Redd Daugherty began as a solo artist during the 2020 pandemic, while teaching high school English at L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville, TN. During this time, she appeared on Season 19 of American Idol; released her first, solo album Monsters & Mothers; quit teaching to pursue music full time; and began working alongside her mentor and close friend, Adam Ivy.​

Redd met members Gavin Gregg, Katie Adams, and Colleen d’Alelio through friends and at open mics. The group quickly realized they had similar goals and began making and playing music together almost immediately. Founding members of the band Redd and Gavin, recognize and owe initial success to former bassist Will Ross.