We The Kings

We the Kings: The Pop-Punk Powerhouses from Florida

Hailing from Bradenton, Florida, We the Kings burst onto the American rock scene in 2005, quickly becoming a fixture in the pop-punk and emo-pop landscape. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2007, was a monumental success, propelled by the breakthrough platinum single "Check Yes Juliet." This iconic track solidified their place, selling over 250,000 copies in the US and becoming a fan favorite anthem.

The momentum continued with their 2009 sophomore effort, Smile Kid, which spawned Top 40 singles like the infectious "Heaven Can Wait" and the unforgettable collaboration "We`ll Be a Dream" featuring pop sensation Demi Lovato. The album also delivered the memorable single "She Takes Me High."

In 2011, We the Kings unveiled their third album, Sunshine State of Mind. This release showcased their innovative spirit, earning an MTV Video Music Award for Most Innovative Music Video of the Year for their groundbreaking interactive clip accompanying the song "Say You Like Me." Following this success, the band embarked on an extensive worldwide tour alongside Canadian pop-punk stalwarts Simple Plan, further cementing their global reach. They also dominated stages across the US as a main stage headliner on the legendary Vans Warped Tour, a pivotal platform for the genre.

Their fourth studio album, Somewhere Somehow, dropped in late 2013, featuring standout singles such as "Just Keep Breathing," "Find You There," "Any Other Way," and "Art of War." Two years later, on November 20, 2015, the band released their fifth full-length effort, Strange Love, highlighted by the compelling single "Runaway," demonstrating their consistent output and evolving sound within the alternative rock sphere.

History

Formation & Early Days (2005–2008)

The genesis of We the Kings is a classic tale of high school friends making music. Childhood pals Travis Clark (singer/guitarist), Hunter Thomsen (guitarist), his brother Drew Thomsen (bassist), and Danny Duncan (drummer) united their talents while attending high school in Bradenton, Florida. Before adopting the now-famous moniker, the aspiring musicians initially performed under the name Broken Image. The band`s distinctive name, "We the Kings," is a charming nod to their middle school alma mater, Martha B. King Middle School, adding a unique personal touch to their origin story.