Sahara Smith released her debut album, shepherded by producer T-Bone Burnett, in 2010. In 2013, Smith joined forces with Lauren Gurgiolo of Okkervil River and Octopus Project to form Girl Pilot with Mike St.Clair and Mark Henne.

"The name Girl Pilot comes from a book of comics from the 1940s called 'Smilin' Jack and the Daredevil Girl Pilot' that I've had since I was 13. I've carried that name around with me for years, and because my new album is so different from the last, and so indicative of who I am now, this feels like the perfect moment to use it. I've never been so excited to do what I do, or felt so eager to take control of my life and my career. Girl Pilot feels somehow correct."