The band got its start in Oblong, IL sometime in 1999 when long time friends Aaron, Chris, and Bub who, disgusted with the local music scene, decided to do something about it and formed The Kinison. In late January 2002 still unhappy they headed out to California in search of a new bass player and drummer. The trio soon recruited Mike V and Mikey to complete the band. After 9 months of playing tiny shows in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles area they landed a spot on the indie rock festival This Ain't No Picnic. The band recorded an E.P. “Mortgage is Bank” in September 2002 for Fearless Records. In the spring of 2003 The Kinison found their way onto Coachella, a 2 day music festival in Indio, California.

After months of touring they finally landed a record deal with LaSalle Records/Atlantic. The full length, “What Are You Listening To?” was recorded in just 15 days. Produced by Pelle Hendricsson and Eskil Lovestrom (Refused, Poison The Well, Hell is for Heroes), it combines the raw live intensity that most young bands lack on record.

They have a record, van, $100 a night guarantees, and a non-stop touring ethic.