By Small Ruin is the nom de band for the musical brainchild of Athens, GA musician, Bryan Mullis. When asked about the origin of the name, Mullis would say that it hints at the fact that typically it's not the huge one-time mistakes in life that take a man down, but rather the slow bite-by-bite, drink-by-drink, smoke-by-smoke flaws in our nature that finally get the best of us. In reality, the name is an anagram for his own name. After years of playing (as a drummer) in a number of Athens and Atlanta indie bands, he felt the need to pursue something that was all his own, while at the same time leaving the door open for future members to feel like they were part of a band, and not necessarily a solo project." Mullis started playing in bands at the age of 15 in the Macon, GA area. After earning a Music Performance degree in Percussion, he eventually ended up in Athens, GA where he and two long-time friends formed Soundtrack Mind. This group toured regionally, recorded three albums, played numerous festivals, and charted on CMJ's Most Adds list. In the end, success was not in the cards for the group, and the members split amicably. Fast forward to present, Bryan is picking up the torch once again. This time on lead vocals and guitar. By Small Ruin's debut release, Year of the Bull is a collection of ten tracks recorded in Athens at Snoring Dog Laboratories with engineer / producer Adam Chandler. Mullis took on all duties on this effort, but is in the process of putting a group together for live shows and future help in the studio. According to Chandler, upon recording the last note of Year of the Bull, Mullis fired himself as bass player, lead guitarist, and pianist. He reserves the right to occasionally appear as Drummer Emeritus. Alternative Rock band from Athens, GA