Placeholder originally formed under the moniker Coastal in March 2011. After playing together in various bands in the past, the band quickly bonded and began writing/recording. The band's first demo/EP, Demonstration, was released in the Summer of 2011. Placeholder quickly entered the studio in the Fall to record their debut full–length. Titled Nothing Is Pure, and released in December of 2011, Placeholder made a giant splash on their proper debut.

Staying busy, the band followed their debut LP up with the 2012 EP, Thought I Would Have Been Somebody By Now, once again delivering on the promise of their earlier releases. The band strikes a chord with their heavy and melodic brand of songwriting. Playing emotionally intense post–hardcore, Placeholder echo modern bands such as Balance & Composure and Polar Bear Club while paying homage to their past influences. Mature, focused and full of determination, Placeholder leave quite the impression.