Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Doug Martsch formed indie rock band Built To Spill in Boise, Idaho in 1993. After the band's debut, the original rhythm section was replaced with permanent members bassist Brett Nelson and drummer Andy Capps. Built To Spill's second LP received good press, and Martsch signed to Warner Brothers in '95. The band has released four albums between '97 and 2006, all highly acclaimed.
Built To Spill leader Doug Martsch began his recording career in Alternative Rock quartet Treepeople. Formed in Boise in 1987, the band soon relocated to Seattle, Washington. Though Martsch's vocal and writing contributions to the band were minimal, his guitar prowess was established early on. Treepeople's 1989 indie label debut, Guilt, Regret, Embarrassment, was highly praised. Martsch left after the band's follow-up, 1993's Just Kidding. The group disbanded one year and one album later.
Doug Martsch started Built To Spill in Boise, Idaho in 1992, enlisting Brett Netson and drummer Ralf Youtz for the band's first incarnation. Built To Spill released their debut album, Ultimate Alternative Wavers, on C/Z Records in 1993. As per Martsch vision that his group would frequently change its lineup, Netson and Youtz were replaced by bassist Brett Nelson and drummer Andy Capps in 1994. Up records issued the band's sophomore album, There's Nothing Wrong With Love, later that year and received high critical praise. It was the first of four consecutive Built To Spill albums produced by Phil Ek.
Martsch signed to Warner Brothers in 1995. The band toured with Lollapalooza that year. In '96, K Records issued The Normal Years, a compilation of tracks recorded '93 to '95. Built To Spill released album three, Perfect From Now On, in '97. Netson returned on bass and Scott Plouf took over on drums. A dark album with lengthy tracks, it received mostly high marks. Before February 1999's Keep It Like A Secret, Martsch named Nelson and Plouf official band members. Built To Spill's fourth album saw tighter, shorter songs with more of a Pop sensibility. It peaked at #120 on Billboard.
Built To Spill began the 20th century with April 2000's Live, which featured additional guitar work by Netson and Jim Roth. The band's fifth studio LP, Ancient Melodies Of The Future, came out in July 2001. Combining Pop melodies with tough rhythms, the album earned the group more high praise and hit #94 on Billboard. Martsch went solo in '02 with the Folk Blues-influenced Now You Know. Built To Spill toured extensively in '04 and '05. They released album six, You In Reverse, in April 2006. Featuring Roth and Netson again, the self-produced record won more high marks and peaked at #63.