The two worked together on a studio project that they initially named the Freshmen. Eventually Kristo wanted to focus more on rapping and less on production, so the duo expanded to a trio with the inclusion of beatmaker THX, who had worked on tracks for Erykah Badu, E-40, Snoop Dogg, and other big names. The fully realized trio set out on its musical mission of "finding a middle ground between the Beastie Boys and the Beach Boys," working on tracks in the studio that incorporated both raunchy hip-hop styles and hints of California's sunny pop history. The group, still named the Freshmen, began releasing its music online, with tracks like "Hello There" being licensed for film. In January of 2013 the group changed its name officially to Drop City Yacht Club after signing to an offshoot of A&M Records. Drop City Yacht Club's first single, the infectious "Crickets," featured a guest appearance by crooner Jeremih and was accompanied by a high-production video that transformed the song into a cheekily kitschy dating game show. ~ Fred Thomas