The original line-up consisted of Travis Brown (lead vocals/bass), Johnny Smoke (guitar, cool-sounding name, backing vocals) and Chris Michaels (drums).
The band's popularity in Illinois and neighboring states continued to grow as Split Habit shared the stage with Stroke 9, Sum 41 and Showoff.
Unable to land a recording contract, Split Habit, continued to tour the midwest releasing Biting My Lip, a five-song EP that garnered a great deal of attention locally and airplay on Q101.
In early 2003, Split Habit headed to legendary Smart Studios with producer Sean O'Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack) to record Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, their second full-length album.
In 2004, Split Habit won the Ernie Ball Warped Tour Battle of the bands and headed to Los Angeles for a sold out showcase at LA's key club.