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Semisonic

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Band Timeline

1993-1995

Formation and Early Years as Pleasure

Semisonic originally formed as the band Pleasure in 1993 when Dan Wilson and John Munson, formerly of Trip Shakespeare, teamed up with drummer Jacob Slichter. By 1995, they changed their name to Semisonic and began establishing their identity in the Minneapolis music scene. That year, they released an EP titled 'Pleasure' on the Boston indie label CherryDisc, setting the stage for their subsequent growth and debut studio album.
1996

Debut Album Release: Great Divide

In 1996, Semisonic released their first full-length studio album, 'Great Divide,' through MCA Records. This album marked their formal entry into the broader rock music landscape and helped them garner an initial fanbase beyond Minneapolis. The album featured the band's early development of melodic rock with emotive lyrics and laid the foundation for their later mainstream success. It also played a key role in solidifying Semisonic's lineup and musical direction.
1998

Breakthrough with Feeling Strangely Fine and 'Closing Time'

Semisonic achieved major commercial success in 1998 with their second album, 'Feeling Strangely Fine.' The album's standout track, 'Closing Time,' became a top-20 hit in the United States, earning widespread radio play and becoming an enduring rock anthem. The song was initially inspired by the birth of lead singer Dan Wilson's first child, adding personal depth. The album reached the Top 50 on music charts and significantly raised the band's profile internationally.
1999

International Success with 'Secret Smile'

Following their domestic breakthrough, Semisonic further expanded their global reach in 1999 when the track 'Secret Smile' from 'Feeling Strangely Fine' became a favorite on UK radio. The song was especially popular during the summer and peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. This success helped Semisonic gain international recognition and helped fuel overseas tours, introducing their melodic rock sound to a broader audience.
2001

Release of Third Album All About Chemistry and Touring

In early 2001, Semisonic released their third studio album, 'All About Chemistry.' While the album's single 'Chemistry' maintained popularity overseas, particularly in Europe, the album struggled to match the commercial success of previous releases in the United States. Additionally, their track 'Over My Head' was featured in the 2001 teen film 'Summer Catch.' The band supported the album with tours, notably in the UK, but internal and external pressures led to a period of inactivity afterward.
2017-2019

Reunion and Anniversary Tours

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album 'Great Divide' in 2017, Semisonic reunited for a series of live shows, performing the album in full for dedicated fans. They continued the momentum by commemorating their second album 'Feeling Strangely Fine' with further performances in 2017 and a special re-release of the album in 2018, which included previously unreleased tracks and marked its first vinyl pressing. During this period, they also introduced new material in live sets, indicating ongoing creative activity.
2020

Release of You're Not Alone EP and New Music

After nearly two decades without new material, Semisonic released the single 'You're Not Alone' in June 2020, followed by the full 'You're Not Alone' EP in September of the same year. This marked a notable return for the band to recording and releasing fresh music after a long hiatus. The EP was warmly received by fans and critics, confirming Semisonic's place in contemporary rock and signaling a new chapter in their career trajectory.
2023

Recent Performances and Continued Activity

In January 2023, Semisonic performed two shows at the iconic Minneapolis venue First Avenue to celebrate the 18th anniversary of The Current, the local public radio station that sponsored the events. Further cementing their ongoing relevance, Semisonic supported Barenaked Ladies on tour from June 2 through June 26, 2023. These live activities highlight the band's sustained presence and popularity in the rock music scene after many years.

Albums

semisonic_1st_album
Great Divide
12 tracks
1996
semisonic_2nd_album
Feeling Strangely Fine
12 tracks
1998
semisonic_3rd_album
All About Chemistry
12 tracks
2001
semisonic_4th_album
Little Bit of Sun
12 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Dan Wilson

N/A

Jacob Slichter

N/A

John Munson

N/A

Story of Semisonic

Semisonic: The Minneapolis Band That Closed Time with a "Secret Smile"

Semisonic, the American rock band hailing from Minneapolis, emerged in 1995 with a sound that quickly captured hearts worldwide. The trio, consisting of Dan Wilson (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), John Munson (bass, keyboards, backing vocals, guitar), and Jacob Slichter (drums, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals), are best known for their 1998 smash hit "Closing Time," a song that resonated across the U.S. and solidified their place in the rock landscape.

Their journey began even earlier, when Wilson and Munson, following the breakup of their previous band Trip Shakespeare, joined forces with drummer Slichter in 1993 to form Pleasure. A self-titled EP under this name was released in 1995 on Boston's CherryDisc label, but the band soon rebranded themselves as Semisonic, releasing their debut album, "Great Divide," on MCA in 1996.

The turning point arrived in 1998 with their second album, "Feeling Strangely Fine," which catapulted them into the mainstream. The album's lead single, "Closing Time," became their signature song, topping the charts in the U.S. and solidifying Semisonic's status as a household name. Wilson later revealed that the song was inspired by the birth of his first child.

Semisonic's international success followed suit. "Secret Smile," another track from "Feeling Strangely Fine," captured the hearts of British audiences, reaching number 12 on the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1999.

The band continued to release music, with their third album, "All About Chemistry," hitting the shelves in 2001. While the single "Chemistry" enjoyed success overseas, the album struggled to replicate the U.S. success of their previous efforts.

Despite this, Semisonic's influence remains strong. "Closing Time" continues to be a beloved anthem, often playing at the end of nights out, while their other hits, like "Singing in My Sleep" and "Secret Smile," still resonate with fans worldwide. The band's legacy is cemented in the annals of rock history, a testament to their enduring songwriting and captivating sound.

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