We The Kings

Published in The Collegian on April 2

If you've ever seen tour videos from We The Kings, you will automatically relate to them and adopt them into your circle of friends. Not only because they are our age but they emit that same quirky, energetic atmosphere that kids who grow up in small towns tend to ignite.

Travis Clark, Hunter Thomsen, Drew Thomsen and Danny Duncan grew up together in the small city of Bradenton, Fla. Moving from little league and recess, the boys eventually formed We The Kings. The band has been labeled as hometown heroes, creating a sort of homage to their hometown. But putting Bradenton on the map isn't the only intent of their "fun and up-lifting" music.

"We just wanted to have people relate to [our music]," said Clark. "We wanted feedback, and so far, the response has been incredible."

Although the band has been together for years, they just recently started skyrocketing into national attention. The guys have signed with S-Curve Records (Fountains of Wayne, Joss Stone), been chosen for MTV's Discover and Download and are headlining sold-out shows on the "Long Hair Don't Care" tour before hitting the road with the Vans Warped Tour this summer.

"We had no idea how great this would be," said Clark. "We weren't hoping to sell out, we just wanted to have a great time. It's wild. It hasn't really hit us yet."

Coming from a smaller town, WTK had to commit themselves to really break into the industry. They started out playing in coffee shops and churches before Internet sites such as myspace.com and purevolume.com really kicked in and helped them boost a fan base.

"It was really tough because there were no venues in or around us, and so we had to travel," said Clark. "But we were still in high school, which made it that much harder."

But starting out small didn't stop the guys from reaching success. Although they've shared the stage with bands such as Madina Lake, Boys Like Girls and All Time Low, they don't put their success up to chance.

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity," said Clark. "If you prepare yourself, then good things will come."

Touring has definitely been a new adventure for the band, but knowing they have support from home keeps their spirits high.

"It's flattering to have so much support," said Clark. "It's awesome to travel and see how the town where you grew up relates to everywhere you go."

We The Kings will travel to the Sokol Underground in Omaha, Neb., on April 12. They will play with Valencia, The Cab, Charlotte Sometimes and Sing It Loud. The show is $8 in advance, $10 at the door and starts at 7:30 pm.