The name Dashboard Confessional comes from one of Chris' songs, 'The Sharp Hint of New Tears." The line "On the way home, this car hears my confessions." made the phrase Dashboard Confessional pop into his head. Chris didn't want to name his new act after himself because right from the start he wanted his fans to sing along and be a part of his performance. He thought a solo name might discourage his audience from being an integral part of the show.

While the studio recordings of Dashboard Confessional have connected with fans across the country, the real Dashboard experience happens on the road. As Chris put it, "If you come to one of my shows, you're kind of expected to sing along as loud as I do, and it's just really like a team effort. It's almost organic how much the kids are involved. They are part of the band."

"On The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most," Chris got some musical help from his friends. The beautiful female voice heard on several tracks is that of Jolie Lindholm, lead singer of The Rocking Horse Winner. Dan Bonebrake who was in the Vacant Andys with Chris plays bass, and Mike Marsh from The Agency plays drums.