If you’re a veteran of the ‘00s-era emo, indie rock, and pop punk scene, there’s a solid chance that you found yourself listening to The Spill Canvas on repeat at least once or twice.

Hailing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the group’s origins can be traced back to 2001 when it borne out of a solo project first debuted by its frontman, Nick Thomas.

Before long, The Spill Canvas were writing songs that would be considered future classics, and by 2005, their third album One Fell Swoop had managed to impact the US charts and assert the group as one of the most vital names of the era.

Hard-working, prolific, and a frequent staple of live stages, the group have toured relentlessly over the past few decades, though Australian fans have been left wanting.

Thankfully, that’s all changing this week when The Spill Canvas hit local shores alongside The Juliana Theory for a three-date tour. While The Juliana Theory will be playing their second album, 2000’s Emotion Is Dead, in full, The Spill Canvas will be following in kind by performing One Fell Swoop to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“This is our first time in Australia, so we’re extremely excited to connect with our fans down under,” noted Thomas. “It’ll be a night of celebration, with both bands honouring the albums that defined who we are.”

The tour kicks off this Friday, July 18th in Melbourne, before visiting Sydney and Brisbane over the following two days – with tickets on sale now. To celebrate the upcoming tour, we spoke to The Spill Canvas’ Nick Thomas about some of his fondest memories from his time on the road.

Five Of Nick Thomas’ Favourite Tour Memories

Playing In Germany

The road has taken us across continents, from Europe to the UK, each place offering its own magic. However we haven’t had that much international touring experience and they’re all wonderful to me but Germany, in particular, was an unexpected highlight. It was just pure magic.

I didn’t think we had that many fans there, but the venues were packed and everyone knew the words to every song, it was incredible. We came away stunned, as we did not expect it and it’s a memory that will last forever.

Green Room Tattoos

There were Green Room (Backstage area) tattoos in Anaheim, California – this was a bizarre night. In 2024, we hired a tattoo artist to come give tattoos to anyone in the touring party. We were on the road with Armor For Sleep and The Early November at the time.

I recall around six people got work done throughout the show. People were just stepping up to the plate. It was definitely a bucket list moment.

Playing The Roundhouse In London

A surreal moment was playing the Roundhouse in London. In 2009, we toured the UK and Europe with the Plain White T’s. The tour itself was incredible and we got to play some amazing venues.

But getting the chance to play the Roundhouse was truly such an honour, with all the incredible history that occurred at that venue. So many of the bands that influenced us had played there.

Performing A Live Session At Abbey Road Studios

Doing a live session at Abbey Road is another moment we will cherish forever. In 2008 we had the amazing opportunity of doing a live session at the legendary Abbey Road studios while on tour in the UK.

To say we were nervous is a huge understatement, but we stepped up and really gave or all as we know this might be a once in a lifetime chance. we had such a great time and created a memory we’ll never forget. I mean The Beatles recorded there, right?

Frequent Stops To The Texas Institution That Is Buc-ees 

Life on tour comes with its own rhythm — long drives, late-night load-outs, and the occasional motel breakfast — but one tradition the band never skipped was a stop at Buc-ees whenever we were in Texas.

The massive Texas gas station and convenience store had become something of a sacred ritual on the road. Whether it was stocking up on snacks, grabbing a meal, fuelling up the van, or just revelling in the weird, wonderful chaos of the place, Buc-ees offered a brief respite from the grind.

It was more than a pit stop—it was a morale booster, a team bonding moment, and a reminder that even amid the whirlwind of tour life, the little things still brought the biggest smiles.

Tickets to The Spill Canvas and The Juliana Theory’s Australian tour are on sale now.

The Spill Canvas + The Juliana Theory Australian Tour 2025

Friday, July 18th – Max Watts, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday, July 19th – Manning Bar, Sydney, NSW

Sunday, July 20th – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD