The band got its start in Oblong, IL sometime in 1999 when long time friends Aaron, Chris, and Bub who, disgusted with the local music scene, decided to do something about it and formed The Kinison. In late January 2002 still unhappy they headed out to California in search of a new bass player and drummer. The trio soon recruited Mike V and Mikey to complete the band. After 9 months of playing tiny shows in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles area they landed a spot on the indie rock festival This Ain't No Picnic.