In July 2011, the band left Tooth & Nail to produce a fourth album with the help of fan donations via Kickstarter, called Phoenix (2012).

After the success they found in the crowdfunding approach with Phoenix, the band continued using Kickstarter as a means to fund their albums, subsequently releasing What Was Done: Vol.

The Classic Crime also went on a Headlining ATTICUS tour with A Change of Pace, Lower Definition, Tyler Read, Jet Lag Gemini, and Artist vs Poet.

On November 8, 2011, Justin announced that he would be leaving the band following the December 16 concert at the Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington.

Some fans have assumed that the Classic Crime is a Christian band due to being signed on to Tooth & Nail Records.

Also adding to the confusion is that many music stores and online sales list the Classic Crime as a Christian band for the same reason.