Project Description
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Interview with
NICK THOMAS
from
THE SPILL CANVAS:
20 Years, 200 Stories,
and Still Playing
(25th May, 2025)
Interview by Dave Bruce
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Watch and listen to the whole interview below
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It’s not every day you get to sit down with someone who’s been crafting heartfelt, genre-defining music for over two decades. But when I spoke with Nick Thomas, the voice, heart, and original spark behind The Spill Canvas, I quickly realized we were diving into a story not just of a band, but of survival, growth, and deep connection with fans who’ve stuck around for the ride.
The conversation opened light-heartedly, but we were quick to dig into the roots of the band and the journey that started in the most unlikely of places—Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“I used music to get out,” Nick admits, “but it will always be home.”
Back then, there was a vibrant underground scene of all-ages shows, VFW halls, and basement gigs that brought in names like At The Drive-In. That local energy was enough to spark something real. What began as a solo project with a revolving door of local musicians soon evolved into a full band—and eventually, a movement of sorts.
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Their debut built the platform, but it was the breakthrough second album One Fell Swoop that sent the band into the touring stratosphere.
“That’s when things really started to pick up,” Nick recalls. “We got to tour with huge bands—Goo Goo Dolls, OneRepublic, OK Go, Motion City Soundtrack. That kind of exposure builds a real fanbase.”
But the journey hasn’t been linear.
“It’s been 20 years,” Nick says. “There’s been a marriage, lineup changes, a breakup, a hiatus. A lot of life.”
Through all the change, there’s been a constant: the music. The work ethic. The live shows. For Nick, that’s where it all still clicks.
“All musicians say the same thing: just play. You have to. That’s the fuel.”
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And that fuel continues to power The Spill Canvas into new chapters. Their recent releases—Conduit, Covers Vol. 1, and the EP Cavity—were followed by standalone singles like “Ruiner” and “Wolves.” While a full album may not land until 2026, Nick confirmed there’s definitely a new single coming this year—ideally in time for their July 2025 Australian Tour with The Juliana Theory.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of One Fell Swoop, the band will be performing the album front to back. But it won’t stop there.
“We’ll throw in a few more bangers at the end. It’s going to be a big night.”
When asked about his influences, Nick didn’t hold back: “Clarity by Jimmy Eat World changed everything for me. Saves the Day, The Get Up Kids, and even some backpack rap from Minneapolis like Atmosphere. And today? Bon Iver, Finneas, Jon Bellion, even Eminem. If it’s unique and inspiring, I’m all in.”
And on the dream collab front? His answer was humble, humorous, and honest.
“I’d just love to be on stage while Stevie Ray Vaughan does his thing—or Prince. I wouldn’t belong there, but I’d love to just chunk out some rhythm guitar.”
Nick’s energy remains infectious. He’s 41 now and says every day feels like a miracle. He’s grateful, alive, and—more than anything—ready to keep playing.
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When Life Gives You a Blizzard…
We started with the classic: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? And Nick delivered.
After a freezing post-gig drive through a Minnesota blizzard, stranded with a flat trailer tire and a frozen lock, things looked grim. The lock wouldn’t budge, fingers were going numb, and frostbite was knocking at the door. Then came the lightbulb moment — the kind that only strikes in the dead of night and dire situations. Nick poured a bottle of his own, uh, body-warmed fluid over the lock. And boom — success. Tire changed. Band saved. “It worked immediately,” he laughed. “It was a crazy moment, but you do what you gotta do.”
The Sound Obsession
When asked what topic he could talk about for hours, Nick didn’t hesitate — music. But not just the playing or the writing — the sound of it. “I’m obsessed with how sounds shape emotion,” he said. He lit up describing his home studio setup, his amateur engineering, and how inspired he is by artists like Finneas and Billie Eilish who are “making diamond records in bedrooms.”
From the early days with a Tascam 4-track to his deep dives into sonic textures today, Nick’s love for music tech and production hasn’t waned. “Even the average listener doesn’t know why something hits them emotionally — but sonically, it matters.”
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Getting Personal
When I asked Nick what he liked most about himself, he paused — like a man in therapy. But he landed on something that felt true: “I think I’m a kind person. I really do try to be a good guy.” And honestly? It comes through.
Rapid Fire Favourites
We closed with a lightning round of favourites. Here’s how it went:
Favourite album? Bon Iver (self-titled)
Favourite artist? Tie between Eminem and Justin Vernon
Favourite movie? Little Miss Sunshine
Favourite place to visit? Switzerland, Colorado, or the Pacific Northwest
Favourite venue to play? St. Andrews Hall in Detroit – “The energy is insane.”
Favourite food? Pizza or sushi
Favourite drink? Coffee, water, or an Old Fashioned if it’s “that” kind of night
Favourite tattoo? A band of colourful squares from a Bon Iver album — earned during a rough chapter in Chicago and inked in a haze. “It reminds me how far I’ve come.”
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The State of the World
We took a quick detour into politics and the state of America, and Nick didn’t sugarcoat it. “I truly don’t even know what’s happening here.” Like many artists, he’s watching the cultural shift with disbelief — but also a little hope that we’ll collectively find some sanity again.
Consciousness and Closing Thoughts
In true Amnplify spirit, we ended with a philosophical moment — talking about creativity, consciousness, and not letting life’s chaos derail your purpose. “Just lie on your back in the river,” I said, “let it take you.” And Nick was right there with me.
As we wrapped, I reminded him that numbers don’t matter. It’s the art that does. He nodded with a quiet, “Absolutely.”
Nick Thomas is more than just the voice behind The Spill Canvas — he’s a thinker, a fighter, and a deeply grounded human being. Stay tuned. There’s more to come.
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Follow THE SPILL CANVAS
Linktree – Facebook – Spotify
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Watch and listen to the whole interview below
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Press Release 5th February 2025 (below) HERE
THE JULIANA THEORY
+ THE SPILL CANVAS
announce Australian Tour
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