The origins of this name are unknown, though it has been variously suggested that it was inspired by William S. Burroughs' novel Nova Express, indie band Pale Saints and the 1986 film Short Circuit.

Late 2006 saw The Nova Saints enter Moles Studio in Bath, Somerset to record tracks for what would become their debut release The Draft EP.

This was followed by a national tour, the first of two in 2007, and a return to the studio in the autumn to record more tracks – one of which, "Lights", appears on the Northern Star compilation Revolution in Sound.

[6] In the summer of 2008, The Nova Saints went on something of a hiatus from live performance, honouring their bookings but thereafter playing just the occasional gig for longtime supporters Northern Star Records or opening up for friends' bands.

On 16 February 2013, The Nova Saints' Facebook page announced the release of Refoundland, a remix album featuring reworkings of songs from Newfoundland by Northern Star Records affiliated acts Delicasession, Punk TV, Youngteam, The Lost Rivers and Head in the Shed as well as a brand new track from The Nova Saints themselves.