We The Kings
Interview by Ally Fisher
We the Kings is a band every millennial is familiar with. True, a majority only know of them from their massive 2008 hit “Check Yes Juliet,” but it’s a song that every 20-something knows. In the time between their commercial success with the platinum-selling single and now, the band has released multiple albums, gone on countless amounts of tours and established a solid fanbase worldwide. So as a thank you for the past decade of loyalty, We the Kings compiled some of their best-selling singles as well as band and fan favorites to release their newest discography addition, So Far.
We got to chat with guitarist/keyboardist Coley O’Toole about the album and the band’s successful reign as one of the most notable bands in the scene.
Forming the band in 2005 but not fully engaging and releasing material until 2007, you guys have been on a non-stop journey ever since with countless tours and albums, thus allowing for the creation of a greatest hits album. Does it feel a bit surreal that you have enough material to create a full fledged “greatest hits” album?
Being able to put out So Far is a pretty awesome testament to the hardworking nature of the band, and it goes to show that without our fans none of this would be possible. With a bunch of albums under our belt, it certainly makes picking songs for the set list harder. There are so many so we love to perform live from various records, and on tours like Warped, we only have 30 minutes to play!
How absolutely crazy has this decade long journey been for you guys?
Insanely awesome would probably be the best way to put it. Maybe all the best memories will end up in a book one day. For now, the fantasy continues.
Can you guys go into a bit of the reasoning behind the creation and decision of So Far?
So Far is for the fans. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for supporting us all these years and allowing us the opportunity to perform these songs all over the world. So much love!
Was there something specific that happened where you all collectively thought, “Yes, this is the perfect time for us to release a greatest hits album?” Or was it just a matter of the large discography you guys have ,you wanted to capture the highest points of it?
We wanted to showcase songs that were fan favorites and band favorites too. It’s a collection that showcases a diverse repertoire that has changed and evolved over the past 10 years.
Your first release of the self-titled We The Kings album gained impressive commercial success and really helped you guys become a widely known name within the millennial generation. How did this fire impact the long-term success of the band? Especially with album releases?
It’s all about the song, and “Check Yes Juliet” did get the ball rolling, but what kept the momentum alive was the writing on the following records and countless tours around the world to promote WTK. The band evolved with every record just as our fan base did. We all share a common love of this music.
With each album you guys have released, there have been countless hits such as the notorious “Check Yes Juliet,” but also “Friday is Forever” and “She Takes Me High” to name a few. But there are also other We The Kings songs that have had quite a bit of success such as “Promise the Stars” and “I Like It.” What factored into song selection for So Far?
We picked songs that were fan favorites through the years and songs we personally loved. Although there are more songs I think should be on there, it’s a good representation of the band so far.
Are there songs on So Far that really mean a lot to you guys and were no-brainer selections?
Honestly, every song on So Far has a meaning and a reasoning behind it. The obvious hits were no-brainier selections, but some really great songs didn’t make the cut because of the growing catalogue.
Would you say that releasing a greatest hits album has been a major ‘highlight’ in your career so far?
It’s a great achievement. We are very humbled and honored to have this opportunity. It’s another one for the record books as we continue this journey.
Arguably, artists release greatest hits albums at the time of breaks or hiatuses. Do you guys have anything planned for after So Far? Or will this be it for a while?
We are always writing and thinking of our next move. There’s still so much to accomplish as a band and creators. No breaks yet cause we’re having too much fun.
Catch We The Kings all summer long on the Vans Warped Tour!
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