Mission:Valley was formed in 2009 by Rob Crow, singer and guitarist in countless bands, including hard rockers Heavy Vegetable and ambient/experimental Optiganally Yours (centered around a 1970s electronic keyboard called an Optigan).
Crow also formed the acoustic trio Thingy with Vegetable-veteran Elea Tenuta (vocals), along with bassist Jason Soares and drummer Mario Rubalcaba. His most well-known band -- Pinback -- started as a collaboration between Crow and Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Three Mile Pilot). Other Crow projects include Physics, Alpha Males, Goblin Cock, and Other Men, the latter a partial reunion of Heavy Vegetable featuring Crow, bassist Travis Nelson, and drummer Manolo Turner.
Other members of Mission:Valley include players from Optiganally Yours, Three Mile Pilot, and Aspects of Physics.