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Band Timeline
1998
Band Formation and Early Years
Smile Empty Soul was formed in 1998 in Santa Clarita, California, by Sean Danielsen (vocals, guitar), Ryan Martin (bass), and Derek Gledhill (drums). The members were attending different high schools in the area and started playing local gigs that helped them build a hometown following. They later moved to perform at the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, seeking greater exposure. Their early demos caught the attention of John Parker of the indie label ThroBack Records, which eventually led to a record deal with the major label Lava Records, marking the start of their professional music career.
2003
Release of Debut Album 'Smile Empty Soul'
On May 27, 2003, Smile Empty Soul released their self-titled debut album. The record was produced by John Lewis Parker and mixed by David J. Holman. It featured notable singles such as 'Bottom of a Bottle,' 'Nowhere Kids,' and 'Silhouettes.' The album captured attention for its raw post-grunge and alternative rock sound, resonating with a broad audience. The debut significantly boosted the band's profile and helped them build a dedicated fan base. The album ultimately achieved commercial success, earning a gold certification in March 2005 with over half a million copies sold.
2005
Lineup Change and Unreleased Album 'Anxiety'
In 2005, the band underwent a significant lineup change when original drummer Derek Gledhill was replaced by Dominic Weir from Flickerstick. During this period, Smile Empty Soul worked on their second album, 'Anxiety.' However, before its completion, the band parted ways with Lava Records due to the label's refusal to release the album. This decision left 'Anxiety' unreleased for several years and created a challenging moment in the band's career, as they faced label issues and uncertainty about their future. The departure of a founding member and the shelving of their new material marked a turbulent phase.
2006
Signing with Bieler Bros. Records and Release of 'Vultures'
On July 13, 2006, Smile Empty Soul signed with independent label Bieler Bros. Records, marking a fresh start after leaving Lava Records. By this time, Dominic Weir had been replaced by drummer Jake Kilmer, and Mike Booth joined as a second guitarist, enhancing the band's sound. On October 24, 2006, they released 'Vultures,' their follow-up album to the debut. The album did not include any tracks from the unreleased 'Anxiety.' The single 'The Hit' was promoted, and the album debuted at number 169 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 5,000 copies sold. The band followed up with a tour alongside The Exies. In late 2007, Mike Booth left the band, and Smile Empty Soul continued as a trio.
2009
Release of 'Consciousness' and 'Anxiety' Digitally
In August 2009, Smile Empty Soul released the album 'Consciousness' after signing with F.O.F./EMI Records. The band had initially finished recording and then returned to the studio to add additional songs. 'Consciousness' included music videos for tracks like 'We're Through' and 'Faker,' further promoting the album. Meanwhile, the long-delayed 'Anxiety' album was finally released digitally on iTunes in November 2009, allowing fans access to the previously unreleased material. Then in March 2010, a special edition titled 'More Anxiety,' which included a bonus DVD, was also released, offering a comprehensive experience of that era's work.
2012
Signing with eOne Music and Release of '3's' Album
Smile Empty Soul signed with eOne Music and on May 22, 2012, released their album '3's,' continuing to build their discography. The album's lead single, 'Afterlife,' was launched in March 2012, showcasing the band's evolving sound. This period also saw frontman Sean Danielsen branching out with a solo EP titled 'Enjoy the Process,' released in April 2013, reflecting his personal musical growth alongside the band's projects. The band's consistent output maintained their presence in the rock scene and engaged their fan base with new material and live performances.
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Story of Smile Empty Soul
Hailing from Santa Clarita, California, Smile Empty Soul burst onto the scene in 1998. The original power trio—Sean Danielsen (vocals, guitar), Ryan Martin (bass), and Derek Gledhill (drums)—forged their sound while navigating the high school circuit. Their raw energy quickly landed them gigs on the legendary Sunset Strip. A demo impressed John Parker of ThroBack Records, ultimately leading to a deal with Jason Flom's Lava Records.
Their self-titled debut album, released May 27, 2003, solidified their place in the rock world. Produced by John Lewis Parker and mixed by David J. Holman, the record spawned three singles: "Bottom of a Bottle," "Nowhere Kids," and "Silhouettes." The album's success was undeniable, achieving gold certification in March 2005 with sales exceeding 500,000 copies. However, lineup changes followed, with Gledhill's departure in 2005 and Martin's in 2017, leaving Danielsen as the sole founding member and the band's creative driving force.
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