Straylight Run was founded in 2003 by vocalist, guitarist and pianist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Cooper. After recording their first demos they were joined by Michelle DaRosa on vocals, piano and guitar and Will Noon on drums. The group soon recorded several demo tracks that they released for free download on their website. The accessibility of the songs, coupled with the past reputation of its chief songwriter, began an early and quick growing buzz around the band. In April 2004 they released their debut self-titled album, while their first single “Existentialism on Prom Night” worked its way into rotation on Alternative Rock radio, MTV2 and Fuse. The band went on to release one additional studio album and 4 EPs before going on hiatus in 2010. John Nolan and Shaun Cooper are current members of Victory Records alumni Taking Back Sunday.