Virginia-based indie rocker Shane Hines released Blues for Balalaika, Pts. 1-2 in 2001 and Sweet Soul Suicide in 2003, but it was his 2005 release Zoë that earned him critical recognition and broad exposure. The album received a nomination from the 2006 Independent Music Awards for Best Pop/Rock, and Hines was won three of six awards at the Texas Songwriters Cruise. His success was further bolstered when one of his songs, "My Hope Is," was featured on MTV's The Real World: Key West. While touring to promote his work, Hines was joined by Mr. Thumbs on bass and Kevin Bearce on drums to form Shane Hines and the Trance. The group spent 2007 touring, as well as writing and recording songs for a fourth album. ~ Katherine Fulton