In 1996, Scott Bailey assembled Tycoon Dog from a collection of longtime friends and musical colleagues who had worked together extensively in various NYC bands. The band's goal was to exploit its members diversity and experience to make compelling music that combined meaningful, emotive songs with inspired improvisation. This was not to be a band of unfocused noodlers -- outstanding songwriting was the cornerstone of the band from the very beginning.

As Tycoon Dog developed its repertoire, built a rehearsal and recording complex in Manhattan, and assembled a team of light, sound and merchandise specialists to complement its music, the band made several musical personnel changes. By 1999, Tycoon Dog had released two critically-acclaimed albums (homegrown and Ruff Cuts), generated worldwide radio play and media attention, and was touring heavily throughout the US.