Roman Candle was Elliott Smith's first solo album (even though he was still a singer and guitarist for the band Heatmiser) and was originally released in 1994. The album has a raw, homemade sound, with Smith playing each instrument and recording it on his four-track recorder. The album was never intended for release, as Smith only expected to get a deal for a seven-inch record, however, after manager JJ Gonson played the album for Cavity Search records, they immediately requested permission to release it in its entirety. Smith at first hesitated, and then allowed permission.