Lead vocalist Solomon Cole had exited his prior band, Auckland based Rootskonductor, to release a solo album through Wellington label Jayrem Records.

Cole enlisted the help of drummer and childhood friend Adrian Bergman and jazz keyboardist Timothy William, a musician introduced through Rootskonductor manager Stephen O'hoy.

The band used the backing vocal services of NZ Idol finalist Indira Moala for initial recordings.

The dispute was settled amicably and the band recruited Sophia Tupuola to complete the recordings and finish the album.

In April 2008 Payola won the Jim Beam sponsored Rock FM New Zealand-wide band search competition.