Ask anyone interested in the indie/alternative music scene what band they associate with the two words “piano rock.” You can be assured that Something Corporate will be the most prevalent band in their responses. Something Corporate (abbreviated as SoCo) helped define the current-day genre.

In 1997, singer/pianist Andrew McMahon, drummer Brian Ireland, and bassist Kevin Page (also known as “Clutch”) got together to form Left Here while at Dana Hills High, in Dana Point, California. They went on to win their school’s battle of the bands competition, but soon after, Left Here broke up.

In 1998, the former members of the band merged with guitarists Josh Partington and Reuben Hernandez to create Something Corporate, a name chosen out of irony to reflect their feelings of the dime-a-dozen, made for TV bands used solely to make money in the music industry. With their line-up now seemingly complete, they recorded and independently released Ready... Break. Less than a year after the release, Hernandez was replaced by a different guitarist, William Tell.

Soon after, Drive-Thru Records, a California “indie-punk” label came knocking on the band members’ doors. The uniqueness of a piano in SoCo’s sound had caught the attention of the label. Something Corporate signed with them and released Audioboxer. With their first official release, the band definitely caught the public’s eye, which led toto national tours, performances at record stores, and TV appearances.

In 2002, Something Corporate released their first full-length album, Leaving Through The Window, on MCA/Geffen Records. This record accomplished many great things for the band. It was the #1 album on the Billboard Heatseekers and Alternative New Artist charts. It peaked at #101 on the Billboard Top 200. “Punk Rock Princess,” probably the most widely known single, made it to #33 on the UK charts. The album was loved by many people, and was noted for the summer-esque feel and McMahon’s talents.

Fans fears of a sophomore slump record soon diminished after the release of North, the polar opposite to the previous album. North held more of a wintry aura. Quickly selling 42,000 copies, it debuted at #24 on the Billboard 200, a big jump from Leaving Through The Window. This led to many other TV appearances and live performances. But before starting their 2004 tour with Yellowcard, Will Tell announced he would be leaving to focus on a solo effort. Bobby “Raw” Anderson quickly replaced him, and they set off on their touring, including a performance in Ventura, California. It was recorded (along with the band members’ offstage antics) and released as a DVD: Live At The Ventura Theater.

In the summer of that year, the band collectively decided to take a break. It has been over two years since the hiatus, and the band members are still reassuring fans that this is not the end of Something Corporate. There is at least one new album in the future, among extensive touring.

But where are they now? Since the initial break, Partington formed a band called Firescape. Anderson also started a new project: Bike Lock. Ireland is drumming for Streamline, who found him after an extensive search for a very needed replacement. In addition to these bands, McMahon and Anderson have formed Jacks Mannequin, a successful band that still focuses on the distinct piano sound Andrew has to offer.

Most recently, McMahon, Anderson, Partington, Page, and Ireland got together for a special performance on the Bamboozle tour stop at Pomona, California. On October 14th, 2006, Something Corporate performed “Konstantine,” “I Woke Up In A Car,” and “Hurricane.” The event gave many fans hope for the band’s return.

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