From 1984 to 1986, Rites of Spring were among the most important and beloved bands in the Washington, DC underground music scene. The band consisted of Guy Picciotto (vocals/guitar), Mike Fellows (bass), Brendan Canty (drums), and Eddie Janney (guitar), and the quartet released a self-titled LP and a 7″ single before disbanding in 1986. Canty and Picciotto would eventually go on to join Fugazi.

Before the band recorded an album, played a show, or even had a name, they recorded a six-song demo tape at Inner Ear Studios with Don Zientara and Ian MacKaye. On October 23, 2012, Dischord Records will release Six Song Demo, which not only captures Rites of Spring in its earliest stages, but marks the first time anyone had heard Picciotto sing.