Built to Spill

Built to Spill is an American indie rock band formed in 1992 in Boise, Idaho. The original members consisted of former Treepeople guitarist/vocalist Doug Martsch, Brett Netson, and Ralf Youtz.

The group’s debut album, Ultimate Alternative Wavers, was recorded at Audio Lab Studios in the band’s hometown and was soon after released on Seattle imprint C/Z Records in 1993. After the release of Ultimate Alternative Wavers, Netson and Youtz were replaced by Brett Nelson and Andy Capps for their 1994 album There’s Nothing Wrong with Love. A compilation album called The Normal Years followed, which included recordings by both line-ups. Martsch signed the group to Warner Bros. in 1995, but unlike many artists signed to major labels, the deal the band brokered allowed them to retain a large degree of creative control over future albums. Built to Spill produced its first major label release in 1997 with Perfect from Now On. Built to Spill has since released a handful of full-lengths and endlessly toured the world. 

Ultimate Alternative Wavers

Ultimate Alternative Wavers