Warmer Milks founder Ma Turner and visual artist R Clint Colburn formed CROSS in summer 2008 as a means for friends to express themselves both live and on tape through a total freedom of rock 'n' roll improvisation. Amidst a series of defining moments and wild/nomadic lifestyle choices, Turner & Colburn hit the road two weeks into being a band, going on a nationwide tour (with Asthmatic Kitty recording artist Castanets) where the skeletons for "Die Forever" initially came to life. Upon returning home (Lexington, KY), they added Case Mahan (Street Gnar, Jovontaes) on drums, and soon after, Jamie Adkins (Rat King, Tiny Fights, Idiot Glee) on bass, giving CROSS a proper rhythm section and a deeper understanding of their mission.