Default
Default is a Canadian alternative rock band formed in 1999 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The group emerged from the local music scene, originally named Fallout, and features a sound influenced by post-grunge, heavy metal, and hard rock. The band gained traction with their debut album, *The Fallout*, which included the hit single "Deny," leading to significant airplay and recognition in the Canadian music industry. They achieved mainstream success, earning a Juno Award for Best New Group in 2002 and having their first album certified platinum in both Canada and the United States.
Default's follow-up album, *Elocation*, further solidified their presence with popular tracks like "Taking My Life Away." Despite facing challenges, including the bankruptcy of their record label in 2008, the band continued to release music, such as their fourth album, *Comes and Goes*. In 2012, lead vocalist Dallas Smith pursued a solo career in country music, and the band briefly disbanded the following year. However, Default reunited in 2018, continuing to engage with their fanbase through tours with notable bands like Seether and Stone Temple Pilots.
Default
Musical group
Dallas Smith
- Born: December 4, 1977
- Place of Birth: Langley, British Columbia
Jeremy Hora
- Place of Birth: Langley, British Columbia
Danny Craig
- Place of Birth: Langley, British Columbia
Dave Benedict
- Place of Birth: Langley, British Columbia
- Dallas Smith
- Singer and guitarist
- Danny Craig
- Drummer
- Dave Benedict
- Bassist
- Jeremy Hora
- Guitarist
Dallas Smith
Occupation: Singer and guitarist
Jeremy Hora
Occupation: Guitarist
Dave Benedict
Occupation: Bassist
Danny Craig
Occupation: Drummer
Contribution: Default is a Canadian alternative rock band that originated in 1999 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The band’s music features post-grunge, heavy metal, and hard rock influences.
Early Career
In 1999 Jeremy Hora and Danny Craig decided to assemble a band. Both men had made names for themselves in the local Vancouver music scene and were ready to take their talent to a larger stage. They set out to find a vocalist with a distinct, powerful voice who could capture the essence of what they envisioned their band to be.
Even though Dallas Smith had been one of Hora’s high school acquaintances, Hora and Craig were leery of giving Smith a chance as lead singer; he had little experience on stage and Hora and Craig were unaware of Smith’s vocal talent. After an audition that impressed both Hora and Craig, Smith joined the group as lead vocalist.
The band’s demo tape caught the attention of Chad Kroeger, singer and guitarist with the group Nickelback. Kroeger decided to work with the upstart band—then named Fallout—and he and the band devoted many long hours to studio sessions preparing a full-length album. As the album came together, Default toured the local music scene and gained more experience playing together onstage. When their first album was completed, the band members officially changed the name of their band to Default.
In 2000 the completed album, The Fallout, competed in a contest for local bands, which was sponsored by a Vancouver radio station. The first single, “Deny,” garnered a significant following and brought the band to the attention of music industry executives. Default eventually signed with TVT Records.
Mainstream Success
After signing with TVT, Dave Benedict joined Default as the group’s bassist.
The songs “Deny” and “Wasting My Time” received heavy airplay throughout Canada and ensured the group’s success. Default received the 2002 Juno Award for Best New Group as well as a nomination for the Billboard awards. In 2003, its first album was certified platinum in both Canada and the United States, selling over a million copies. The band’s popularity also earned it an appearance with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show.
Default followed the success of The Fallout with the album Elocation. The song “Taking My Life Away” was a standout hit and received worldwide acclaim. Other hits off the album included “Throw It All Away” and “All She Wrote.” In 2005, Elocation won the Juno Award for Best Rock Album. During this time, after the release of its second album, the band toured for about two years.
In 2006 Default released its third studio album, One Thing Remains. The single “Count on Me” reached the number-one spot on the Canadian music charts. Another song from the album, “The Memory Will Never Die,” was selected as a theme song for a popular WrestleMania event. In 2008, the band’s label, TVT Records, declared bankruptcy, and the band had to work through unresolved legal and business matters themselves.
In 2009, after dealing with the demise of its label, Default released its fourth album, Comes and Goes. The singles “All Over Me” and “Turn It On” debuted on the Canadian charts at slots two and four, respectively.
In 2012, singer Dallas Smith took a new musical direction and released a solo album of country music called Jumped Right In, on 604 Records. The following year, the band announced that they had broken up. They reunited in 2018, touring alongside Seether and Stone Temple Pilots.
Bibliography
“Default Biography.” Sing365.com. Sing365.com, n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
“Default Discography.” CanadianBands.com. Dave Brisebois, n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
Gathercole, Miranda. “Dallas Smith Has Gone Country.” Langley Times. Black Press Digital, 27 May 2013. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
Huey, Steve. “Default.” AllMusic. Rovi, n.d. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.
Murray, Joshua. "Default Reunites for Cross Canada Tour with Stone Temple Pilots & Seether." The Reviews Are In, 4 Sept. 2018, thereviewsarein.com/2018/09/04/default-reunites-for-cross-canada-tour-with-stone-temple-pilots-seether/. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.
Sciarretto, Amy. “Default, Comes and Goes—New Album.” Noisecreep. Townsquare Media, 11 Oct. 2010. Web. 7 Aug. 2013.