PHASE FOUR VINYL NOW IN STOCK!
DECIBEL MAGAZINE premieres Phase Four music video! Click the button below for more info!
About
SPILLAGE History
SPILLAGE started as the vision of guitarist Tony Spillman. In fact, it was the mid 90's when Chris hooked up with Tony in a band called Epitaph as a fill-in drummer for them. Then later, when Chris contacted Tony about the open drum chair in Earthen Grave, they discussed it and Tony asked Chris to join the Spillage project.
The original lineup of SPILLAGE included Lothar Keller on vocals, (Bruce Franklin guest guitarist) and Willie Max on bass, along with Tony, Nick Bozidarevic, Paul Rau and Chris Martins. After the release of their first album in 2015, Lothar and Willie left SPILLAGE to pursue other musical endeavors. It was at this time, SPILLAGE brought in Billy McGuffey as their new bassist and backup vocalist.
As a point of interest, the members of SPILLAGE have known each other on and off for nearly 40 years, growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL.
It wasn't until SPILLAGE was scheduled to play the Maryland Doomfest in 2016 that they met with singer Elvin Rodriguez, who was able to learn their songs in a very short amount of time and essentially performed his "live audition" at that festival. Needless to say, he got the gig. The group shares a passion for their own unique sound, allowing each member brings their musical contribution to the band! Most listeners will agree: over the years their efforts surpass that of the previous.
Tony Spillman - Guitar
As a child, Tony developed a tremendous love of sports and music, in particular: baseball and the Beatles. Tony could usually be found at the baseball field, honing his skills and determined to make it in the MLB as a professional pitcher. When he wasn't on the baseball field, he was busy writing his "yeah, yeah, yeah" songs (as he refers to them). Tony started playing guitar at the age of 14, when he met Bob Dieter, mutual friends of Chris, Paul and Nick. At the age of 17, Tony tried out for a major league baseball team and unfortunately did not make the cut. He was faced with a tough decision: join the Army, or work with a rock & roll band. It was at this point that Tony (through mutual friends Jeff Olson and Tim Brown) started working for legendary Chicago band, Trouble. During his time working with Trouble, Tony developed a 40 year friendship with guitarist Bruce Franklin, who later played on and produced all three SPILLAGE albums.
Tony went on tour with many other bands during the next several decades, developing his skills as a guitar tech, sound guy, driver, and many other functions that contribute to him being a seasoned professional in the music business.
Not one to stray far from his vision at any time, Tony was asked to play guitar and tour with Earthen Grave featuring world-renowned violinist, Rachel Barton Pine. Gaining valuable world-wide exposure while successfully touring for 5 years, Earthen Grave decided to disband, and Tony was free to pursue his musical creativity on his own terms by creating SPILLAGE. Even though Tony started writing songs at an early age, forming SPILLAGE really showcased his song-writing talents and SPILLAGE was well-received world-wide. Tony’s varied taste in music allows him to develop solid foundations that develop unique creativity in his song-writing.
Outside of SPILLAGE, Tony loves to coach baseball and enjoys spending time in nature, developing his love of photography and visiting scenic places.
Nick Bozidarevic - Guitar
Nick first picked up the guitar at age 13 and was drawn right away to heavy rock artists of that time: such as Kiss, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Iron Maiden and Montrose. Nick cites his early guitar influences to be Ace Frehley, Tony Iommi, Michael Schenker, Uli Roth and Frank Marino. Nick began to teach himself guitar licks and songs and soon crafted a style of his own. Primarily self-taught, he has played in a number of bands and some 40 years later is currently surrounded by high-school friends and some long-time bandmates in SPILLAGE (along with singer Elvin Rodriguez, who upon joining, instantlyclicked with the band).
Nick enjoys classic horror movies and has openly shared his enthusiasm for it with his bandmates, fans and friends. Some of the songs written by him were influenced by his passion for this film genre, and lyrically the song “Book of Secrets” is influenced by Mary Shelley’s classic novel, Frankenstein.
When not on tour with SPILLAGE, Nick enjoys spending time with his family going to scenic places, and is very involved with his church, sharing his musical gift with the congregation there. He also spends some time with a few Spillage bandmates covering some hard rock classics in the cover-band, Band of Brothers.
Elvin Rodriguez - Vocals
A Quote from a Reviewer:
“The real standout throughout the work of Spillage of course is the thrilling vocals of front man Elvin Rodriguez, his voice, full of emotion and unafraid to delve into histrionics is a centerpiece of the music”.
Born and raised in Fords, New Jersey, Elvin grew up in a suburban area surrounded by music. Elvin was introduced to Kiss and Black Sabbath by a next-door neighbor, and it changed his life forever. Immediately drawn to singing at the age of 15, he joined a cover band, singing songs from thrash and hardcore bands like Slayer, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, and D.R.I. Playing in his first “Battle of the Bands” under the name Violence, it is ironic that Violence was disqualified for inciting moshing and stagediving (Well, isn’t that the point?!?). Even though that band was short lived, this event began Elvin’s pursuit in working with musicians writing original material, which continues to this day. Elvin says that John Bush, Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, Mark Osegueda, Eric Wagner, Rob Halford and Tom Araya are his musical influences.
Over a period of 33 years, Elvin has immersed himself in a steady flow of music that continues to push the boundaries of Heavy Metal/Hard Rock vocals throughout his career, and he has no intention of stopping! Contributing as a songwriter and lyricist to the second and third SPILLAGE albums has set the bar lyrically and vocally for him. Elvin feels that his vocals on the Electric Exorcist album are the best he has recorded in his career. Echoing the sentiments of his bandmates, he feels as if the band connects and respects each other. No egos, they work as a unit, and the end result speaks for itself.
Chris Martins - Drums
“Bigman” Chris Martins was born on the lakefront of Chicago and started playing music at an early age. Playing bugle for a local Drum and Bugle corps, he quickly found the drumline calling to him, and the rest is thunderous history! In 1976, Chris moved to West Chicago, IL where he met and developed a musical relationship with keyboardist Paul Rau, and guitarist Nick Bozidarevic (HALF of SPILLAGE). They played around the local scene in various bands and insists that playing together for so long is one of the reasons SPILLAGE works as well as it does as a band.
Influenced by all the “jazz greats”, Chris’ style would be cemented by the mighty Bill Ward, with a dash of Tommy Aldridge and a hefty helping of Cozy Powell to bring his drumming skills to the next level behind the kit!
When he’s not laying down a smooth, tight groove behind his drum kit, Bigman Chris has worked as a world-class CNC machinist for over 40 years. Chris occasionally wears a “gnome hat” on stage which eventually became a signature style and gave birth to a new nickname (Chris is affectionately referred to by his bandmates, fans and friends as “the World’s Largest Garden Gnome”) . He has also been known to adopt cats and provide them with a good home.
Billy McGuffey - Bass Guitar
Billy started playing bass in his early teens (around the time he met most of the guys in the band. Yes, they've known each other that long!) Billy’s major influences on bass were and still are: Geddy Lee, Chris Squire and Steve Harris. Billy was invited to join SPILLAGE in 2015. Billy agrees that since most of the SPILLAGE lineup have been good friends for decades, the chemistry is perfect and he hasn't looked back since!
Billy’s passion for music was matched equally by his passion for art and Billy has been drawing since around the time he learned to walk! Billy feels very fortunate to consider that, as well as currently being in the best band of his life, he is also able to expand his creativity and continue working as a successful, professional artist. Billy painted the artwork for the SPILLAGE album covers and has a large portfolio of thousands of portraits and custom requests for clients around the world. Check out the art of Billy McGuffey at http://www.extremecreationz.com/
Paul Rau - Keyboards
Paul's love of music started at a young age, listening to his Dad's classical records, and his Mom's rock and roll records. That mixture of Beethoven, Mozart, Motown, and Crosby Stills and Nash would be hugely influential later. He started piano lessons in first grade, but it wasn't until fifth grade that Paul finally discovered that improvising and accompanying other people opened up a whole new world of music. In Jr. High, Paul and Nick were inspired by their choir teacher, Mr. Joe Higgins, who introduced the students to music by Bach, the Beatles, Chicago, Led Zeppelin, and many others.
In eighth grade, Nick, Paul, and Chris were prodded by a mutual friend, Bob Dieter, into starting a band. Again, diverse musical interests played a part in attempting songs by Kiss, Elton John, Deep Purple, Rush, Chicago, Pink Floyd, UFO, J. Geils Band, The Doobie Brothers, and many more. Not long after, they started writing and recording original material. After many years playing together, Paul, Nick and Chris find themselves still playing together, but now with longtime friends Billy McGuffey (bass) and Tony Spillman (guitar) in SPILLAGE. True to Tony's vision of SPILLAGE, the diverse tastes and backgrounds from their youth, bring a unique sound to SPILLAGE. SPILLAGE stays true to their desire to write brand new music with an old school honesty and integrity. Beethoven meets Black Sabbath. (It's all the same seven notes)
Outside of the band, Paul is happily married to Lynn, and has four children, Jon, Sean, Keira, and Andrew. His “day gig” is as a music teacher and music director/organist at St. Odilo Catholic Church in Berwyn, IL. Paul enjoys fitness, gardening, cooking, and in the presence of mountains, Paul will always find one to climb!
SPILLAGE thanks:
Qumran Records
Extreme Creationz
No Dust Records
Qumran Records is the combined expertise of Lothar Keller and Tony Spillman. Together, they have created a worldwide network of like-minded industry types who share their vision for the highest possible success of their artists. They have a sincere, vested interest of their clients and work to promote and support the artists they choose to work with in the highest regard. Qumran Records brings SPILLAGE music to the American masses. Check out their website here: www.qumranrecords.com
No Dust Records
Extreme Creationz
No Dust Records
No Dust Records is based in Wezep, the Netherlands, and was created by Henk van Delden who simply had a desire to deliver music with the intent of getting people enthusiastic about albums they may not have heard before or could not get access to! No Dust Records is focused on promoting independent bands and keeping the "underground" scene alive, and is also their own record label that has signed SPILLAGE for distribution outside of the US. Check out their website here: www.nodustrecords.com
Extreme Creationz
Extreme Creationz
The Art of Elvin Rodriguez
For over thirty five years, Billy McGuffey’s business, “Extreme Creationz”, has been creating customized designs for businesses and personal clients across the country. Billy is a true artist that brings every creation to life through his unique abilities and styles. Billy is the bassist for SPILLAGE and has contributed his artwork to the first three SPILLAGE albums.
Check out his website here: www.extremecreationz.com
The Art of Elvin Rodriguez
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
The Art of Elvin Rodriguez
Elvin Rodriguez is the singer of SPILLAGE. However, his artistic talent doesn't just end there. He also paints and creates fabulous artwork in his own style! Check out his creations here: https://www.facebook.com/elvinart2020
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
Kimmi loves metal and the musicians who are putting every effort into making a name for themselves in the music scene. That love, and a little knowledge of podcasting, was what started the idea for The Metal Deli. In her quest to expose the music of independent and minor-label bands that you may not have heard before, Kimmi has been an avid supporter of SPILLAGE since their beginning and featured them on many of her shows. Check out her website here: www.metaldeli.com
Scorpion Percussion
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
Kimmi & The Metal Deli Podcast
Chris Martins would like to thank the makers of the finest drumsticks "the Bigman" has ever used and WILL ever use.... quality American Weapon Grade Hickory. Accept no substitutes, Become Immortal. Check out their website here: https://scorpionpercussion.com
Metal Devastation Radio and PR
WynterLuna Artistry & Photography
WynterLuna Artistry & Photography
Zach Moonshine and his wife Raven have featured SPILLAGE on their radio interviews several times, offering unwavering support and their belief in the vision and talent of SPILLAGE as musicians of the highest caliber! They recently invited SPILLAGE to perform at the first annual TN Metal Devastation Music Fest in October 2022, which was a HUGE success for all involved. You can listen to their program here: https://metaldevastationradio.com
WynterLuna Artistry & Photography
WynterLuna Artistry & Photography
WynterLuna Artistry & Photography
Trish Higgins has become a part of the SPILLAGE family, offering her administrative support, merchandise management and her photography and media skills promoting all things SPILLAGE! Her website is forthcoming, but you can check out some of her art/crafts here: https://www.wynterluna.com