Smile (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Michael Rosas, Aaron Sonnenberg |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Southern California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Smile was a rock ensemble originating from the United States.
20 Year Reunion Shows
In February 2013, Scott Reeder, Michael Rosas, Aaron Sonnenberg, and Matt Fletcher came together again for a trio of performances across Southern California venues:
- The Casbah - San Diego, California
- Port Of Sound Record Shoppe - Costa Mesa, California
- The Troubadour - West Hollywood, California
Later, in January 2014, Reeder, Rosas, and Sonnenberg reunited once more to celebrate The Casbah's 25th Anniversary with a special show.
Background
Smile was formed in 1992 by Michael Rosas and Aaron Sonnenberg while they were students at Woodbridge High School. They completed their lineup by adding drummer Scott Reeder, whom they found through an advertisement in The Recycler. This original trio remained consistent for seven years. Their musical style fused aspects of grunge with psychedelic rock influences. After gaining attention with their debut Maquee, they followed up with their second album titled Resin.
Their sound has been characterized as intense rock driven by abrasive guitar work and impassioned vocals, drawing inspiration from groups such as The Kinks, The Melvins, early era Pink Floyd, and The Seeds. In 1994, Smile secured contracts with both San Diego’s Headhunter Records and Atlantic Records; however, due to artistic disagreements, they ended their association with Atlantic during the production of their sophomore album, continuing solely with Headhunter. Bassist Aaron Sonnenberg departed in 1998 and was succeeded by Bob Thomson. Keyboardist Matt Fletcher joined the band in 1999. Drummer Scott Reeder left in 2001 to become part of Fu Manchu, with James Fletcher taking over drum duties. The group ultimately dissolved in 2003 following Michael Rosas’s exit.
Maquee
Originally released by Headhunter Records in September 1994, Maquee was re-released by Atlantic on July 18, 1995. The album’s lead track, "Staring at the Sun," gained airplay on radio stations and appeared on the College Music Journal Metal chart in November 1995. After launching this album, Smile toured alongside the band Inch.
Girl Crushes Boy
Their subsequent album, Girl Crushes Boy, was issued on November 24, 1998, through a collaboration between Cargo and Headhunter.
Members
- Michael Rosas – lead vocals, guitar, percussion, keyboards (1992–2003)
- Scott Reeder – drums, backing vocals, percussion, occasional lead vocals (1992–1999)
- Aaron Sonnenberg – bass guitar, backing vocals (1992–1998)
- James Fletcher – drums (2001–2003)
- Matt Fletcher – keyboards, backing vocals (1999–2003)
- Bob Thomson – bass guitar (1998–2003)
Discography
- 1993 DEMOS EP (2018)
- 5 Song Demo EP (2001)
- Girl Crushes Boy (1998)
- Masterlocks + 3 EP (1996)
- Sleepover EP (1996)
- Maquee (1995)
- Resin EP (1993)
- Bus Vol. 1 EP (1992)