The Spill Canvas started in 2002 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a side project for lead singer, Nick Thomas, who at the time, was guitarist and backup vocalist for metalcore outfit Nodes of Ranvier. As time passed, Thomas resigned from Nodes and went full-time with The Spill Canvas. While growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Thomas recorded his first songs at age 15, funded by his father who strongly encouraged his son's evident musical talent.