[7] The two bonded over a shared interest in albums produced by George Martin and Phil Spector, as well as certain Ralph Peer groups such as the Carter Family.

Deschanel commented in an interview with Venus Zine: "I always thought I would be able to sing and act; but, at a certain point, it became difficult for me to share the music part.

"[11] For Volume One, the pair collaborated via e-mail, with Ward working in his studio in Portland, Oregon, and Deschanel in her home in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles influenced Deschanel's songwriting, evoking long drives along the coast while listening to Brian Wilson, golden oldies, and jam music on 1970s AM radio.

[8][10] The California music scene influenced Ward's production of the album and inspired his guitar work with alt-country singers like Jenny Lewis.

Deschanel wrote all the original songs on the album except "Sweet Darlin'", which she co-wrote with Jason Schwartzman (an actor known for his frequent collaborations with Wes Anderson).

[16] The album features eleven original songs written by Deschanel and covers of NRBQ's 1977 single "Ridin' in My Car" and Patience and Prudence's "Gonna Get Along Without You Now", as well as a guest appearance from the indie pop group Tilly and the Wall on the track "In the Sun".

[17] They performed concerts throughout the United States including the music festivals South by Southwest, Coachella, Bonnaroo, Savannah, Sasquatch, Nateva, Verge and the inaugural LouFest in St. Louis, Missouri, headlining with the likes of Broken Social Scene, Jeff Tweedy and Built to Spill.

[23] Supporting acts along the tour included Tilly and the Wall, Camera Obscura, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and The Chapin Sisters.