When musicians are on tour, conversations naturally turn to music. Two years ago, whilst exploring the jazz kissas and record stores of Tokyo, woodwind maestro Chip Whickham and ATA mastermind and bassist Neil Innes discussed their shared influences of Yusef Lateef, David Axelrod and Alice Coltrane. Sounds and concepts percolated, and before long, both musicians were back in Leeds with The Lewis Express to record material for what would become Doo - Ha! (2025).

The compositions for this album were taut, Latin-tinged and distinctly soul jazz, but some of the music happening in the room had a different tonality. Deeper vibrations, more expansive vistas, higher planes. Chip and Neil sensed that something significant was taking place and this material was put aside for safekeeping. It would soon become The Kármán Line.