Dead Confederate originally emerged in the Athens music scene in 2006 with a few local shows. The band had been together in Augusta, Georgia as the "Redbelly" since high school. On January 22, 2008, the band released a self-titled EP on The Artist Organization record label. This release, along with an appearance at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas gave them some national exposure.

On September 16, 2008, the band released their first LP, Wrecking Ball on the TAO record label. After the album, the band kicked off a nationwide tour, featuring a free show at the 40 Watt Club in their hometown in Athens. On October 10, the band made their first nationwide television appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.