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Band Timeline

2000-2003

Formation and Early Years of The Spill Canvas

The Spill Canvas began as a musical project around 2000 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, led by Nick Thomas who started performing solo. Initially, the group included vocalist Becca Flinn, bassist Alan Burkhard, and violinist Hannah Peskey, combining symphonic and acoustic rock elements. However, Flinn, Burkhard, and Peskey left within a year leaving Thomas to continue solo. During these years, Thomas also played with another band named Nodes of Ranvier. In 2003, The Spill Canvas self-released the Concept EP, marking the project’s early defining sound and gaining attention from industry professionals.
2003

Signing with One Eleven Records and Concept EP Release

In 2003, The Spill Canvas released their Concept EP, a five-track self-produced record that showcased their emo and alternative rock style. This EP captured the interest of One Eleven Records, an independent label based in Florida, leading to the band signing a deal with them. This partnership provided the band with broader distribution and more resources, setting the stage for their first widespread album release. The exposure helped the band build a larger fanbase and establish their presence in the alternative rock scene.
2004

Debut Album 'Sunsets and Car Crashes' Released

On April 20, 2004, The Spill Canvas released their first full-length album 'Sunsets and Car Crashes' through One Eleven Records. The album was primarily written, produced, and performed by Nick Thomas with support from touring members. It featured emotionally charged, acoustic-driven rock songs that became synonymous with the band's style. Following its release, the band began extensive touring with members Joe Beck, Brian Anderson, Ross Wheeler, and Brandon Aegerter to promote the album, further increasing their recognition in the emo and alternative rock communities.
2005

Second Album 'One Fell Swoop' and Lineup Changes

The band's sophomore album, 'One Fell Swoop,' was released on August 9, 2005, by One Eleven Records. Writing for this album became a collective effort featuring Nick Thomas along with Scott McGuire and Dan Ludeman who had joined the band after previous members departed. This period marked an evolution in their sound, incorporating richer instrumentation and more collaborative dynamics. The album helped maintain the band’s momentum and solidified their reputation as a staple in mid-2000s emo and alternative rock genres.
2006

Signing with Sire Records and Transition Phase

In late 2006, The Spill Canvas announced they had signed with major label Sire Records, indicating a new phase aimed at reaching broader audiences with larger-scale distribution and promotion. Around this time, bassist Scott McGuire, an important member in the band’s recent works, stated his departure to enable the band to reach its full creative potential without him. This reshuffling suggested a shift in band dynamics and professional direction as they prepared to record and release new material under a major label banner.
2007

Member Changes and Release of EP and Major Label Debut

The year 2007 marked significant activity for The Spill Canvas. After Scott McGuire's departure, Landon Heil was brought in initially as a temporary replacement guitarist before becoming a permanent member due to strong creative alignment. On May 1, the band released the EP 'Denial Feels So Good' with original songs and covers to maintain fan interest ahead of their upcoming album. They also participated in the 2007 Warped Tour, a major platform for alternative bands. Their major label debut album 'No Really, I'm Fine' was released, featuring collaborations with Anthony Green and Andrew McMahon, which brought additional attention and marked a milestone in their growing career.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Geoff Black

N/A

Nick Thomas

N/A

Lead vocals

Story of The Spill Canvas

The Spill Canvas, hailing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exploded onto the alternative rock scene, carving a niche with their emo-tinged anthems. Their signature sound, a potent blend of aggressive acoustic rock and subtle symphonic elements, propelled hits like "All Over You," "All Hail the Heartbreaker," and "Polygraph, Right Now!" to widespread acclaim. They also cemented their place in emo history with classics such as "Our Song," "The Tide," and "This Is for Keeps."

From Solo Project to Band Phenomenon:

The band's journey began with Nick Thomas, the frontman and guitarist, who picked up the guitar at age 11 in his Sioux Falls hometown. A self-released punk and acoustic CD, The Blur of Motions, in 2000, showcased his early talent. After forming The Spill Canvas in 2001 with vocalist Becca Flinn, bassist Alan Burkhard, and violinist Hannah Peskey, the band briefly experimented with a fuller, more symphonic sound. However, this lineup proved short-lived, with the original members departing within a year. Undeterred, Thomas kept the Spill Canvas name alive as a solo project, moonlighting as a guitarist and backing vocalist for Nodes of Ranvier until 2003. He then dedicated himself fully to The Spill Canvas, releasing the five-song Concept EP in May 2003, produced at Cathouse Studios in Sioux Falls. This marked the beginning of the band's ascent to prominence.

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