showcased their new songs on a demo tape

Using the ideas on the tapes, Mosshart and Hince began to write minimalist songs with the aid of a drum machine . In 2001 they showcased their new songs on a demo tape while shunning approaches from major record labels . Recording as VV and Hotel, they contributed the song “Restaurant Blouse” to the compilation If the Twenty-First Century Did Not Exist, It Would Be Necessary to Invent It . Shortly after that they recorded their debut release, the Black Rooster EP , which saw release on British indie label Domino Records and was picked up for distribution by Dim Mak Records in the United States.