Formed in 1993 under the name Backfish Blue, Kathrine Bergström (vocals, guitar), Anna Wallmark (bass), Nina Åkerlund (drums), and Linda Åkerlund (guitar and vocals) just wanted to write a catchy pop song here and there while killing some time in their native Sweden. But by 1994, after a demo release and short tour of their home country, a label bidding war took place resulting in A West Side Fabrication coming out as the winner. With a slight name change to Backfish and a lineup shake, David Johnson filled the drumming position while Elin Bohlin took over on guitar. By the time Backfish's members were finally settled in, they released their first full-length It's Emily in 1996.
Before a European tour took place, Evelina Orn took the place of Erin Bohlin on guitar the following year along with the addition of keyboards Anna-Lena Norrbin. Their next single "How to Be a Friend" came out in 1998 right around the time drummer David Johnson left on the account of his tinnitus. Patrik Sundqvist quickly filled in, enabling the band to complete their Finland tour and record their Fashion Mania EP that same year.
