Born in Stockton, California, singer/songwriter/guitarist Christopher Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs) established himself in the early '90s as the guitar player (and occasional songwriter) for highly influential indie rock outfit Pavement. In 1998, Kannberg started his own label, Pray for Mojo (later renamed Amazing Grease), and formed the Preston School of Industry with drummer Andrew Borger and bassist Jon Erickson, both of whom had previously played with Amazing Grease recording artists, the Moore Brothers.