February 21st 2024
I need to update this more often, eh?
November 5th 2020
Here are a couple brand spanking new music videos from 'The Greatest Depression' to help cure those winter/covid blues!
July 18th 2020
July 15th 2020
Help me feed my cats! One of a kind direct-to-vinyl for the Leesta Vall Sound Recordings Shut In Sessions. 4 songs to choose from! Dedicated personally to you. Comes to $50 CAD after shipping/exchange for Canadian pals and $31 USD after shipping for American pals. Once again please help me feed my cats <3
https://leestavall.com/products/shut-in-thesmilecase
https://leestavall.com/products/shut-in-thesmilecase
May 23rd 2020
Ben of The Smile Case is doing an artist live stream takeover of the G7th Capo Company Facebook page with song & stories on May 29th 2020
Self isolation is boring! However doing an artist live stream takeover of the G7th Capo Company Facebook page isn't! Ben of The Smile Case has been exclusively using G7th guitar capos for just about the past decade and can't wait to play some songs & tell some stories on May 29th 2020 at 2pm EST / 7pm GMT+1
Donations accepted and proceeds will be donated to a local homeless shelter/outreach centre.
It all goes down here: https://www.facebook.com/G7thTheCapoCompany/
Self isolation is boring! However doing an artist live stream takeover of the G7th Capo Company Facebook page isn't! Ben of The Smile Case has been exclusively using G7th guitar capos for just about the past decade and can't wait to play some songs & tell some stories on May 29th 2020 at 2pm EST / 7pm GMT+1
Donations accepted and proceeds will be donated to a local homeless shelter/outreach centre.
It all goes down here: https://www.facebook.com/G7thTheCapoCompany/
May 1st 2020
SURPRISE! The Smile Case close up their Central Nervous System Trilogy with a third and final surprise album drop titled 'The Greatest Depression'
for the next 24 hours Bandcamp will be waiving their revenue share which means 100% of sales go directly to the artist. help me buy some new shoes? or a poutine? or diapers for my babies? $5 for the new album. Pay What You Can for most the other or get the whole discography for $20. Love for everyone to get a little generous on May 1st <3 |
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February 19th 2020
new single THE LOOK ALL OVER available on all streaming platforms now :)
January 6th 2020
I'm still alive. I'm still Amused. I'm still not a muse. close your eyes and when you open them next week we will have some new shows......
in the meantime give our new album a spin here
in the meantime give our new album a spin here
November 29th 2019
Surprise! Just dropped a new album called AMUSED/NOT A MUSE. Put on your headphone and swim with us <3
September 8th 2019
upcoming shows
July 24th 2019
Playing a show in Buffalo soon with Bay Faction. Stoked, you?
April 6th 2019
THE SMILE CASE - MURDER WEATHER PR CYCLE
December 1st 2018
http://www.musiclifemagazine.net/new-music-the-smile-case-releases-kim-mitchells-patio-lanterns-featuring-killjoys-mike-trebilcock-new-album-out-feb-22-2019/
December 4th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ocean.factore.ca/shows/34
December 7th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CHRW 94.9 FM London, Ontario, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/incorrectthoughts/
December 8th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CIUT 89.5 FM Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/music-shows/brightside/
December 9th 2018
‘Kim MItchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CRNC 90.1 FM Welland, Ontario, Canada
https://www.fishfm.ca/
December 13th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ca/shows/8-for-your-pleasure
December 27th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CKMS 102.7 FM Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
https://radiowaterloo.ca/author/blue-sky-radio/
December 28th 2018
'Pill Sick’ airplay on CJSF 90.1 FM Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/radradio/
January 7th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ca/episodes/12590-listen-closely-episode-for-2019-01-07
January 8th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ ‘Lifetimes’ airplay & interview on CHOU 89.1 FM Ottawa, Ont.
http://www.thealbumdrop.ca
January 9th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ ‘Lifetimes’ airplay & interview on CKDJ 107.9 FM Nepean, Ont.
http://www.thealbumdrop.ca
January 12th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ and ‘Two Feet & A Heartbeat’ airplay
live in-studio performance of ‘Drag’ and 'Dissonant’ & interview on CIUT 89.5 Fm Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/music-shows/house-of-whos/
January 14th 2019
Murder Weather album review
https://www.screamsmedia.com/blog/the-smile-case-murder-weather-album-review
January 17th 2019
‘Dissonant’ Music Video Premiere
https://www.altrevue.com/single-post/2019/01/17/Music-Video-Premiere-Smile-Case---Dissonant
January 27th 2019
Interview and performance of ‘Drag’ on The Butch Haller Show London, ON, Canada
https://www.butchhaller.com/single-post/2019/01/27/The-Butch-Haller-Show-Episode-4-has-arrived
January 28th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/ThisMicrophoneSmells/
February 1st 2019
‘Half A Day Away’ airplay on CHRW 94.9 FM London, Ontario, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/incorrectthoughts/
February 6th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CHSR 97.9 FM Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
http://chsrfm.ca/blog/current-shows/music/mah/mornings-are-hard-2019-02-06
February 20th 2019
‘Smile Case releases new album’ The Tillsonburg News print article Tillsonburg, Ontario
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/tillsonburg-news/20190220/281552292134798
February 22nd 2019
‘The Going Is Good’ added to Radio Kaos Caribou’s online playlist Ermont, France
https://radiokc.fm/playlist.html
February 22nd 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album premiere on www.punknews.org
https://www.punknews.org/article/69218/check-out-murder-weather-by-the-smile-case
February 24th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ Fresh Find Pick on Alancross.ca’s Twitter page. Toronto, ON
https://twitter.com/alancross/status/1099848920857948160
March 3rd 2019
Exclusive interview on Radionotes Podcast on Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, Australia
https://radionotes.podbean.com/e/009-the-smile-case/
March 3rd 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album review on Punk Goes Prenatt Buffalo, NY, USA
https://punkgoesprenatt.wordpress.com/2019/03/03/murder-weather-is-the-soundtrack-to-your-next-house-party/
March 4th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ track feature on Irregular Dreams
https://irregulardreamscanada.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/kim-mitchells-patio-lanterns-by-the-smile-case/
March 5th 2019
‘Pill Sick’ added to American Standard’s New Noise From The Underground playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7HbvIu5QRKIOVCuFdTRYER
March 6th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ added to SmileRadio.co’s playlist Yorkshire, UK
https://www.smileradio.co/ondemand.html
March 7th 2019
‘I Don’t Want It To Go To Hell’ added to New Fury Media TNF Discover Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/551xOmudgZrwoFVWpbDVZS
March 8th 2019
‘I Don’t Want It To Go To hell’ added to Pure Core’s Alt Rock Forever Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30R4Feftj5VQ7pFVK1QtMc
March 11th 2019
‘Pill Sick’ added to the Punchy Kick New Scene Music Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PKu9nlFnlLjxScoCFkagu
March 11th 2019
‘Lifetimes’ airplay on CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC, Canada
https://thex.ca/log-mon-mar-11/
March 12th 2019
Exclusive Interview on The Album Drop and ‘Dissonant “Two Feet & A Heartbeat’ ‘The Going Is Good’ airplay on CHOU 89.1fm Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
https://chuo.fm/show/the-album-drop/
March 14th 2019
Interview with Indie-Rocks.ca during their Monthly Spotlight Niagara Falls, Ontario
http://www.indie-rocks.ca
March 14th 2019
Murder Weather Album Review
https://www.bucketlistmusicreviews.com/the-smile-case-murder-weather-album-review/
March 19th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ enters CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC Top 10 Loud charts at #5 and the weekly Top 30 at #29
https://thex.ca/top-30-charts/
March 26th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ stays in CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC weekly Top 30 at #16
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=1&dWeekOfID=2019-03-26
March 28th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album premiere on Zone Nights Cordoba, Argentina
https://www.zonenights.com/2019/03/the-smile-case-murder-weather-new-album/
April 1st 2019
‘Two Feet & A Heartbeart’ added to Indie Panda’s Weekly Unsigned Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JdKb72UC4FUChP9NoTyGJ
December 1st 2018
http://www.musiclifemagazine.net/new-music-the-smile-case-releases-kim-mitchells-patio-lanterns-featuring-killjoys-mike-trebilcock-new-album-out-feb-22-2019/
December 4th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ocean.factore.ca/shows/34
December 7th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CHRW 94.9 FM London, Ontario, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/incorrectthoughts/
December 8th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CIUT 89.5 FM Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/music-shows/brightside/
December 9th 2018
‘Kim MItchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CRNC 90.1 FM Welland, Ontario, Canada
https://www.fishfm.ca/
December 13th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ca/shows/8-for-your-pleasure
December 27th 2018
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CKMS 102.7 FM Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
https://radiowaterloo.ca/author/blue-sky-radio/
December 28th 2018
'Pill Sick’ airplay on CJSF 90.1 FM Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/radradio/
January 7th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFMU 93.3 FM Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
http://cfmu.ca/episodes/12590-listen-closely-episode-for-2019-01-07
January 8th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ ‘Lifetimes’ airplay & interview on CHOU 89.1 FM Ottawa, Ont.
http://www.thealbumdrop.ca
January 9th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ ‘Lifetimes’ airplay & interview on CKDJ 107.9 FM Nepean, Ont.
http://www.thealbumdrop.ca
January 12th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ and ‘Two Feet & A Heartbeat’ airplay
live in-studio performance of ‘Drag’ and 'Dissonant’ & interview on CIUT 89.5 Fm Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.ciut.fm/shows-2/music-shows/house-of-whos/
January 14th 2019
Murder Weather album review
https://www.screamsmedia.com/blog/the-smile-case-murder-weather-album-review
January 17th 2019
‘Dissonant’ Music Video Premiere
https://www.altrevue.com/single-post/2019/01/17/Music-Video-Premiere-Smile-Case---Dissonant
January 27th 2019
Interview and performance of ‘Drag’ on The Butch Haller Show London, ON, Canada
https://www.butchhaller.com/single-post/2019/01/27/The-Butch-Haller-Show-Episode-4-has-arrived
January 28th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/ThisMicrophoneSmells/
February 1st 2019
‘Half A Day Away’ airplay on CHRW 94.9 FM London, Ontario, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/incorrectthoughts/
February 6th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ airplay on CHSR 97.9 FM Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
http://chsrfm.ca/blog/current-shows/music/mah/mornings-are-hard-2019-02-06
February 20th 2019
‘Smile Case releases new album’ The Tillsonburg News print article Tillsonburg, Ontario
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/tillsonburg-news/20190220/281552292134798
February 22nd 2019
‘The Going Is Good’ added to Radio Kaos Caribou’s online playlist Ermont, France
https://radiokc.fm/playlist.html
February 22nd 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album premiere on www.punknews.org
https://www.punknews.org/article/69218/check-out-murder-weather-by-the-smile-case
February 24th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ Fresh Find Pick on Alancross.ca’s Twitter page. Toronto, ON
https://twitter.com/alancross/status/1099848920857948160
March 3rd 2019
Exclusive interview on Radionotes Podcast on Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, Australia
https://radionotes.podbean.com/e/009-the-smile-case/
March 3rd 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album review on Punk Goes Prenatt Buffalo, NY, USA
https://punkgoesprenatt.wordpress.com/2019/03/03/murder-weather-is-the-soundtrack-to-your-next-house-party/
March 4th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ track feature on Irregular Dreams
https://irregulardreamscanada.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/kim-mitchells-patio-lanterns-by-the-smile-case/
March 5th 2019
‘Pill Sick’ added to American Standard’s New Noise From The Underground playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7HbvIu5QRKIOVCuFdTRYER
March 6th 2019
‘Kim Mitchell’s Patio Lanterns’ added to SmileRadio.co’s playlist Yorkshire, UK
https://www.smileradio.co/ondemand.html
March 7th 2019
‘I Don’t Want It To Go To Hell’ added to New Fury Media TNF Discover Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/551xOmudgZrwoFVWpbDVZS
March 8th 2019
‘I Don’t Want It To Go To hell’ added to Pure Core’s Alt Rock Forever Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30R4Feftj5VQ7pFVK1QtMc
March 11th 2019
‘Pill Sick’ added to the Punchy Kick New Scene Music Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PKu9nlFnlLjxScoCFkagu
March 11th 2019
‘Lifetimes’ airplay on CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC, Canada
https://thex.ca/log-mon-mar-11/
March 12th 2019
Exclusive Interview on The Album Drop and ‘Dissonant “Two Feet & A Heartbeat’ ‘The Going Is Good’ airplay on CHOU 89.1fm Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
https://chuo.fm/show/the-album-drop/
March 14th 2019
Interview with Indie-Rocks.ca during their Monthly Spotlight Niagara Falls, Ontario
http://www.indie-rocks.ca
March 14th 2019
Murder Weather Album Review
https://www.bucketlistmusicreviews.com/the-smile-case-murder-weather-album-review/
March 19th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ enters CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC Top 10 Loud charts at #5 and the weekly Top 30 at #29
https://thex.ca/top-30-charts/
March 26th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ stays in CFBX 92.5 FM Kamloops, BC weekly Top 30 at #16
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=1&dWeekOfID=2019-03-26
March 28th 2019
‘Murder Weather’ album premiere on Zone Nights Cordoba, Argentina
https://www.zonenights.com/2019/03/the-smile-case-murder-weather-new-album/
April 1st 2019
‘Two Feet & A Heartbeart’ added to Indie Panda’s Weekly Unsigned Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JdKb72UC4FUChP9NoTyGJ
January 27th 2019
January 18th 2019
Justis Krar at IMMV Production just made us a music video for the song 'DISSONANT' Check it out below:
January 9th 2019
Happy 2019! Let's play some music!
December 14th 2018
December 9th 2018
Our friends at Music Life Magazine just premiered our new single Kim Mitchell's Patio Lanterns which features Mike Trebilcock of The Killjoys. You can check out the premiere and here the song here: http://www.musiclifemagazine.net/new-music-the-smile-case-releases-kim-mitchells-patio-lanterns-featuring-killjoys-mike-trebilcock-new-album-out-feb-22-2019/
It is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music, Deezer, Soundcloud, ect. If you stream music give 'er a listen!
MURDER WEATHER will be released February 22nd 2019 via Blacktop Records. Can't wait to share this with our friends. rock n roll <3
It is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music, Deezer, Soundcloud, ect. If you stream music give 'er a listen!
MURDER WEATHER will be released February 22nd 2019 via Blacktop Records. Can't wait to share this with our friends. rock n roll <3
November 11th 2018
October 20th 2018
It never ends. I honestly feel like Murder Weather will never be released. On the up side Connor from Boys Night Out and Justis from Single Mothers guest on the new record. So ya...there's that! Keep on keepin' on!
August 16th 2018
Mixing. Mixing. Mixing. Also can say that Mike from The Killjoys and Grey Gordon guest on the new record!! More too be announced. It's going to be a party of some of my favourite musicians!
playing some shows this fall and planning a sexy CD Release party! Stay tooned!
playing some shows this fall and planning a sexy CD Release party! Stay tooned!
May 17th 2018
More shows announced. Check out the RECITALS page
April 20th 2018
It's done! We have finished recording Murder Weather! Just adding some extra spice, mixing, mastering, pressing and all that fun stuff.
While we wait let's play some shows!
Up next:
Thursday May 20th @ Detour Music Hall w/ Leigh MacInnis from Trailer Park Boys!
Tickets on sale here: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20843/
While we wait let's play some shows!
Up next:
Thursday May 20th @ Detour Music Hall w/ Leigh MacInnis from Trailer Park Boys!
Tickets on sale here: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20843/
March 24th 2018
Thanks to all our pals that came out to the St. Paddy's Day Pop Punk Party in Simcoe! It was a blast to hang with y'all!
Just wanted to let everyone know that all the drums, bass and vocals have been recorded for Murder Weather.
Kyle is just mixing the record know. Looking towards an October release! wooooweeeee!!!
Just wanted to let everyone know that all the drums, bass and vocals have been recorded for Murder Weather.
Kyle is just mixing the record know. Looking towards an October release! wooooweeeee!!!
March 5th 2018
Finishing up vocals for the Murder Weather album. Adding some spices and then getting it mixed and mastered. Hoping for a summer/fall release this year. Crossing fingers and knocking on wood! In the meantime we are playing a full band show St. Paddy's Day in Simcoe, ON at The Kilnyard. Come out and see this shit show!
March 1st 2018
Come see Ben play an acoustic hometown show for the first time in forever. His set is 10:30 PM and there is no cover.
January 24th 2018
The Sad Bastard Rust Belt Tour is next month. Hope to see you folks on the road!
January 9th 2018
American friends that book shows...
I'm playing Cellarmen's in Hazel Park, MI on Tuesday Feb 13th and Stamps... the bar in Tonawanda, NY on Thursday Feb 15th. Any pals able to link up a show on Wednesday the 14th in between Detroit and Buffalo? I'll play anywhere and to anyone ;)
my music sounds like this:
https://www.bandonacouch.com/thesmilecase/
e-mail [email protected] if something fun comes up. see you folks on the road soon <3
I'm playing Cellarmen's in Hazel Park, MI on Tuesday Feb 13th and Stamps... the bar in Tonawanda, NY on Thursday Feb 15th. Any pals able to link up a show on Wednesday the 14th in between Detroit and Buffalo? I'll play anywhere and to anyone ;)
my music sounds like this:
https://www.bandonacouch.com/thesmilecase/
e-mail [email protected] if something fun comes up. see you folks on the road soon <3
November 29th 2017
Kyle Winkworth is producing/recording our sophomore effort. If you liked Angel Beach you might dig this one a little bit more. Should have some video clips and audio samples soon. Hoping to have a single ready for spring. Booking some random shows. Head over to the Recitals page and come hang!
November 7th 2017
The holidays are coming up soon. What's on your Xmas wish list? World peace? Hiding in the studio. New album 2018
August 18th 2017
Kirsten & Ben are excited to bring a baby into this world this August and no better way to celebrate than a night filled with live music and prizes!
FRIDAY JULY 28th 2017
@ SAMMY KRENSHAW's (51 Broadway St - Tillsonburg)
Live music from 6pm to 11pm from friends:
The Smile Case (Tillsonburg, ON)
Blind Barber (Tillsonburg, ON)
World Series (Waterford, ON)
The Paisley Stares (Langton, ON)
Elias The Band (Langton, ON)
$10 cover to get in (or a donation of diapers/baby wipes)
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE via Ticketscene:
https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/18625/
Rafflles tickets will be sold for 4 for $5 for your chance to win fantastic prices donated by:
Advanced Cellular
Bell Store
Blacktop Records
Grooves Records
Hometown Brew Co.
Mobile Mend
Runout Records
Sammy Krenshaw's
The Copper Mug
Tillsonburg Scene
+ more tba
this event is all ages/licesned
FRIDAY JULY 28th 2017
@ SAMMY KRENSHAW's (51 Broadway St - Tillsonburg)
Live music from 6pm to 11pm from friends:
The Smile Case (Tillsonburg, ON)
Blind Barber (Tillsonburg, ON)
World Series (Waterford, ON)
The Paisley Stares (Langton, ON)
Elias The Band (Langton, ON)
$10 cover to get in (or a donation of diapers/baby wipes)
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE via Ticketscene:
https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/18625/
Rafflles tickets will be sold for 4 for $5 for your chance to win fantastic prices donated by:
Advanced Cellular
Bell Store
Blacktop Records
Grooves Records
Hometown Brew Co.
Mobile Mend
Runout Records
Sammy Krenshaw's
The Copper Mug
Tillsonburg Scene
+ more tba
this event is all ages/licesned
March 1st 2017
Huge thanks to everyone that made it out to one of the Jesse Stewart shows this past January. We had a blast playing for everyone! Thank you a million times over. Those three sets are now available to download via Bandcamp.
Just in case you're not familar with Jesse here is a video of our drummer Jackson playing with him at the St. Thomas, ON date at The Back Alley
Just in case you're not familar with Jesse here is a video of our drummer Jackson playing with him at the St. Thomas, ON date at The Back Alley
December 22nd 2016
Well it has been another year! We just just wanted to take the time to thank you and to wish you a merry Christmas & a happy new year. much love xoxoxo
November 8th 2016
Holy Batman! Loads of confirmed dates coming up. Doing a 4 day Southern Ontario run with Jeese Stewart in the new year. Click the RECITALS page for details
September 16th 2016
Playing a couple new towns this week in Canada. First time hitting up Midland, ON and Ottawa, ON. Details on the Recitals page. Take a boo and see if you can come out and say hello. Doing the dates with HEARTS RIGHT IN! Couldn't be more excited! Trying out some of the new Murder Weather acoustic tunes before we hit the studio!! wooo woooo
June 23rd 2016
The Americas! I'm coming back for you this summer. First date:
May 14th 2016
Wow! Some exciting time :) Thank you to the Americas for being too sweet to me. Can't wait to make it back! Since I've been home I have ate a lot of sandwiches and did some fun things. For example I did this really cool session with BAND ON A COUCH. You can check it out here! I play the song 'Crowds' and 'Pill Sick' and had the best time ever hanging with some old and new friends. Aside from that the folks at G7th Capo have endorsed Ben. He's exclusively using their Capos because they kick ass! You can see one in action in the BAND ON A COUCH session. Head over to G7th's website and check out Ben's profile with them here! |
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March 21st 2016
$5 GETS YOU FULL!?!?!
"soooo....you couldn't make it to a Smile Case show?! "ohhh..I'm working" "ohhh..I'm out of town" "ohhhh....I'm lazy" Whatever the excuse...it's never "ohhhh...I don't have $5 for the show tonight" So here we go.... The Smile Case "$5/yr gets you full!!!" Subscription club.... This is for the folks that can't make it to the show... (or want to relive the wonderful experience ;) ) You pay $5 a year and will get an instant download of my last show. Full set. unedited. Banter and all :) To sweeten the deal you will get downloads for all previous shows we've played and uploaded as well as any future show we play and upload from then til the end of the year? It's like maybe going to 30+ shows for only $5!!!
As an added bonus I will be digging through the past ten years of files on my computer and uploading some old live shows and radio interviews.... so cool, eh? So what are you waiting for?! Give us your $5 and we'll give you music all year"
https://smilecase.bandcamp.com/subscribe
"soooo....you couldn't make it to a Smile Case show?! "ohhh..I'm working" "ohhh..I'm out of town" "ohhhh....I'm lazy" Whatever the excuse...it's never "ohhhh...I don't have $5 for the show tonight" So here we go.... The Smile Case "$5/yr gets you full!!!" Subscription club.... This is for the folks that can't make it to the show... (or want to relive the wonderful experience ;) ) You pay $5 a year and will get an instant download of my last show. Full set. unedited. Banter and all :) To sweeten the deal you will get downloads for all previous shows we've played and uploaded as well as any future show we play and upload from then til the end of the year? It's like maybe going to 30+ shows for only $5!!!
As an added bonus I will be digging through the past ten years of files on my computer and uploading some old live shows and radio interviews.... so cool, eh? So what are you waiting for?! Give us your $5 and we'll give you music all year"
https://smilecase.bandcamp.com/subscribe
February 23rd 2016
Ben was up in St Catharines this past weekend to record a session for Band On A Couch. Keep your eyes peeled for that!
We played a new song called 'Pill Sick' which will be tried out on the road during this upcoming shows. Murder Weather?
We played a new song called 'Pill Sick' which will be tried out on the road during this upcoming shows. Murder Weather?
January 18th 2016
Thanks to everyone who has came and checked out the Call The Office show. So rad new see some old pals and meet some new ones while we were at it.
We have a few more shows booked....hope to see you out there this year. <3
We have a few more shows booked....hope to see you out there this year. <3
December 29th 2015
I know we didn't do much this year....
Ben has been writing some tunes to an Angel Beach follow up and some of the new songs are getting added to the setlist. Our next show is Jan 9th 2016 at Call The Office in London. We got some others in the works. New recordings and video soon, ect. The roll n roll cycle.
Ben has been writing some tunes to an Angel Beach follow up and some of the new songs are getting added to the setlist. Our next show is Jan 9th 2016 at Call The Office in London. We got some others in the works. New recordings and video soon, ect. The roll n roll cycle.
July 12th 2015
it's summer. thinking we should play some shows. check out the shows page for up to date concert listings :)
June 24th 2015
Hey friends! We've been laying low while Jackson tours with his other band The Filthy Radicals. However Ben will be showing his face July 7th playing a show in Tillsonburg, Ontario with Crossley Hunter and Delbert Schott. More details on the Recitals page.
Other than that...keep an eye open for upcoming gigs.
rock n roll
Other than that...keep an eye open for upcoming gigs.
rock n roll
April 7th 2015
2015 is off to a good start.... writing new tunes... maybe a new EP slated for next year? new full length? I smell Murder Weather
January 6th 2015
wow.... 2014... what a trip. who's ready for 2015? I know we are...
starting the year off right with some rock n roll shows
check out our Recitals to see what is good!
love ya!
B
starting the year off right with some rock n roll shows
check out our Recitals to see what is good!
love ya!
B
December 7th 2014
Winter has been busy! Played some shows in the Midwest and had a lot of fun. Met so many new people! Can't wait to come back in the springtime!
Other than that we have a couple shows to end off the year and a super fantastic big budget Hollywood music video directed by my neighbour. Check it out below:
Other than that we have a couple shows to end off the year and a super fantastic big budget Hollywood music video directed by my neighbour. Check it out below:
October 27th 2014
The Permanent Rain Press had some nice things to say about our new album Angel Beach. Read the review here. or pasted below
"Solo artist Ben Andress has started a new project, The Smile Case. A mix of electronica, folk, and a little bit of grunge, Angel Beach is crafted as an interesting anti-romance album. It’s important to remember when listening to the 11 tracks that it is an album and not just a compilation of songs, and should be listened to as such. Most of the songs have relating themes and blend into each other, sometimes even directly transitioning.
I found this album a bit difficult to review. I had to listen to each track several times to really understand its components in relation to the greater album and its own merit. The singers voice may not appeal to all listeners – it definitely fits in with a certain genre. Overall, though, it’s a great new direction for Ben. It offers a lot throughout its 35 minutes.
The opening track “Don’t Tell Her” captivated me right away with a great riff and raw vocals, which also sets the mood for the album. Great riffs also dominate the tracks “Crowds” and “Critical” – one could easily stay focused on that underlying background and still be satisfied with the song, never mind the lyrics or pure emotion. The angst is also quite visible on “Back Still Aches” and “Hard Promises,” with a softer emotional element on “Angel Beach High” and “Glen Meyer.” Both the finale, “Campfire Song,” and “Giving Up Vs Making It” can probably be defined as a song almost entirely by the rhythm focuses.
My point stemming is that Angel Beach explores a lot musically, with variance throughout the tracks. Backup singers (especially on “Glen Meyer”) help to bring out the sheer power of Ben’s own vocals, and compliment the song. It’s a great contrast from his previous work as a mostly acoustic based artist.
Angel Beach strikes a lot of nerve and emotion throughout the chords it also strikes. It’s a good release for anyone who’s feeling the stress and tension of romance, or just the transition of summer to the cold blanket of fall and winter. "
"Solo artist Ben Andress has started a new project, The Smile Case. A mix of electronica, folk, and a little bit of grunge, Angel Beach is crafted as an interesting anti-romance album. It’s important to remember when listening to the 11 tracks that it is an album and not just a compilation of songs, and should be listened to as such. Most of the songs have relating themes and blend into each other, sometimes even directly transitioning.
I found this album a bit difficult to review. I had to listen to each track several times to really understand its components in relation to the greater album and its own merit. The singers voice may not appeal to all listeners – it definitely fits in with a certain genre. Overall, though, it’s a great new direction for Ben. It offers a lot throughout its 35 minutes.
The opening track “Don’t Tell Her” captivated me right away with a great riff and raw vocals, which also sets the mood for the album. Great riffs also dominate the tracks “Crowds” and “Critical” – one could easily stay focused on that underlying background and still be satisfied with the song, never mind the lyrics or pure emotion. The angst is also quite visible on “Back Still Aches” and “Hard Promises,” with a softer emotional element on “Angel Beach High” and “Glen Meyer.” Both the finale, “Campfire Song,” and “Giving Up Vs Making It” can probably be defined as a song almost entirely by the rhythm focuses.
My point stemming is that Angel Beach explores a lot musically, with variance throughout the tracks. Backup singers (especially on “Glen Meyer”) help to bring out the sheer power of Ben’s own vocals, and compliment the song. It’s a great contrast from his previous work as a mostly acoustic based artist.
Angel Beach strikes a lot of nerve and emotion throughout the chords it also strikes. It’s a good release for anyone who’s feeling the stress and tension of romance, or just the transition of summer to the cold blanket of fall and winter. "
October 19th 2014
Winter blues. yaaaa we all get them. Feel the MoFo coming 'round the corner. Jackson just had his birthday, Shane's collarbone is all healed and he's back on the bike and Ben has been writing some new tunes. Might call the next album 'Murder Weather' only time will tell. Once think time is right about is that a new song called Dissonant will show up on the follow up to Angel Beach....weird...the album just came out in July and we are talking about new stuff.
Speaking of Angel Beach. Got some shows in the works to promote that bad boy. Hitting up some dates in the USA and some Souther Ontario stuff before the new year. It's all the recitals page. You know where to find us dawg
one love
Speaking of Angel Beach. Got some shows in the works to promote that bad boy. Hitting up some dates in the USA and some Souther Ontario stuff before the new year. It's all the recitals page. You know where to find us dawg
one love
September 8th 2014
Ben just did an interview with the fine folks over at Vents Magazine.
You can read the interview here or pasted below:
INTERVIEW: The Smile Case
on 7 September, 2014 at 18:54
Vents: Hi guys, welcome back to VENTS! How have you been?
Ben of the Smile Case: Pretty stoked! We have been super busy since the release of our album. Rocking lots of shows and just doing the radio and press stuff to promote it. It is fun though. If it is not fun it isn’t worthwhile.
Vents: Let´s talk first about your new album Angel Beach. Can you talk to us more about the recording and writing process?
Ben of the Smile Case: It was a pretty organic process. It started with me writing a handful of tunes on my acoustic guitar cross legged on a mattress in a bedroom apartment in Welland, Ontario. My roommate Corey got a job in the city and moved in with his girlfriend and I was alone in this two bedroom apartment for a couple of months going stir crazy. One of the first songs I wrote for ;Angel Beach’ was called ‘Back Still Aches’ It is a nod to a town in Ontario called Tillsonburg. I spent a lot of time there in high school and college. Hanging out with girls, renting halls and setting up rock n roll shows. It was such an innocent time. The song was too sweet to be left on a cassette tape piled beside my boombox so I called up lifetime friend Jackson Cronmiller who agreed to play drums on the album. I found an apartment and a part time job at a lumber yard and moved back to Tillsonburg where the album was completed and recorded in a garage with another lifetime friend Kyle Winkworth. We had this dude Ryan Milmine play bass for a bit but right before our first day in the studio we switched gears and had another lifetime friend, Shane McElhone from the band Shades of Norris, join in full time on bass. After a smooth recording process we shipped the album off to Jordy Birch in Vancouver who mastered the album. From there the fine folks at Blacktop Records stepped in and released the album which is where we are today.
Vents: What´s the story behind the title?
Ben of the Smile Case: I’ve been doing The Smile Case as an acoustic project for the past decade. I few years ago I wanted to drop the acoustic and pick up an electric and start a full fledge rock band. To make it different from what I was currently doing I came up with the name ‘Angel Beach.’ In 1982 a Canadian film company produced a sex comedy called Porky’s which was directed by Bob Clark. The fictional town in the movie was called ‘Angel Beach.’ I never ended up changing the band name from The Smile Case to Angel Beach but I always loved the name so when Jackson and Shane joined I ended up naming our first album ‘Angel Beach’ to pay respect to one of the best comedies of all time.
Vents: Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Ben of the Smile Case: I find inspiration in everything, mainly girls but I guess mainly life in general. The general theme on this album is despair, watching people disappear and having that glimmer of hope that it will all be okay and one day you might see them again. Take that in whatever context you want. I write about people, places and things. I get a lot of inspiration from the TV show Wheel Of Fortune. Once Pat Sajak Tweeted me on Twitter. That was pretty cool. I should write a song about that…
Vents: Will you be hitting the road this year?
Ben of the Smile Case: We play as often as possible wherever we are wanted. With all members having life commitments it is hard to be everywhere all the time. Our drummer is taking a break this fall to record an album with his other band the Filthy Radicals. During this time Shane and I have plans to hit up Illinois and Wisconsin with a friend filling in on drums. We also have some other fun stuff in the works to finish off the year and have already started planning a short trip to Europe in the new year.
Vents: What is happening next in The Smile Case´ world?
Ben of the Smile Case: Just taking it day by day, step by step. We like to play it cool. We have already dwelled on a title for our next album and have a couple bangers written for it. We are just excited about life and excited to share it with everyone. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. It means the world to us. The best of everything to you and the Vents Magazine family for years to come!
You can read the interview here or pasted below:
INTERVIEW: The Smile Case
on 7 September, 2014 at 18:54
Vents: Hi guys, welcome back to VENTS! How have you been?
Ben of the Smile Case: Pretty stoked! We have been super busy since the release of our album. Rocking lots of shows and just doing the radio and press stuff to promote it. It is fun though. If it is not fun it isn’t worthwhile.
Vents: Let´s talk first about your new album Angel Beach. Can you talk to us more about the recording and writing process?
Ben of the Smile Case: It was a pretty organic process. It started with me writing a handful of tunes on my acoustic guitar cross legged on a mattress in a bedroom apartment in Welland, Ontario. My roommate Corey got a job in the city and moved in with his girlfriend and I was alone in this two bedroom apartment for a couple of months going stir crazy. One of the first songs I wrote for ;Angel Beach’ was called ‘Back Still Aches’ It is a nod to a town in Ontario called Tillsonburg. I spent a lot of time there in high school and college. Hanging out with girls, renting halls and setting up rock n roll shows. It was such an innocent time. The song was too sweet to be left on a cassette tape piled beside my boombox so I called up lifetime friend Jackson Cronmiller who agreed to play drums on the album. I found an apartment and a part time job at a lumber yard and moved back to Tillsonburg where the album was completed and recorded in a garage with another lifetime friend Kyle Winkworth. We had this dude Ryan Milmine play bass for a bit but right before our first day in the studio we switched gears and had another lifetime friend, Shane McElhone from the band Shades of Norris, join in full time on bass. After a smooth recording process we shipped the album off to Jordy Birch in Vancouver who mastered the album. From there the fine folks at Blacktop Records stepped in and released the album which is where we are today.
Vents: What´s the story behind the title?
Ben of the Smile Case: I’ve been doing The Smile Case as an acoustic project for the past decade. I few years ago I wanted to drop the acoustic and pick up an electric and start a full fledge rock band. To make it different from what I was currently doing I came up with the name ‘Angel Beach.’ In 1982 a Canadian film company produced a sex comedy called Porky’s which was directed by Bob Clark. The fictional town in the movie was called ‘Angel Beach.’ I never ended up changing the band name from The Smile Case to Angel Beach but I always loved the name so when Jackson and Shane joined I ended up naming our first album ‘Angel Beach’ to pay respect to one of the best comedies of all time.
Vents: Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Ben of the Smile Case: I find inspiration in everything, mainly girls but I guess mainly life in general. The general theme on this album is despair, watching people disappear and having that glimmer of hope that it will all be okay and one day you might see them again. Take that in whatever context you want. I write about people, places and things. I get a lot of inspiration from the TV show Wheel Of Fortune. Once Pat Sajak Tweeted me on Twitter. That was pretty cool. I should write a song about that…
Vents: Will you be hitting the road this year?
Ben of the Smile Case: We play as often as possible wherever we are wanted. With all members having life commitments it is hard to be everywhere all the time. Our drummer is taking a break this fall to record an album with his other band the Filthy Radicals. During this time Shane and I have plans to hit up Illinois and Wisconsin with a friend filling in on drums. We also have some other fun stuff in the works to finish off the year and have already started planning a short trip to Europe in the new year.
Vents: What is happening next in The Smile Case´ world?
Ben of the Smile Case: Just taking it day by day, step by step. We like to play it cool. We have already dwelled on a title for our next album and have a couple bangers written for it. We are just excited about life and excited to share it with everyone. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. It means the world to us. The best of everything to you and the Vents Magazine family for years to come!
September 2nd 2014
Thank you Windsor! Thank you to the The Vaudevillianaires check these boys out! one of our new favourite bands! Also a huge thanks to Green Jello for being so rad and Chris Mickle for putting on such a rad show. thank you a million times over. We will be back soon <3
in the meantime stayed tuned for some American happening. <3
in the meantime stayed tuned for some American happening. <3
August 13th 2014
On August 16, 2014, we will be playing the fifth Concert to Cure. This memorable and special event will consist of a jam-packed array of music, silent auction, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness, Organ Donor Awareness, food, entertainment and we certainly can’t forget FUN!!!
Performers include: Josh, Rutter, the Smile Case, Ryan Miller, Gods and Kings, Hurvin Mummies, Lights of the Night, Joan Minnery, the Brearley Band, and Danielle Ward. at the Delhi Golf & Country Club 7 p.m to Midnight. $10.00 per person. all ages. All proceeds from this benefit concert will help raise the necessary funds needed to help in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/292036157644558/ |
August 7th 2014
we are busy bees this weekend! Playing two shows Saturday.....the first being a sold out house show in Niagara Falls, Ontario with Paul Jago. We have a couple tickets for close friends. hit us up at [email protected] if you want to come. We play at 6pm. After that we are heading down to Welland, Ont to play a show at The Hard Way located at 43 Hellems Street. This show kicks off at 7:30pm with Canyon Carvers and Revive The Rose. This is a pwyc show.
The fine folks at Niagara This Week did a nice little write up on the Welland show and our new album Angel Beach. Check it out here:
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson-story/4739881-homecoming-of-sorts-for-the-smile-case/
We are stoked that the album is out and can't wait to play it for you. See you Saturday boys and girls <3
The fine folks at Niagara This Week did a nice little write up on the Welland show and our new album Angel Beach. Check it out here:
http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson-story/4739881-homecoming-of-sorts-for-the-smile-case/
We are stoked that the album is out and can't wait to play it for you. See you Saturday boys and girls <3
July 29th 2014
THE SMILE CASE'S ANGEL BEACH IS OFFICIALLY RELEASED!!!!
https://itunes.apple.com/bm/album/angel-beach/id893373816
or head to
smilecase.bandcamp.com and purchase a GLEN MEYER t-shirt a get a FREE digital download!!!
first review from Tap Milwaukee ■ The Smile Case, "Angel Beach" (Blacktop). Ontario group, built atop the fruits of frontman Ben Andress' 10-year solo career, has an enjoyably obnoxious and noisy desperation not far from early Hold Steady.
--- http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/new-cds-in-stores-this-week-b99317153z1-268736871.html
https://itunes.apple.com/bm/album/angel-beach/id893373816
or head to
smilecase.bandcamp.com and purchase a GLEN MEYER t-shirt a get a FREE digital download!!!
first review from Tap Milwaukee ■ The Smile Case, "Angel Beach" (Blacktop). Ontario group, built atop the fruits of frontman Ben Andress' 10-year solo career, has an enjoyably obnoxious and noisy desperation not far from early Hold Steady.
--- http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/new-cds-in-stores-this-week-b99317153z1-268736871.html
July 27th 2014
Thank you to everyone who came out to our CD Release show last night! Big high fives to Delbert Schott, Drew Thomson & Kal, Bryan and Hunter for killing it!
July 24th 2014
Smile! It's the Angel Beach release party Saturday night at the TIllsonburg Legion
By Chris Abbott, Tillsonburg News
--- http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/2014/07/24/smile-its-the-angel-beach-release-party-saturday-night-at-the-tillsonburg-legion
Thursday, July 24, 2014 4:08:13 EDT PM
TILLSONBURG - The Smile Case, familiar to alternative rock/punk fans in Tillsonburg, is launching its first major album next week. Angel Beach, a new CD, officially releases in stores on Tuesday, July 29.
Blacktop Records producer Ben Andress, also the founding member of The Smile Case, announced the band is having up a CD release show Saturday night (July 26) at the Tillsonburg Legion. Cover charge is $10, open to all ages. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Smile Case will play songs from Angel Beach, which will be on sale for the first time at a discounted price of $10.
Saturday's host will be Bryan O'Gorman, who has been around the world on tour with Yuk Yuk's and featued on MTV. O'Gorman will be bringing some comedian friends, including Much Music's Hunter Collins (Video on Trial).
“We also have Crossley Hunter playing in the show,” said Andress, giving a shout out to the local band.
“Unfortunately Trevor James and The Perfect Gentlemen had to drop off the show. His father's going through surgery right now. So we have taking his place a singer, acoustic artist Drew Thomson, from a London band, Single Mothers. He's unreal – just signed with a label in the States and he has a new CD.”
The Legion (16 Durham Street) is a licenced facility, so they are reminding people to bring ID if they're buying alcohol Saturday night.
“We're pretty excited about this album,” said Andress, who started The Smile Case in Welland about 10 years ago as a solo acoustic project, touring in Canada and the US as a one-man show.
“I like to call this our first 'real' album. Back in 2009 I did a solo record, Lose Our Heads, but it didn't it didn't have the same outcome... it didn't turn out the way I had it in my head. And this one, Angel Beach, kind of did.”
When Andress decided to make The Smile Case a group, he switched from acoustic to electric guitar. He called on drummer Jackson Cronmiller and a bass player from the Tillsonburg area, Ryan Milmine.
“We jammed a few shows together with Ryan,” said Andress, but due to schedule conflicts they ended up looking for a new bass player and hooked up with Shane McElhone.
“I think it was Grade 10 when I first met Shane, and we always kept in touch over the years. He was in a couple projects like...”
“The New Revolutionaries,” said McElhone.
“Shane agreed to fill in for a couple shows Ryan couldn't make, and the three of us kind of fell into a pretty sweet groove. It just kind of felt like the good old days when we were in high school again.”
“They kidnapped me...” said McElhone.
“Pretty much,” Andress laughed. “So we kidnapped Shane and when we were doing the album Shane laid down the bass. We recorded in Glen Meyer with a friend, Kyle Winkworth, who had set up a professional home studio in his garage. I knew him from school, we had gone from Kindergarten to high school together.”
Winkworth agreed to record the album for a 'very reasonable' fee. It was sent to Jordy Birch, from Pure, a major label from Vancouver in the 90s during the 'Canrock Renaissance.'
“He mastered the album,” said Andress. “One of my biggest influences growing up was Peure, so if you listen to their Generation Six-Pack, you can kind of catch that vibe on this album. It was really cool to have someone I respected growing up, someone I thought I'd never see or be in contact with, helping to shape our music. It's super cool to have him part of it.”
During the recording process, they had Tillsonburg's Justin Hammond from Crossley Hunter add vocal tracks and harmonies across the album.
“We also had some other friends come in, including Tabitha LaPointe, and she laid some vocals on the album.
“And one of the coolest things... last winter when Brendan Brown from Wheatus was in town (Teenage Dirtbag), we did a bunch of shows with him. We had a song called Glen Meyer that we would play every night during the set and he insisted that when we recorded it on an album, he wanted to do guest vocals.
“I held him up to that promise,” Andress smiled. “So we've got the guy from Wheatus doing guest vocals on a song, which is super cool. It was kind of rad to have him part of this project.”
The same month they did Glen Meyer, Wheatus released a song with two members of One Direction, who regularly covered Teenage Dirtbag at concerts.
“It's pretty cool to have someone in the league of One Direction on our record. It's kind of surreal actually.”
Including Glen Meyer, Angel Beach has 12 songs. The general theme is watching things disappear, change, typical 20-something angst, said Andress. “Kind of amped up teenage poetry is what I like to call it.”
“Played to music,” said McElhone.
Called the 'perfect summer breakup album,' it tugs at listeners' emotions. On the album are – Don't Tell Her, Angel Beach High, Back Still Aches, Glen Meyer, Critical, Hard Promises, Giving Up vs Making It, Crowds, The Giving Tree, I Wear a Curse, Sorry to Myself, and Campfire Song.
“It's all wrapped together nicely in a package that we commissioned from Tabitha LaPointe's sister Ashlin. So the cover artwork was painted from a concept in my head that kind of related to the songs on the record.”
“It's beautiful,” said McElhone.
The Smile Case also thanked Jake Moroun from Windsor (Little Mint Productions) who did the layout for the album booklet from Ashlin's artwork in a timely manner.
“The whole process came together in less than a year,” said Andress.
“We've been playing shows for a year without a record, so it's nice to get out there and have a CD, and kind of start doing it for real.”
Produced by Blacktop Records, which is owned and operated by Andress, it will be distributed online and in stores with a full radio PR campaign, press and magazine reviews.
“We're playing a bunch of shows to promote the record. On August 9th we're playing in Niagara Falls with Paul Jago. We're doing a benefit show in Delhi, August 16th at the Delhi Golf and Country Club with Crossley Hunter again. And then in Windsor, August 29th, we're doing a show with Green Jelly from New York – we're pretty excited to be on that.”
There were some setbacks recently, Andress noted, including a collar bone injury to McElhone about a month ago. Over the past few weeks they've been playing two-piece sets or with a fill-in.
“He's going to suck it up and play in the show with us Saturday,” Andress laughed. “We kind of made it work, but Shane's arm is going to be healed and ready to rock 'n roll. It may be 20 per cent ready for this Saturday, but 100 per cent ready for the shows next month. Well, maybe 80 per cent ready.”
“Twenty per cent's good enough,” said McElhone.
By Chris Abbott, Tillsonburg News
--- http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/2014/07/24/smile-its-the-angel-beach-release-party-saturday-night-at-the-tillsonburg-legion
Thursday, July 24, 2014 4:08:13 EDT PM
TILLSONBURG - The Smile Case, familiar to alternative rock/punk fans in Tillsonburg, is launching its first major album next week. Angel Beach, a new CD, officially releases in stores on Tuesday, July 29.
Blacktop Records producer Ben Andress, also the founding member of The Smile Case, announced the band is having up a CD release show Saturday night (July 26) at the Tillsonburg Legion. Cover charge is $10, open to all ages. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Smile Case will play songs from Angel Beach, which will be on sale for the first time at a discounted price of $10.
Saturday's host will be Bryan O'Gorman, who has been around the world on tour with Yuk Yuk's and featued on MTV. O'Gorman will be bringing some comedian friends, including Much Music's Hunter Collins (Video on Trial).
“We also have Crossley Hunter playing in the show,” said Andress, giving a shout out to the local band.
“Unfortunately Trevor James and The Perfect Gentlemen had to drop off the show. His father's going through surgery right now. So we have taking his place a singer, acoustic artist Drew Thomson, from a London band, Single Mothers. He's unreal – just signed with a label in the States and he has a new CD.”
The Legion (16 Durham Street) is a licenced facility, so they are reminding people to bring ID if they're buying alcohol Saturday night.
“We're pretty excited about this album,” said Andress, who started The Smile Case in Welland about 10 years ago as a solo acoustic project, touring in Canada and the US as a one-man show.
“I like to call this our first 'real' album. Back in 2009 I did a solo record, Lose Our Heads, but it didn't it didn't have the same outcome... it didn't turn out the way I had it in my head. And this one, Angel Beach, kind of did.”
When Andress decided to make The Smile Case a group, he switched from acoustic to electric guitar. He called on drummer Jackson Cronmiller and a bass player from the Tillsonburg area, Ryan Milmine.
“We jammed a few shows together with Ryan,” said Andress, but due to schedule conflicts they ended up looking for a new bass player and hooked up with Shane McElhone.
“I think it was Grade 10 when I first met Shane, and we always kept in touch over the years. He was in a couple projects like...”
“The New Revolutionaries,” said McElhone.
“Shane agreed to fill in for a couple shows Ryan couldn't make, and the three of us kind of fell into a pretty sweet groove. It just kind of felt like the good old days when we were in high school again.”
“They kidnapped me...” said McElhone.
“Pretty much,” Andress laughed. “So we kidnapped Shane and when we were doing the album Shane laid down the bass. We recorded in Glen Meyer with a friend, Kyle Winkworth, who had set up a professional home studio in his garage. I knew him from school, we had gone from Kindergarten to high school together.”
Winkworth agreed to record the album for a 'very reasonable' fee. It was sent to Jordy Birch, from Pure, a major label from Vancouver in the 90s during the 'Canrock Renaissance.'
“He mastered the album,” said Andress. “One of my biggest influences growing up was Peure, so if you listen to their Generation Six-Pack, you can kind of catch that vibe on this album. It was really cool to have someone I respected growing up, someone I thought I'd never see or be in contact with, helping to shape our music. It's super cool to have him part of it.”
During the recording process, they had Tillsonburg's Justin Hammond from Crossley Hunter add vocal tracks and harmonies across the album.
“We also had some other friends come in, including Tabitha LaPointe, and she laid some vocals on the album.
“And one of the coolest things... last winter when Brendan Brown from Wheatus was in town (Teenage Dirtbag), we did a bunch of shows with him. We had a song called Glen Meyer that we would play every night during the set and he insisted that when we recorded it on an album, he wanted to do guest vocals.
“I held him up to that promise,” Andress smiled. “So we've got the guy from Wheatus doing guest vocals on a song, which is super cool. It was kind of rad to have him part of this project.”
The same month they did Glen Meyer, Wheatus released a song with two members of One Direction, who regularly covered Teenage Dirtbag at concerts.
“It's pretty cool to have someone in the league of One Direction on our record. It's kind of surreal actually.”
Including Glen Meyer, Angel Beach has 12 songs. The general theme is watching things disappear, change, typical 20-something angst, said Andress. “Kind of amped up teenage poetry is what I like to call it.”
“Played to music,” said McElhone.
Called the 'perfect summer breakup album,' it tugs at listeners' emotions. On the album are – Don't Tell Her, Angel Beach High, Back Still Aches, Glen Meyer, Critical, Hard Promises, Giving Up vs Making It, Crowds, The Giving Tree, I Wear a Curse, Sorry to Myself, and Campfire Song.
“It's all wrapped together nicely in a package that we commissioned from Tabitha LaPointe's sister Ashlin. So the cover artwork was painted from a concept in my head that kind of related to the songs on the record.”
“It's beautiful,” said McElhone.
The Smile Case also thanked Jake Moroun from Windsor (Little Mint Productions) who did the layout for the album booklet from Ashlin's artwork in a timely manner.
“The whole process came together in less than a year,” said Andress.
“We've been playing shows for a year without a record, so it's nice to get out there and have a CD, and kind of start doing it for real.”
Produced by Blacktop Records, which is owned and operated by Andress, it will be distributed online and in stores with a full radio PR campaign, press and magazine reviews.
“We're playing a bunch of shows to promote the record. On August 9th we're playing in Niagara Falls with Paul Jago. We're doing a benefit show in Delhi, August 16th at the Delhi Golf and Country Club with Crossley Hunter again. And then in Windsor, August 29th, we're doing a show with Green Jelly from New York – we're pretty excited to be on that.”
There were some setbacks recently, Andress noted, including a collar bone injury to McElhone about a month ago. Over the past few weeks they've been playing two-piece sets or with a fill-in.
“He's going to suck it up and play in the show with us Saturday,” Andress laughed. “We kind of made it work, but Shane's arm is going to be healed and ready to rock 'n roll. It may be 20 per cent ready for this Saturday, but 100 per cent ready for the shows next month. Well, maybe 80 per cent ready.”
“Twenty per cent's good enough,” said McElhone.
July 11th 2014
June 19th 2014
What a weekend! Thank you to everyone in Windsor for being so nice! Next stop Montreal July 6th. Check out our Recitals page for show details :)
also pre orders for our new album Angel Beach have launched via Evelmerch.com at the link below:
http://www.evelmerch.com/blacktoprecordings
If EvelMerch isn't our thing stay tuned for various other out lets to purchase Angel Beach <3
also pre orders for our new album Angel Beach have launched via Evelmerch.com at the link below:
http://www.evelmerch.com/blacktoprecordings
If EvelMerch isn't our thing stay tuned for various other out lets to purchase Angel Beach <3
May 2nd 2014
Pretty excited to be joining our pals in Crossley Hunter to play the Niagara Falls Springlicious Music Festival. We will be playing the Taps Stage at 2:00pm.
more details at: http://springlicious.ca
please check our Recital section for all other upcoming shows
more details at: http://springlicious.ca
please check our Recital section for all other upcoming shows
April 8th 2014
As I type this I'm listeing to rough mixes from ANGEL BEACH. This album will be out Tuesday July 29th.
This is the final tracklisting:
DON'T TELL HER
ANGEL BEACH HIGH
BACK STILL ACHES
GLEN MEYER
CRITICAL
HARD PROMISES
GIVING UP VS. MAKING IT
CROWDS
THE GIVING TREE
I WEAR A CURSE
SORRY TO MYSELF
CAMPFIRE SONG
we also have some neat guest featured on this album. More details in the coming days. Happy Happy Joy Joy
This is the final tracklisting:
DON'T TELL HER
ANGEL BEACH HIGH
BACK STILL ACHES
GLEN MEYER
CRITICAL
HARD PROMISES
GIVING UP VS. MAKING IT
CROWDS
THE GIVING TREE
I WEAR A CURSE
SORRY TO MYSELF
CAMPFIRE SONG
we also have some neat guest featured on this album. More details in the coming days. Happy Happy Joy Joy
January 22nd 2014
Hello 2014... we are finishing vocals on our album and some magically touches and then BAM look for an early spring release.
To warm up we are playing some acoustic-ish shows in London, Langton and Tillsonburg. More shows to be added...
might have one or two full band rocking shows...
too be honest Jackson is kind of a nancy and is worried about driving on these Canadian roads in the winter...
see you guys in the Spring... new album... new merch and a bunch of loud rockin' shows
kool?
To warm up we are playing some acoustic-ish shows in London, Langton and Tillsonburg. More shows to be added...
might have one or two full band rocking shows...
too be honest Jackson is kind of a nancy and is worried about driving on these Canadian roads in the winter...
see you guys in the Spring... new album... new merch and a bunch of loud rockin' shows
kool?
October 24th 2013
TWM goes loud at Rancho Relaxo! Four bands, two from in town and two from nearby to town combine for a night of fun!
Starts with a treat from Barrie, Halogen Ambush! Played their debut show at the Horseshoe Tavern, Halogen Ambush features several Barrie musicians you might know from other projects combining to play rock with a punkish edge to kick the night off. Set time: 9:45
Then we have the Smile Case! The Smile Case you used to know (Ben Andress) as a zany and unpredictable and sometimes off-colour folk-punk artist is taking a break. Instead Ben has put together a full band and is now playing his songs in a heavy rock punk outfit. Catch this rare performance while you can! Set time: 10:35
Third up are YEAST LORDS! The all caps fits these guys to a T. Think the Speaking Tongues with less blues and more punks and giving none of the fucks what you think. Great band, finally getting on a weekend at the Ranch. Set time: 11:25.
Lastly we have Janitors! Not long ago Janitors put out their debut record and did so on vinyl which is awesome. Been hearing great things on this band from fans and other bands alike. Check this quote out: ""The grime is evident, the surface scuzz infecting and therefore...this is my kind of sonic shit." -FungalPunk U.K."
Where: Rancho Relaxo (300 College)
When: Sat Nov 9th
How Much: $7
Doors at 9 music at 9:45.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/235452836613961/
Starts with a treat from Barrie, Halogen Ambush! Played their debut show at the Horseshoe Tavern, Halogen Ambush features several Barrie musicians you might know from other projects combining to play rock with a punkish edge to kick the night off. Set time: 9:45
Then we have the Smile Case! The Smile Case you used to know (Ben Andress) as a zany and unpredictable and sometimes off-colour folk-punk artist is taking a break. Instead Ben has put together a full band and is now playing his songs in a heavy rock punk outfit. Catch this rare performance while you can! Set time: 10:35
Third up are YEAST LORDS! The all caps fits these guys to a T. Think the Speaking Tongues with less blues and more punks and giving none of the fucks what you think. Great band, finally getting on a weekend at the Ranch. Set time: 11:25.
Lastly we have Janitors! Not long ago Janitors put out their debut record and did so on vinyl which is awesome. Been hearing great things on this band from fans and other bands alike. Check this quote out: ""The grime is evident, the surface scuzz infecting and therefore...this is my kind of sonic shit." -FungalPunk U.K."
Where: Rancho Relaxo (300 College)
When: Sat Nov 9th
How Much: $7
Doors at 9 music at 9:45.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/235452836613961/
August 21st 2013
We have all the drums tracked for our new album and most of the guitars. Expecting to have everything tracked by the end of the month and mixing/mastering during September prepping for a fall release. We can't wait to share these new songs with you.
update!!
all the guitars are now done. Just recording bass and vocals. Then mixing and mastering and pressing.
We are expecting an early 2014 release
update!!
all the guitars are now done. Just recording bass and vocals. Then mixing and mastering and pressing.
We are expecting an early 2014 release
July 25th 2013
MONDAY JULY 29th 2013
we share the stage with WHITE MYSTERY
at CALL THE OFFICE in LONDON, ONT
$5. 9pm.
come get weird?
July 22nd 2013
thank you to all the fine folks who came out to the Little Bean Cafe in Kitchener. Ryan and I played an acoustic set with a bunch of beautiful people. London next.
July 17th 2013
We have a couple shows coming up. Ben is playing an acoustic set Sunday July 21st at the Little Bean Cafe in Kitchener around 8pm and then we are making our return to London rocking Call The Office Monday July 29th with White Mystery. Then we are hitting up the studio the first weekend of August to record out new album ANGEL BEACH. Tracklisting in no order:
Don't Tell Her
Back Still Aches
Angel Beach High
Hard Promises
I Wear A Curse
Giving Up Vs. Making It
Glen Meyer
The Giving Tree
Crowds
Sorry To Myself
Critical
Meant
Don't Tell Her
Back Still Aches
Angel Beach High
Hard Promises
I Wear A Curse
Giving Up Vs. Making It
Glen Meyer
The Giving Tree
Crowds
Sorry To Myself
Critical
Meant
April 30th 2013
So just about done writing the new album. It's going well. Some song titles include 'The Giving Tree' 'Back Still Aches' and 'Don't Tell Her' This bad boy will have 12 tracks. Full band. Bass. check. Drums. check. other shit. check. yaaaa boy.... I'll toss up demos and first mixes as soon as possible. Can't wait for y'all to hear.
March 21st 2013
Turns out I forgot the e-mail/password I used to build this site. I finally found it. Expect more updates and such. This is a nice way to keep everything in good order.
Man... a lot has changed since June 2011. My beard got sweeter... I've had like a million different girlfriends. Wrote a million songs about each of them. Put out an album called The Weather Outside...put out another album called Play It Cool... I dropped the acoustic and picked up an electric and have been playing with a full band. It's loud and fun. We are working on an album right now. No working title but we have some sweet songs. Come out and see us play sometime? The shows are listed under the Recitals section of the site. We have a 'hometown' show May 24th in Langton! see for yourself what we've been working on.... <3 much love always
Man... a lot has changed since June 2011. My beard got sweeter... I've had like a million different girlfriends. Wrote a million songs about each of them. Put out an album called The Weather Outside...put out another album called Play It Cool... I dropped the acoustic and picked up an electric and have been playing with a full band. It's loud and fun. We are working on an album right now. No working title but we have some sweet songs. Come out and see us play sometime? The shows are listed under the Recitals section of the site. We have a 'hometown' show May 24th in Langton! see for yourself what we've been working on.... <3 much love always
June 24th 2011
Holy shit! I finally took the time to make a website. I'm pretty excited! This will be the home of all stuff Smile Case related. I'll post random thoughts, lyrics, ideas, songs, videos, setlists, news, ect. Stuff you may be interested and stuff you may not be interested in. Hearsay is the news/thoughts page, Recitals is where I'll be listing all my shows, Ghetto Blaster will have some tunes, the Idiot Box will have some videos, The Deli will have neat stuff for sale and Junk Mail will be a neat way to keep in touch. This site is as much yours as it is mine. Have fun motherfuckers and we'll be seeing more of each other. One love
-Benjamin Lee Andress