Dog's Eye View founder and vocalist Peter Stuart had left the band to pursue solo projects following their 1997 release, Daisy.

[4] He sold four solo CDs while touring as an opening actor for Paula Cole, Live, and Counting Crows.

[5] At one point, Stuart embarked in a six-week stint as Paula Cole's opening act by following her tour bus in his rental car, while looking for a new label.

[1][5] Stuart sold several thousand copies in 2001 and 2002 while shopping the album to potential record labels.

[1] Propeller featured background vocals from Adam Duritz, frontman of Counting Crows, and Moon Zappa.

[2] Other guest musicians, including Mark Isham, D. J. Bonebrake, Greg Leisz, and David Immergluck and Charlie Gillingham of Counting Crows, contributed to the album.