 Inspired by grunge music, Rhea put together a band with his brother, Dave, and began playing somewhat harder sounding tunes, though still acoustic-based.Soon after, the band was opening for Third Eye Blind and Seven Mary Three, among other national acts, and released an independent debut album, "Panes", as VonRa in 1997.A second independent album release, "VonRa", followed in 1999, and a third, "Fame", came in 2001.