BUILT TO SPILL: bio

A key element in the 90s rock scene, especially in what has come to be known as the Northwest sound, Built to Spill have been together for nearly twenty years and continue to put out music to this day. They have retained their signature winding, instrospective style throughout their career while expanding and developing it into a sound that is entirely their own. Frontman Doug Martsch formed built to spill in 1993 after leaving the Seatte based band Treepeople. Returning to his home State of Idaho, Martsch formed Built to spill with Brett Netson on guitar/bass and Ralf Youtz on drums. They released their first album "Ultimate Alternative Wavers" with C/Z Records in 1993. In keeping with his decision to change the members of Built to Spill for each album, Martsch recorded 1994's 7" "Joyride (K Records) "Theres Nothing Wrong with Love" (up Records) with the aid of Brett Nelson on guitar and Andy Capps on Drums. In 1996, K Records released a collection of rarities and outtakes called "The Normal Years".The band signed to Warner Bros. in 1995, releasing "Perfect From Now On" in 1997 with Scott Plouf on Drums, Brett Nelson on Bass, and Brett Netson throwing in some guest guitar work. Martsch subsequently decided to make Nelson and Plouf permanent members of the band. 1999's "Keep It Like a Secret" recieved the most enthusiastic reviews to date, and put the band on the pop charts where they have remained and continued to rise with each subsequent album. They went on to record several more full lengths and numerous 7"s to critical acclaim, their latest, "There is No Enemy"(2009), reaching #50 on the pop charts.

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