The Secret Radio formed in New York City in 2006 and played their brand of melodic indie rock in live venues across the city for 5 years before the original lineup went their separate ways. The band comprised Damian Fowler (vocals, guitar, piano), Bebbo (guitars), JungSang Yoo (bass), Julien Davoust (drums) and Jane Kittredge (violin). The music remained, some of it recorded but much of it on the hard drive of the chief songwriter Damian Fowler. During the pandemic, Damian worked with producer and pianist Asen Doykin and guitarist Bebbo to rework select tracks, building on some of the original recordings, as well as adding new parts. The songs found a new lease of life in recent years with contributions from session musicians and friends of the band. The band acquired a definite article — an all-important "The" — ahead of the launch of their debut album, Shortwave, in 2025.