In 2005, if you had asked Travis Clark, Hunter and Drew Thomsen and Danny Duncan where they would be in ten years, they probably would not have been able to predict the successful musical career they have had. With four records, three extended plays and numerous tours under their belt, pop punk band We the Kings has acquired a quiet yet dedicated fan base and several smash hits.
The band released their debut self-titled album in 2007, hitting number 3 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers chart and 151 on the Billboard 200. The album’s 2nd single, Check Yes Juliet, is their biggest hit to date and also their biggest hit on Billboard charts. They have even recorded with Demi Lovato in 2010 and had their song “Blood Brothers” featured in an episode of CW hit The Vampire Diaries.
Despite all this success, while their home in their native Florida, they are just five normal guys. Lead singer Travis Clark is getting married in December and Coley O’Toole, keyboardist for the band since 2011, is expecting a baby with his wife. Clark said, “besides working out, going to the movies, going to get drinks with friends, date nights and other ‘normal’ things is what we’re into!”
The band is extremely down to earth, meeting outside after every show to meet, talk and take pictures with fans. When asked if being humble was important, Clark said, “…we decided early on that we never wanted to forget who we are and that we always wanted to maintain being humble no matter what success came our way.” After saying some of his idols were “completely arrogant” in person. The band was nothing close to arrogant from the beginning of the show to the tiny meet-and-greet afterwards.
The crowd was amped and energetic on Friday night. There was a line outside with students waiting for doors to open as early as 6 even though the Activities Program Board (who were in charge of the show) did not open doors until 7 pm. The band did not come on stage until 8 and everyone was eager as the time ticked away.
The five band members were all smiles and waves as they took the stage, playing to a small crowd in the CUB multipurpose room. They shared song inspirations and funny stories with the crowd, even singing happy birthday to a young fan in the front row who traveled from a neighboring town to see them.
While the concert only lasted an hour, Clark told fans he wanted to “meet all of you and lick your faces” which caused an eruption of cheers from the crowd. It was awhile before they emerged from the cub, equipment and baggage in hand, but were excited to talk to and take pictures with the small crowd grouped outside.
The band played all of their hits, as well some of their lesser known songs. The crowd went completely wild when they closed with hit ‘Check Yes Juliet’ after covering songs by Jason Mraz and Jimmy Eat World.
It was at a Jimmy Eat World concert, with guests Green Day and Blink-182, that Travis Clark decided with best friend Hunter Thomsen that he wanted to start a band. “We really just wanted girlfriends to be honest…I wanted to be the first ginger to get a girlfriend.” Clark told the crowd, getting laughter and cheers in response.
The band is likely to take a break from touring and recording, with Clark and O’Toole’s impending family changes along with just recently returning from Japan in late September.
Clark ended with some friendly advice for aspiring musicians. “I’ll give you the same advice my dad gave me, ‘Figure out what your idea of success is and chase it. If it’s girls, money, cars, or fame, then go for that and don’t stop until you have it. But if you’re anything like me and success is about being able to do what you love with people you love, not being worried about it ‘will I make it?’ or ‘what do I need to do?’…just put one foot in front of the other and let everything fall into place. If it’s meant to be, than let it be.”
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