Sons of the Golden West was formed in 2005 by Eric Butterfield and B. Satter. Vocalist Justin Sacco soon joined the group, which released a 12-song CD in April 2006. SOTGW added drummer Aaron Markus for live performances in Bay Area clubs through 2008.

SOTGW continues as a recording project headed by Eric Butterfield. SOTGW songs have appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Flipping Out" (Bravo), "Last Chance Highway" (Animal Planet), and "Teen Mom" on MTV. The last song on the band's debut CD plays behind Ashley Judd narrating an online video, "Help Save Idaho's Wolves."