 The album was recorded at Wilson's former studio in Laurel Canyon and mixed at his new studio in Echo Park.Wilson crafted the album at his former studio, Canyonstereo, in Laurel Canyon between tours, album producer jobs, recording sessions and jams, a period in which Wilson collaborated with the likes of Elvis Costello, Chris Robinson, Phil Lesh, Erykah Badu, Benmont Tench, Gary Louris, Vetiver, Dawes and many other notable musicians.While the album was started a few years earlier, Wilson chose not to release "Gentle Spirit" until 2011.