Tarka Dawn came together when lead guitarist/songwriter Rob Gurruchaga and bassist Liam Wilcock invited guitarist Lee Walston and drummer Mike Alderson to join the band. Rob and Liam had worked together in a previous band, and Liam introduced Rob to his old school friend Lee who became the rhythm guitarist in late 2006. Whilst visiting a music store in Doncaster the band came across an ad from a drummer seeking a band.