Richard Vaughan, Conor Riley, brothers Iain (drums) and Stuart Sclater formed the band Silver Sunshine in 2001 in San Diego. The band was renamed Astra after Iain Sclater decided to leave in 2006. The band was soon joined by David Hurley and Brian Ellis.
With this line-up, the band released their first album The Weirding in May 2009 on Rise Above Records.