Smith Westerns

Smith Westerns were an American indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois, United States, composed of brothers Cullen and Cameron Omori as well as Max Kakacek, Julien Ehrlich and Hal James.[1] Their musical influences include David Bowie, T. Rex[2] and Oasis.[3]

Smith Westerns
Smith Westerns performing at Belly Up Aspen in 2011.
Background information
OriginChicago, Illinois, United States
Genres
Years active2007–2014
Labels
Associated actsWhitney, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Foxygen
Websitewww.smithwesternsmusic.com
Past membersCullen Omori
Cameron Omori
Max Kakacek
Julien Ehrlich
Hal James

History

Smith Westerns (2009)

Their self-titled debut album was released on HoZac Records on June 5, 2009.[4] Most of the album was recorded throughout the winter and early spring in Max Kakacek's basement.[1]

Dye It Blonde (2011)

They released a new single, "Weekend", on November 4, 2010, from their album Dye It Blonde, which was released on January 18, 2011.[5]

Soft Will (2013)

The band signed to Mom + Pop Music on March 5, 2013,[6] and released Soft Will on June 25, 2013, following up from their 2011 LP, Dye It Blonde. The first single off the album, "Varsity," was released March 6, 2013.[7] The album has received mostly positive reviews upon release.

Later work and breakup

On December 13, 2014, the band announced that they would go on an indefinite hiatus.[8] They later confirmed that they were permanently breaking up.[9]

Since the breakup, Cullen Omori began a solo career, signing to Sub Pop Records,[10] while Max Kakacek, Julien Ehrlich, and touring keyboardist Ziyad Asrar formed the band Whitney.[11]

Discography

Studio albums
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[12]		 US Indie
[13]		 US
Alt
[14]		 US Rock
[15]		 US Heat
[16]
Smith Westerns — — — — —
Dye It Blonde
  • Release date: January 18, 2011
  • Label: Fat Possum Records
  • Formats: CD, music download, vinyl
 114 18 20 29 1
Soft Will 194 — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles
Year Single Album
2010 "Weekend" Dye It Blonde
2013 "Varsity" Soft Will

References
  1. Mehr, Bob. "Big Kids | Music Column". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  2. "Rising: Smith Westerns". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  3. "Smith Westerns Talk Their New Brit Pop Influenced LP". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  4. "Smith Westerns LP Out Now on HoZac - MySpace-blog | van The Smith Westerns". Blogs.myspace.com. 2009-10-16. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  5. "Pitchfork: The Playlist: Smith Westerns - "Weekend"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2013-07-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. Minsker, Evan (6 March 2013). "Smith Westerns Announce New Album Soft Will, Share New Track "Varsity"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
  8. Beauchemin, Molly. "Smith Westerns Announce Indefinite Hiatus". Pitchfork.com. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  9. "Smith Westerns Confirm Breakup - Pitchfork". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  10. "Smith Westerns' Cullen Omori Details Debut Solo Album New Misery, Shares "Cinnamon" Video - Pitchfork". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  11. "Members of Smith Westerns, Touching Voids form Whitney, share 'No Matter Where You Go'". Diy.mag. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  12. "Smith Westerns Album & Song Chart History - Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  13. "Smith Westerns Album & Song Chart History - Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  14. "Smith Westerns Album & Song Chart History - Alternative Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  15. "Smith Westerns Album & Song Chart History - Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  16. "Smith Westerns Album & Song Chart History - Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
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