Jeremy Bolen, formerly of Punjab and Hertzsprung Gap, formed Chin Up Chin Up with Nathan Snydacker of Nymb in early fall 2001. It was their mission to create a new Chicago sound, one that is melodically rich and textural, combining linear pop songs with non-traditional instrumentation. Together with Chris Dye on drums and Chris Saathoff on bass, they began writing songs that convey a sentimental feeling akin to an '80s John Hughes movie soundtrack, but with a contemporary sound. Chin Up Chin Up spent eight months writing and perfecting their sound before playing live, and the result is a mature band, with songs that are as good as songs can get. Their first release, a self-titled 6-song CD EP, was recorded in May 2002 at Semaphore Studios in Chicago, Illinois. Chris Hansen of Pinebender provided a guest vocal appearance on the track, "For All the Tanning Salons In Texas," and Devin Davis played theremin on the beautifully recorded track, "I'm Not Asking for a Tennis Bracelet."