weeks…"[3] The band's ninth studio album is their first album recorded without an outside producer or engineer.

[7] All tracks are written by Michael TimminsCowboy Junkies Additional musicians[8][6] Production[8][6]