Court Yard Hounds is the side project of two of three members of the Dixie Chicks. Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire, the sisters of the multi-platinum country group (nee Erwin), began the project with no intention of selling Court Yard Hounds tickets, but to simply get back to work. Originally the two musicians headed back to the studio in 2009 to work on the eighth Dixie Chick album, but Natalie Maines was not prepared to return. Instead of simply packing up and heading home, the sisters worked on this project of their own.

They announced the project to the world in January 2010 and released the self-titled album on May 4, 2010. Emily Robinson is the lead singer and Martie Maguire plays a number of instruments and offers back up vocals. Their father, Llyod, plays guitar and a number of the Dixie Chicks back up band musicians performed on the album.

Court Yard Hounds (the album) is a far more personal project for Emily considering the inspiration for the songs is her divorce from her husband Charlie. The band made their debut live appearance at the SXSW showcase and has plans to embark on a promotional tour some time in May.