We the Kings: A Chronological History and Analysis

We the Kings is an American rock band from Bradenton, Florida, whose sound has become a staple in the pop-punk and power-pop genres. Since their formation in the mid-2000s, the band has cultivated a dedicated international fanbase through infectious melodies, relatable lyrics, and a consistent touring presence. Their journey from high school friends to platinum-selling artists is a definitive chapter in the story of 21st-century alternative rock, and their music remains a celebrated part of events like the Pittsburgh Emo Night.

Formation and Early Era

The origins of We the Kings are deeply rooted in the friendships of its founding members. Their initial efforts laid the groundwork for a sound that would soon capture the attention of a generation of music fans, blending the energy of punk with the accessibility of pop.

Origins and Formation

We the Kings was formed in 2005 by a group of childhood friends attending high school in Bradenton, Florida. The original lineup consisted of Travis Clark (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar, backing vocals), his brother Drew Thomsen (bass guitar), and Danny Duncan (drums). Their shared passion for the burgeoning pop-punk and emo scenes of the era, dominated by bands like Blink-182 and New Found Glory, directly influenced their musical direction. The band’s name itself is a nod to their shared history, derived from the name of their middle school, Martha B. King Middle School. Before solidifying their identity, they briefly performed under the name Broken Image. From their inception, the members displayed a strong work ethic, saving money from part-time jobs to fund their initial online presence on PureVolume, a popular music discovery platform at the time. This early investment in digital promotion proved crucial, allowing them to build a grassroots following beyond their local Florida scene and eventually connect with their first manager, Bret Disend, who recognized their potential.

Early Discography

The band’s early work culminated in their self-titled debut album, We the Kings, released on October 2, 2007, via S-Curve Records. Produced by Sam Hollander and mixed by Lou Giordano—both known for their work with prominent emo and pop-punk acts—the album was a polished and immediately accessible collection of songs. It was led by the single “Check Yes Juliet,” a modern-day rock retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The song’s catchy chorus and narrative-driven music video resonated powerfully with the MTV and internet-savvy youth culture of the late 2000s. “Check Yes Juliet” became their breakout hit, achieving Platinum certification from the RIAA and peaking at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable tracks from the album, such as “Secret Valentine” and “Skyway Avenue,” further solidified their signature sound: a blend of earnest, romantic lyricism with upbeat, guitar-driven power-pop. The album itself peaked at number 151 on the Billboard 200, but its legacy was defined by its sustained popularity and its role in establishing We the Kings as a significant new voice in the alternative rock landscape.

The Mainstream Breakthrough

Building on the momentum of their debut, We the Kings entered a period of significant commercial and critical growth. This era saw the band become a consistent presence on the charts, on tour, and in the hearts of fans attending events from major festivals to local gatherings like the Pittsburgh Emo Night.

Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes

The band’s sophomore album, Smile Kid, released on December 8, 2009, marked their definitive mainstream breakthrough. The album saw the band refine their sound, incorporating more polished production while retaining the youthful energy that defined their debut. The lead single, “Heaven Can Wait,” performed well, but it was the second single, “We’ll Be a Dream,” featuring guest vocals from pop superstar Demi Lovato, that propelled the band to new heights. The collaboration was a strategic success, introducing We the Kings to a broader pop audience and securing significant radio airplay. The song became a Top 40 hit, further cementing their place in the mainstream.

Their third album, Sunshine State of Mind (2011), continued this trajectory. It paid homage to their Florida roots with anthemic tracks like “Friday Is Forever” and “Say You Like Me,” the latter of which earned them an MTV Video Music Award. It was during the touring cycle for this album that the band experienced its first significant lineup change. In 2011, founding bassist Drew Thomsen departed from the group. He was soon replaced by Charles Trippy, a musician and popular YouTube vlogger, whose existing online presence brought a new dynamic to the band. Around the same time, Coley O’Toole, who had been a touring member, officially joined on keyboards, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals, expanding their sonic palette.

Achieving Critical and Commercial Success

The period between 2009 and 2012 was defined by relentless touring and consistent chart performance. Smile Kid debuted at number 112 on the Billboard 200 but its singles gave it a long life. Sunshine State of Mind reached number 45 on the same chart, demonstrating their growing and loyal fanbase. Their success was amplified by their presence on the Vans Warped Tour, a rite of passage for any band in the pop-punk and emo scenes. Their energetic live shows and fan-friendly demeanor made them a popular draw. The band’s music became synonymous with the optimistic, sun-drenched side of the pop-punk genre, providing a counterpoint to some of the darker themes prevalent in emo. This widespread appeal is a key reason why their hits are still celebrated at every Pittsburgh Emo Night, as they represent a core part of the era’s soundtrack.

Musical Evolution and Key Events

As the musical landscape shifted, so did We the Kings. The band navigated the evolving industry by embracing new methods of releasing music and continuing to adapt their sound, all while dealing with the natural evolution that comes with a long-running career.

Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts

Entering their next phase, We the Kings took a bold step toward independence. Their fourth studio album, Somewhere Somehow (2013), was funded largely through a campaign on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. This move allowed them complete creative control and demonstrated the strength of their direct relationship with their fanbase. The album featured a more diverse sound, incorporating electronic elements and showcasing a more mature songwriting perspective on tracks like “Just Keep Breathing,” an anthem about perseverance. The album was a commercial success for an independent release, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard 200.

They followed this with Strange Love in 2015, which continued their exploration of different sonic textures, blending their core pop-punk style with synth-pop and alternative rock influences. Their sixth studio album, titled simply Six (2018), was another fan-funded project that felt like a return to form for many listeners, with tracks like “On My Love” and “Even If It Kills Me” echoing the heartfelt, anthemic qualities of their early work while reflecting their growth as musicians.

Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures

While the band has never officially gone on hiatus, they have navigated further lineup changes. The most significant recent departure came in February 2024, when founding drummer Danny Duncan announced he was parting ways with the band after nearly two decades. In his statement, he referred to his bandmates as “brothers” and expressed gratitude to the fans, signaling an amicable split. This left Travis Clark and Hunter Thomsen as the remaining original members still active in the lineup. Despite these changes, the core of We the Kings has remained resilient, continuing to tour and release music with Charles Trippy and Coley O’Toole as integral members, ensuring the band’s legacy and music continue for their dedicated audience.

Modern Era

In recent years, We the Kings has embraced their status as veteran artists in the pop-punk scene. They continue to engage with their audience through new music, nostalgic tours, and a strong digital presence, proving their enduring relevance.

Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity

Since the release of Six, We the Kings has focused on releasing singles and EPs, a strategy that aligns with modern music consumption habits. They’ve released a steady stream of new material, including “When We Were Young” (2022) and “Everything Else Can Wait” (2023), songs that showcase their ability to craft catchy, emotionally resonant pop-rock. In 2021, they also released Self Titled Nostalgia, which featured re-recordings and acoustic versions of tracks from their debut album, celebrating its legacy. The band remains an active touring entity, frequently performing on festival circuits and headlining tours that celebrate their extensive catalog. Their continued activity and new releases ensure that they not only appeal to longtime fans but also connect with a new generation of listeners discovering the pop-punk and emo genres.

Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene

The legacy of We the Kings is measured not only by their album sales but by their influence on the sound of modern pop-rock and their lasting connection to the culture that embraced them from the start.

Influence on Their Primary Genres

We the Kings emerged during a peak era for pop-punk and emo pop, and they played a significant role in shaping the more melodic, radio-friendly side of those genres. Their emphasis on strong vocal harmonies, major-key anthems, and sincere, often romantic, lyrical themes provided an accessible entry point for countless fans. Along with contemporaries like All Time Low and Boys Like Girls, they helped define a wave of power-pop that dominated alternative rock radio in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Their influence can be heard in the many bands that followed, who adopted a similar formula of blending high-energy rock instrumentation with polished, pop-centric production. They proved that a band could maintain its rock identity while achieving mainstream success.

Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh

The enduring popularity of bands like We the Kings is vividly on display at events such as the Pittsburgh Emo Night. These nights serve as a celebration of the music and culture of the 2000s emo and pop-punk explosion. For attendees, hearing a song like “Check Yes Juliet” is not just a throwback; it is an immediate transport back to a specific time and feeling. The band’s music, with its themes of youth, love, and optimism, perfectly captures the spirit that these nostalgia events aim to recreate. As one of the key bands of that era, the inclusion of We the Kings is essential for an authentic experience, making them a cornerstone of any playlist curated for a successful Pittsburgh Emo Night.

Frequently Asked Questions About We the Kings

What was We the Kings’ debut album?

The debut album from We the Kings is their self-titled album, We the Kings, which was released on October 2, 2007. It features their platinum-selling single, “Check Yes Juliet.”

Who are the original members of We the Kings?

The original members of We the Kings were Travis Clark (lead vocals, guitar), Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar), Drew Thomsen (bass), and Danny Duncan (drums).

What are the primary musical genres associated with We the Kings?

We the Kings’ music is most commonly classified as pop-punk, power-pop, and alternative rock. Their sound often incorporates elements of emo pop, particularly in their earlier work.

What is the band’s most commercially successful song?

The band’s most commercially successful song is “Check Yes Juliet.” It was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the United States and remains their signature track.

Has We the Kings ever gone on hiatus?

No, We the Kings has never officially announced a hiatus. Despite several lineup changes over the years, the band has consistently toured and released new music since their formation in 2005.

Who are the current members of We the Kings?

As of 2024, the current members are Travis Clark (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Hunter Thomsen (lead guitar), Charles Trippy (bass), and Coley O’Toole (keyboards, rhythm guitar).