Smile Empty Soul is an American rock band, originally from Santa Clarita, California, United States. It was started in 1998 by Sean Danielsen (vocals and guitar), Ryan Martin (bass), and Derek Gledhill (drums). Following the departure of Gledhill and Martin from the band in 2005 and 2017, respectively, Danielsen remains the only founding member still active as well as the band's primary songwriter, frontman, and leader. History Beginnings (1998–2003) Smile Empty Soul formed in 1998, while its original members were attending different high schools in the Santa Clarita area. The band, originally a three-piece group, consisted of vocalist and guitarist Sean Danielsen, bassist Ryan Martin and drummer Derek Gledhill. After playing numerous hometown gigs, Smile Empty Soul ventured to the Sunset Strip, and later gave a demo to John Parker of Los Angeles indie label, ThroBack Records, which led later on to a record deal with Jason Flom's Lava Records. Self-titled debut album (2003–2005) On May 27, 2003, the band released their self-titled debut album Smile Empty Soul. The album was produced by John Lewis Parker, and mixed by David J. Holman. Three singles, "Bottom of a Bottle", "Nowhere Kids" and "Silhouettes", were released via the recording. In March 2005, the album was certified gold with sales in excess of 500,000+. Anxiety (2005–2006) In 2005, before the recording of their second album Anxiety was finished, drummer Derek Gledhill was replaced by Flickerstick percussionist Dominic Weir. Their album Anxiety was not released (at that time) due to the band parting ways with Lava Records after the company refused to release their record. On July 13, 2006, Smile Empty Soul signed with independent label, Bieler Bros. Records. At this point, drummer Dominic Weir had been replaced by Jake Kilmer, and Mike Booth (ex-Cold) was added as a second guitarist. Vultures (2006–2009) On October 24, 2006, the band released Vultures, the official follow-up to their 2003 debut Smile Empty Soul. The album doesn't feature any songs from the unreleased Anxiety. The first single released was the song "The Hit". Vultures debuted at No. 169 on the Billboard 200 album charts with just over 5,000 copies sold. The band then embarked on a tour with The Exies. In late April 2007, the band parted ways with Mike Booth, which was a mutual split. The band has yet to replace him, and has continued on as a 3-piece. The trio began recording their new record