One half of They Might Be Giants, John Linnell enjoyed a brief solo career with his 1999 album State Songs before returning to his day job. Prior to this, he had recorded the EP House of Mayors, and the State Songs EP which later became the album. A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020, John Flansburgh suggested to John Linnell that the two create solo releases during lockdown. Roman Songs, a four track EP, released on July 2, 2021.