Braid (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Champaign, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Braid is an American emo band originating from Champaign, Illinois, established in 1993. The group’s lineup solidified with Bob Nanna (guitar, vocals), Todd Bell (bass), Chris Broach (guitar, vocals), and drummer Roy Ewing until 1997, when Damon Atkinson replaced Ewing behind the drum kit.
Their third studio effort, Frame & Canvas (1998), garnered widespread critical praise and became a defining release within the late 1990s emo movement. Despite this acclaim, Braid dissolved in 1999. Subsequently, Nanna, Bell, and Atkinson formed the more melody-driven band Hey Mercedes, while Broach concentrated on The Firebird Band.
Following a brief reunion in 2004, Braid reassembled permanently in 2011, celebrating their 600th live performance and issuing the album No Coast. Their musical legacy has influenced bands such as Biffy Clyro, Basement, and Balance and Composure.
Formation: 1993
Bob Nanna created Braid during his time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Initial lineup shifts included replacing bassist Jay Ryan with Todd Bell and dismissing guitarist Pete Havranek, which led to Chris Broach joining as guitarist and vocalist. By mid-1994, Braid had evolved from a side project into Nanna’s primary musical focus.
Early recordings and nationwide touring: 1994–1997
At the end of 1994, Braid debuted with the 7-inch "Rainsnowmatch," followed by their first full-length album Frankie Welfare Boy Age 5 (1995) released through Divot Records. They embarked on national tours playing unconventional venues such as fans’ homes and VFW halls. Their sophomore album, The Age of Octeen (1996), was issued by Mud Records. Drummer Roy Ewing exited in early 1997 and was succeeded by Damon Atkinson. That same year marked Nanna’s graduation from college, enabling the band to dedicate themselves to full-time touring, including a headlining tour across Europe.
Frame & Canvas: 1998
Produced by J. Robbins, Frame & Canvas was launched by Polyvinyl Records in April 1998 to enthusiastic critical reception, significantly elevating Braid’s standing within the emo genre. After its release, they toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan alongside acts like The Get Up Kids and Burning Airlines. During this period, Jawbox bassist Kim Coletta assumed management duties for the band.
Final recordings and breakup: 1998–1999
A financially unsuccessful tour through Japan and Hawaii in 1999 created tension among members. Following disputes during subsequent performances and recording sessions, Braid opted to disband later that year. They played four farewell shows in August 1999, one of which featured former drummer Roy Ewing.
After disbanding, several live albums and compilations were released including Movie Music, Vol. 1 and 2. Band members pursued other ventures: Nanna, Bell, and Atkinson formed Hey Mercedes, while Broach continued with The Firebird Band and launched Lucid Records.
Initial reunion: 2004
In early 2004, amid difficulties with Hey Mercedes’ touring commitments and Broach’s evolving projects, Braid reunited for a U.S. tour promoting the DVD reissue of Killing a Camera. They also toured Japan before amicably dissolving once more.
Second reunion and No Coast: 2011–present
In January 2011, Braid confirmed their permanent reunion and announced intentions to release new material through Polyvinyl Records. They marked their return with performances at Chicago’s Metro and appearances at festivals including the Pygmalion Music Festival. Their EP Closer to Closed was issued in August 2011.
December 2011 saw the band commemorate their 600th live performance with a benefit concert held in Milwaukee. Over the following years, they participated in prominent events such as The Fest in Gainesville and Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest. Their partnership with Topshelf Records in 2013 culminated in the release of No Coast (2014), their first full-length album in sixteen years, which received favorable critical acclaim.
Following a quieter phase after 2014, Braid revealed plans for a remastered version of Frame & Canvas to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2023, accompanied by a U.S. tour where the album was played in its entirety. Additionally, they performed at Riot Fest in September 2023 and took part in the Best Friends Forever festival in October 2024.
Musical style and influences
Braid’s musical approach incorporates elements of post-hardcore, post-punk, punk rock, emo, Midwest emo, and math rock. Their sound is shaped by influences from groups such as Gauge, Shudder to Think, Fugazi, Jawbreaker, Jawbox, Samiam, Hoover, and Indian Summer.
Renowned for their vigorous live shows inspired by Fugazi’s energy, Braid has earned recognition for their compelling stage presence within the indie rock community.
Members
- Current
- Bob Nanna – vocals, guitar (1993–1999, 2004, 2011–present)
- Todd Bell – bass guitar (1993–1999, 2004, 2011–present)
- Chris Broach – vocals, guitar (1994–1999, 2004, 2011–present)
- Damon Atkinson – drums (1997–1999, 2004, 2011–present)
- Former
- Roy Ewing – drums (1993–1997)
- Pete Havranek – guitar (1993–1994)
- Jay Ryan – bass guitar (1993)
- Kate Reuss – vocals (1993–1994)
Discography
- Studio albums
- Frankie Welfare Boy Age 5 (1995)
- The Age of Octeen (1996)
- Frame & Canvas (1998)
- No Coast (2014)