Formed in 1994 in Montreal, Quebec, the Smashers’s infectious pop infused melodies, rippin’ horn licks and killer live shows, quickly established them as the city’s “Kings of Ska”. They released their first album (“Self-Titled”) on Planet Smasher’s founder Matt Collyer’s own label STOMP Records and hit the road. By 1997 they were no longer a local band, but a national phenomenon, headlining shows across Canada and pushing their second record, “Atttack of The Planet Smashers” which reached #2 on the national college radio charts for 2 months straight. Their third album “Life of The Party” took the continent by storm, aided no doubt by the commercialization of ska by such bands as Mighty Mighty Bosstones and No Doubt. “Life of the Party”, The Planet Smashers won the Montreal Independent Music Award for best ska band and drew attention from major labels, bands, publishers and booking agents all over the world.
Although the band received much commercial attention during the ska wave, they decided to continue down the independent road with STOMP Records. Their fourth release, “No Self Control” was produced by Steven Drake (Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, The Odds etc.) and was also well received by national college radio and spawned hit videos such as the animated “Blind” and the tongue in cheek “Wish I Were American”. "No Self Control" was also the band's first internationally released record and reached #14 on the Tower retail sales charts in Japan!
“Mighty”, the Planet Smashers’ fifth full length for STOMP Records is chock full of summertime party songs that'll get your ass into party gear. “Mighty” was produced/engineered by Rod Shearer (Bran Van 3000, Bionic, Corey Hart) and co-produced by The Planet Smashers (not to mention mixed on the same board as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”!) Having moved past the dark and critical themes of “No Self Control”, “Mighty” is a fun and positive record that provides the perfect soundtrack to any summer BBQ.
In 2004, STOMP Records produced a commemorative DVD entitled "Ten" featuring the last 10 years of the band. The DVD includes live footage from various shows from as early as 1994 and as recent as 2003 as well as 12 videos, 24 episodes of the Japanese animated series "Catman" (soundtrack by the Smashers), and a slew of stunts and shenanigans. Also in 2004, the Planet Smashers coincidentally did a month on the 10th year anniversary of the Vans Warped Tour.
The band returned to the studio in 2005 to record their 6th album “Unstoppable”, and marked the return of long time producer-friend Chris Murray (“Attack of the...” and “Life of the Party”). "Unstoppable" features guest appearances from Jay Malinowski of Bedouin Soundclash and Liam O’Neil of the Stills. After the album’s release in May 2005, the Smashers hit the road for over a year of non-stop touring throughout North America and Europe, including yet another appearance on the Vans Warped Tour, two runs on the Ska Is Dead Tour, and even an attempt to branch out opening up for Simple Plan's Canadian arena tour.
In terms of touring, not many indie Canadian bands come close. They have headlined countless tours in North America, 8 European tours, been included on 5 Vans Warped Tour as well as a Japanese tour in 2002. They have toured with such acts as AFI, GOB, Satanic Surfers, Sick of it All, Death By Stereo, Mustard Plug, Samiam, The Aquabats, Rancid, Guttermouth, Catch 22, and countless others. Now in their 12th year and having sold over 150,000 copies worldwide, the Planet Smashers are heading back to the UK in December 2006 to headline the “Ska Is Dead UK Tour” with Mustard Plug and Bomb the Music Industry.
Videos
• Surfing In Tofino (Watch) - 1999, From "Life of the Party" • Hey Hey - From No Self Control • Super Orgy Porno Party - 1999, From Life of the Party • Too Much Attitude - 1999, From Life of the Party • Change - 1998, From Attack of the Planet Smashers • My Decision - 1997, From Attack of the Planet Smashers • Mission Aborted - 1995, From Planet Smashers • Blind (Watch) - From No Self Control 2001 • Raise Your Glass (Watch) - From Unstoppable in stores May 17th! • Bullets To The Ground (Watch)
Unstoppable CD, 2005 Stomp
TEN DVD 2004 PS
Mighty CD, 2003 STOMP
Planet Smashers Toque Toque, 2003 Stomp Records
No Self Control CD, 2001 STOMP
Smash Hits CD, 1999 NoCo Records, Europe only
Life of the Party CD, 1999 STOMP
Attack of the Planet Smashers CD, 1997 STOMP
Attack Of The Planet Smashers LP, 1997 STOMP
Inflate to 45 RPM 7" Single, 1996 Jump Start Records
