Chance encounters in the frozen foods aisle and at a going away party for a friend of a friend first brought the group together. Mike Medina, Dann Morr, Philip Robbins, and Sarah J Wille were a combination of new acquaintances and old friends; veteran sidemen to many Chicago artists and newcomers to the Windy City music scene. Their common interests in folk and roots music plus the enjoyment and challenge of learning to play new instruments inspired them to collaborate on a sound of their own. The result of this collaboration is Guest House, Wells-next-the-Sea’s debut album.