Jeremy Smith took piano lessons as a child. He is now the frontman and chief songwriting force behind Days Difference, a young quartet from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jeremy formed Days Difference in May 2004 with his older brother, Jonathan Smith on drums and another set of brothers, Micah and Jeremiah Ricks, who play bass and guitar. The siblings met when Jeremy and Jonathan filled in for a no-show pianist and drummer at a high school concert that Micah and Jeremiah were performing. They played their first official gig in September 2004. By May 2006, they were fully committed to giving Days Difference a shot. They had opened up for several popular bands such as
Paramore,
Lifehouse,
Third Eye Blind,
Jack’s Mannequin,
Owl City and
Yellowcard when they had come through
Virginia Beach,
Virginia. In 2007, they had released a solo album titled
Numbers (see below), and then went on a nationwide tour. On their first tour, in a matter of 12 days, they got a flat tire on the first day. A few days later and it simply fell off, requiring them to buy a new trailer. Soon after, their drummer acquired a concussion playing soccer and the bass player broke his collarbone playing football. One promoter even got hit by a car, requiring the cancellation of more shows. To top it off, the band received a $300 fine.
Universal Motown saw potential in Days Difference and their ability to connect with a wide audience. The band signed to the label a mere 24 hours after playing a well-attended industry showcase in June 2008.
Disney has also climbed aboard, casting Jeremy, Jonathan, and Micah as members of
Miley Cyrus's backing band in the big-screen version of
Hannah Montana: The Movie. Continuing the group's success in signing with
Universal Motown, Jeremy began collaborating with several veteran co-writers and producers for the band's self-titled album
Days Difference. Among these collaborators were
Wayne Wilkins (
Beyoncé,
Natasha Bedingfield), Andrew Frampton (
Natasha Bedingfield,
Kylie Minogue), Stefanie Ridel Fair (
Fergie,
Pussycat Dolls), Michael Smidi Smith (
Pussycat Dolls,
Tupac Shakur), and
Tim Myers, former bassist of
OneRepublic. Myers and Jeremy co-wrote four key tracks: the first single "Radio Song", the ballad "Imperfections", "Falling Into You" and "Magnetized". In a recent interview, Jeremy commented on the writing process for the new album: “From the second we worked together, Tim and I saw eye to eye on everything, including the way the melodies and lyrics were supposed to sound it’s almost as if he were my musical twin, but better. As far as co-writing, I just wanted to create the best songs possible. Great songs make great bands, and if you don't have great songs, then there's really no point in releasing an album. We wanted to make an album of hit singles — with great lyrics, great melodies, and great hooks. If you strike that chord with every song, people will connect with you better." On Thanksgiving 2009 while playing football, Jeremiah Ricks broke his left collar bone. Days Difference was a part of the Pop-Con concert on February 20, 2010, in
New York City,
New York. In the summer of 2010, they toured with
Jordin Sparks,
Ashlyne Huff and
Kate Voegele as a part Jordin's first solo tour, The
Battlefield Tour. They also toured with
Allstar Weekend that started on July 20 and ended on July 31. Including a show in Boise, Idaho with the
Backstreet Boys and
Bret Michaels. In late 2011, they will be performing as Special Guests on Action Item's "The Stronger the Love" tour and later joining Owl City on his nationwide tour. On September 9, 2013, the band officially announced via their Facebook page that since 2012, they had been broken up. The band wrote "It's time to confirm what has been true since 2012. After 8 brilliant years as a band Days Difference has come to an end. When the band moved from Virginia Beach in 2012 we split between Los Angeles and Texas. Over the course of the year we realized the distance made moving forward as a band impossible, and it was time for us to pursue different interests inside and outside of music. To our fans: thank you for your love and support over the years. We shared so many incredible experiences with you and made unforgettable memories together. You changed our lives. We'll always remember and cherish you. Thank you so much. We will continue to update you on any musical endeavors we pursue. We hope 2013 is the best year of your lives. Stay crazy! Love, Days Difference" Singer Jeremy later tweeted "Thanks for the memories, love, and support @daysdifference fans. You all are the very best. Here's to a new chapter and new adventures." It was also announced earlier in the year that Jeremy would soon be heading back into the studio to record new music. ==Discography==