We The Kings: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About We The Kings

We The Kings emerged from the pop-punk scene in the mid-2000s, capturing the hearts of fans with their catchy hooks, feel-good lyrics, and energetic live performances. Best known for hits like “Check Yes Juliet” and “We’ll Be a Dream,”the band, led by Travis Clark, has built a loyal fanbase and enjoyed success across multiple albums and tours. However, beyond their radio hits, there are some fun facts and lesser-known stories about We The Kings that even dedicated fans might not know. Let’s dive into some interesting tidbits about the band!

1. The Band's Name Has a High School Connection

We The Kings have a special connection to their hometown of Bradenton, Florida. The band members, who grew up together, named themselves after King Middle School, where they all attended. The name "We The Kings" is a tribute to their early years and the tight-knit friendships they formed in school. Their bond as childhood friends has remained a core part of the band's identity, influencing their music and keeping their chemistry strong over the years.

2. "Check Yes Juliet" Was Written in Just One Day

One of We The Kings’ most iconic songs, “Check Yes Juliet,” almost never happened. Travis Clark, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter, wrote the entire song in just one day. The band had been struggling to finish material for their debut album, and “Check Yes Juliet” was written as a last-minute addition. The song went on to become their breakout hit, reaching millions of fans and becoming a staple of the pop-punk genre. It’s a fan favorite and is still one of their most popular songs during live shows.

3. They Were Early Adopters of YouTube

Long before it became common for bands to document their lives on social media, We The Kings embraced YouTube as a way to connect with fans. The band's guitarist, Hunter Thomsen, along with their drummer Danny Duncan, started filming behind-the-scenes footage and uploading videos to YouTube. This early adoption of vlogging helped the band create a personal connection with their fans and gave followers a peek into their lives on tour, in the studio, and beyond. The vlogs have since become a major part of their fan engagement, and Travis Clark's personal YouTube channel also became a space where fans could learn more about his life and the band’s journey.

4. Their Song "We’ll Be a Dream" Featured Demi Lovato

In 2010, We The Kings teamed up with Demi Lovato for their hit single “We’ll Be a Dream,” a song that became one of their biggest successes. Lovato was a rising star at the time, and her collaboration with the band introduced them to a broader pop audience. The song’s dreamy, romantic vibe connected with fans and charted on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for the song featured Lovato alongside the band, and the collaboration remains a standout moment in their discography.

5. Travis Clark Writes Music for Other Artists

While Travis Clark is the primary songwriter for We The Kings, his talents extend beyond the band. Clark has written songs for a variety of artists in different genres, including pop, rock, and country. His songwriting abilities have made him a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like Simple Plan and Victoria Justice. He enjoys stepping outside of his usual style with We The Kings to explore different musical directions and connect with other creatives in the industry.

6. The Band Survived a Tour Bus Fire

In 2012, We The Kings experienced a terrifying incident while on tour in the UK when their tour bus caught fire. Thankfully, none of the band members were injured, but the bus was completely destroyed, along with much of their personal belongings. Despite the scary ordeal, the band pushed forward with their shows, and they’ve since joked about the incident as a wild memory from their touring days. The experience solidified the band’s bond and showed their resilience in the face of adversity.

7. They Crowdfunded One of Their Albums

In 2013, We The Kings took a more DIY approach to funding their music by launching a PledgeMusic campaign to raise money for their fourth album, “Somewhere Somehow.” The crowdfunding campaign allowed fans to contribute to the album’s creation, with rewards ranging from exclusive merchandise to personal interactions with the band. The campaign was a huge success, surpassing its funding goal and leading to the release of the album. This direct engagement with their fans highlighted the band’s strong connection with their community, and the success of the campaign allowed them to maintain creative control over their music.

8. Travis Clark’s Orange Hair Became His Signature Look by Accident

Travis Clark’s iconic orange hair, which became a signature part of his look, was actually the result of a happy accident. Clark originally tried to dye his hair red in high school, but the color came out bright orange instead. Instead of changing it, he embraced the look, and it became part of his onstage persona. Over the years, fans have come to associate Clark’s fiery hair with the band’s energetic, positive vibe.

9. Their Song "Sad Song" Became a Viral Hit

Though “Sad Song” wasn’t initially released as a single, it unexpectedly went viral years after it was included on the band’s 2013 album Somewhere Somehow. The song’s emotional lyrics and acoustic vibe resonated deeply with fans on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, leading to a resurgence in its popularity. “Sad Song” has since become one of We The Kings’ most-streamed songs, with its heartfelt message about loss and love connecting with a new generation of listeners.

10. They Have a Deep Connection to Warped Tour

Like many pop-punk bands of their era, We The Kings built much of their fanbase by playing the Vans Warped Tour, the legendary traveling rock festival that introduced countless bands to new audiences. We The Kings performed on multiple Warped Tour runs, and they’ve always credited the festival for helping them grow as musicians and develop a dedicated following. Their involvement with Warped Tour helped shape their identity as a live band and gave them the platform to reach fans across the world.

We The Kings have built a career based on catchy pop-punk tunes, personal connection with their fans, and a commitment to staying true to their roots. From their humble beginnings in Bradenton, Florida, to their global success, the band has always remained focused on delivering positive, high-energy music. With stories of tour bus fires, viral hits, and unexpected collaborations, We The Kings continue to make their mark on the pop-punk landscape, proving that their reign is far from over. One of We The Kings' most meaningful lyrics comes from their hit song “Sad Song”:

"Without you, I feel broke, like I'm half of a whole."

This lyric captures the deep sense of loss and incompleteness that comes with missing someone who plays a significant role in your life. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling emotionally fractured without the presence of a loved one. The simplicity and sincerity of the line make it especially resonant, and it has become a fan-favorite for its ability to express vulnerability and heartache in such a poignant way.