Todd Thibaud

During the early '90s, Todd Thibaud served as frontman for the Courage Brothers, a Haverhill, MA, outfit whose rootsy alternative pop appeared on the indie releases Something Strong in 1993 and Wood in 1994. As the group edged toward a major-label contract, creative differences prompted its dissolution. Thibaud nevertheless kept the Courage Brothers moniker and pressed ahead with plans for the anticipated major-label project, only for the label to abandon its rock roster after changing formats.

Launching a solo career, Thibaud channeled his music-industry setbacks into more personal songs. He funded his own debut, Favorite Waste of Time, and enlisted local musicians—including members of Dumptruck and ex–Courage Brothers—to play and produce. Issued locally at the close of 1996, the album drew praise from the Boston Globe and Billboard Magazine, prompting Doolittle Records to acquire wider distribution rights. After being remixed, Favorite Waste of Time reappeared in 1997; two years later Doolittle issued Little Mystery, followed in fall 2000 by Squash.