Canadian roots rocker Matt Mays has become one of the nation's most popular new artists since hitting the road with his backing band, El Torpedo. Mays first came to the attention of music fans as a member of the Nova Scotia-based alt-country band the Guthries, who formed in 1998. Matt eventually set out on his own, releasing his first solo album in early 2003, simply called Matt Mays. In order to tour in support of the release, he assembled a highly talented road band. Extensive touring in Canada helped the band win a loyal fan base, and Mays gave his band co-star billing for his second album, Matt Mays + El Torpedo, released in 2005. The songs Cocaine Cowgirl and On the Hood became major hits in Canada, and the band was chosen to open a Canadian tour by the Black Crowes. Mays began gaining attention in the United States after playing a showcase at the 2006 South by Southwest Music Conference and appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. In late 2006, Matt Mays and El Torpedo finally received a belated release in the United States through the independent 02:59 label. As Mays and El Torpedo began touring the United States to push the album in America, they were also playing larger shows at home in support of album number three, the ambitious When the Angels Make Contact. In early 2007, Mays relocated to New York City in order to better promote his career in the U.S.