Interview: The Spill Canvas On Coming to Australia to Celebrate 20 Years of ‘One Fell Swoop’

by the partae

You’re heading to Australia for the first time to celebrate One Fell Swoop. What does it mean to you to bring this record to fans here finally after all these years?

It feels amazing to finally get down under after all this time, let alone to celebrate 20 years of OFS. I honestly find it difficult to ascribe adequate words to the feelings, but they’re all good.

The Spill Canvas has been making music for over two decades now. What keeps you inspired to keep writing and performing?

I’ve always felt that there’s some mystical force, much bigger than all of us, that I can tap into and be a vessel for all the music the band has made. And as much as this machine wouldn’t churn without the lifeblood of our incredible fans, I equally serve the invisible muse.

Your lyrics are known for exploring love, heartbreak, and yearning in such an honest way. How do you keep that emotional truth alive in your writing?

Again, I’d reference the previous answer about the muse. I truly feel I only have one hand on the wheel when penning lyrics, the actual navigation throughout the writing process is led by something else entirely. In essence, I’m really just along for the ride.

This tour pairs you with The Juliana Theory, another much-loved emo band. What’s it like sharing the stage with artists who helped shape the scene?

Having toured with TJT before, it’s such a wonderful reunion-as those gents are truly wonderful people, and an even better band. I grew up listening to Emotion is Dead, so to say it’s a trip is a vast understatement

You’ve seen fans grow up with your music. How does it feel knowing your songs have been the soundtrack to so many people’s lives?

Again, it’s a mind-bending sensation to bear the weight of so many amazing fans experiencing our music throughout 20+ years of their lives. There’s a lot of imposter syndrome that I find can occur-lots of “I’m not worthy” stuff going on for sure. But at the end of the day, I’m just left feeling beyond grateful for their connection.

Australian crowds are known for their energy. What are you expecting from the fans who are finally seeing you for the first time? 

I wouldn’t say we’re expecting anything, but rather hoping that we can achieve as we always set out to do every night-to connect via that magical frequency with our fans over the universal language of music.

After releasing Conduit in 2021, how has your relationship with performing and recording evolved?

I’d like to think that since Conduit we’ve really come into a new chapter of the band regarding recording new material. We released 2 new singles last year (“Ruiner” & “Wolves”) that we’re beyond proud of. But we truly can’t wait to get into the studio once again for this new album next year.

For fans who discovered you back in the Sunsets and Car Crashes days, what can they expect from these anniversary shows?

So we’ll be playing OFS in its entirety, front to back. But there will also definitely be a few “standards” to close out the show at the end. That said, fans of SS&CC should certainly stick around til the end.

Your music has always balanced catchy indie-rock hooks with deeply personal storytelling. How important is that connection with listeners when you’re on stage?

The connection is so vital, if not the absolute most important part for the live performance. Not only does it lay the foundation to perform at our best, there is just no better feeling than fully resonating with the crowd in the moment.

Finally, what would you say to Australian fans thinking about grabbing a ticket for these shows?

I’d say please come out and vibe with us! It’s sure to be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience!

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