Gentleman Surfer began in 2006 as the solo project of drummer and bandleader Jon Bafus and now exists as a fully functioning band since mid-2010. The music is difficult to categorize, and draws upon a wide range of influences, anywhere from Captain Beefheart and King Crimson, to film and video game music, Classical, Jazz, Punk, etc.

As a band, Grill Cloth was formed in late 2012 with Danny Lomeli and Kevin Zee as a means to perform songs Steven wrote the few years prior.