THE SPILL CANVAS NICK THOMAS TALKS TOURING, SOBRIETY AND THE POWER OF CONNECTION
As EMO stalwarts The Spill Canvas prepare to bring their long-awaited tour to Australian shores for the first time alongside The Juliana Theory, fans can expect more than just a nostalgic set. It’s a celebration of two decades of music, marked by full album performances and, more profoundly, a deep reconnection between artists and audience. For frontman Nick Thomas, ‘’this debut in Australia isn’t just another stop on the map—it’s an emotional milestone.’’ The Spill Canvas have just done a run of shows and festivals in the U.S. so the machine is well and truly fired up!
The Australian tour is celebrating the anniversaries of two of their most iconic albums, The Juliana Theory's immense masterpiece Emotion Is Dead; and The Spill Canvas' landmark second release, One Fell Swoop.
“This is our first time in Australia, so we’re extremely excited to connect with our fans down under,” he says, clearly eager for what’s ahead. “It’ll be a night of celebration, with both bands honouring the albums that defined who we are.”
“Back in 2019, we had the chance to tour with The Juliana Theory when Brett and Josh were doing a beautiful, stripped-down acoustic set. It was a special experience. This time, though, it’s the full band bringing the full rock sound—and it’s something else entirely. They’re an incredible live band, and we couldn’t be more excited to reunite with old friends and share this wild ride across Australia.”
Behind the high-energy performances lies a deeper personal journey. Nick has been open about his struggles with schizoaffective disorder and addiction—battles that remain part of his daily life. “There will always be daily wars to endure,” he admits. “But playing music with my best friends, and connecting with fans, that’s a vital tool in my continued stability.”
That hard-won stability is something fans deeply admire. Having climbed back from the abyss and returned to his best, Nick’s comeback is a source of inspiration to many. When asked about advice for those facing similar struggles, he doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Although I have a love/hate relationship with the phrase, it remains the best way to deal with addiction… ‘just take it one day at a time.’ You have to keep pushing and believing in yourself that you’ll make it to tomorrow.”
While Nick doesn’t customize setlists based on location, the emotional connection always comes through—especially with older songs that fans have lived their lives alongside. “There are equally amazing feelings when playing the older catalogue as there are with the new songs,” he says. “But the older catalogue always gets the best reaction because our fans have lived decades with those songs and made memories with them.”
When it comes to performing, comfort is key. Backstage essentials are simple but specific: water—“so much water”—black stage towels that don’t leave fuzzies in the beard, and a good AC unit. “It’s so clutch to my performance personally that I have a space that can be somewhat quiet and relatively cold,” he says. “All of these things help me get into the zone.” Add in a stash of sour candies and ice for drinks, and the band is good to go.
And while many behind-the-scenes stories remain safely under wraps—“a lot of them we can’t share and will have to remain between us four”—the bond forged through touring is undeniable.
“Touring is definitely one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences you can endure in a band,” Nick reflects. “Although it’s beyond incredible to travel and play music with your friends, it’s also extremely challenging to be away from family and loved ones without a real sense of home. But ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons when you can vibrate on that sacred frequency with your bandmates and your fans during the show.”
For Nick, every show is more than a performance—it’s survival, redemption, and celebration wrapped into one night. And as Australian fans prepare to welcome the band for the first time, they’re not just getting a concert—they’re becoming part of that sacred frequency.
Dates:
THE JULIANA THEORY + THE SPILL CANVAS JULY 2025 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 18th July MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Saturday 19th July SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 20th July BRISBANE, The Triffid
Tickets from The Phoenix
