Semisonic is an American rock band formed in Minneapolis in 1995. The band comprises Dan Wilson, John Munson, and Jacob Slichter. They achieved mainstream success with their 1998 hit single "Closing Time," which reached the top 20 in the U.S. While they are primarily known for this song, Semisonic has a broader discography and contributed to the alternative rock scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
1993: Formation of Pleasure
In 1993, following the breakup of Trip Shakespeare, Dan Wilson and John Munson teamed up with drummer Jacob Slichter to form the band Pleasure.
1995: Semisonic Formation
In 1995, Dan Wilson, John Munson, and Jacob Slichter officially formed the rock band Semisonic in Minneapolis.
1995: Name change to Semisonic and EP Release
In 1995, the band Pleasure changed its name to Semisonic and released an EP, also titled 'Pleasure', on the CherryDisc indie label.
1996: Release of 'Great Divide'
In 1996, Semisonic released their first full-length studio album, 'Great Divide', on MCA.
1998: Release and success of 'Closing Time'
In 1998, Semisonic achieved mainstream success in the U.S. with their single "Closing Time", which reached the top 20 charts.
1998: Release of 'Feeling Strangely Fine'
In 1998, Semisonic's second album, 'Feeling Strangely Fine', achieved Top 50 chart success due to the popularity of their hit single "Closing Time."
1999: "Secret Smile" success in the UK
In the summer of 1999, "Secret Smile", a song from Semisonic's album 'Feeling Strangely Fine', became a UK radio favorite, eventually reaching No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and marking international success for the band.
2001: Side projects and touring
In 2001, Dan Wilson focused on solo projects, while John Munson joined Matt Wilson to form The Flops.
2001: Release of 'All About Chemistry' and tour
In 2001, Semisonic released their third album, 'All About Chemistry'. The song "Over My Head" featured in the film Summer Catch and the band toured the UK.
2004: Publication of Slichter's book
In 2004, Jacob Slichter's book, 'So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star', was published, detailing the band's experiences while touring and attempting to gain radio airplay.
2005: Possible Final Performance of the Flops
In early 2005, The Flops, a side project including John Munson, were expected to make a final performance.
2005: Munson joins The New Standards
In late spring of 2005, John Munson began playing in a new jazz trio, The New Standards, featuring Chan Poling of The Suburbs and Steve Roehm, playing new jazz renditions of classic songs.
October 2007: Release of Free Life
In October 2007, Rick Rubin's label American Recordings released Dan Wilson's solo album, Free Life, featuring collaborations with numerous artists including John Munson and Jacob Slichter. The song "Cry" was the album's single.
2008: Wilson reveals the story behind "Closing Time"
During a performance at Harvard's Sanders Theatre in 2008, Dan Wilson shared that the song "Closing Time" was originally inspired by the birth of his first child.
2009: Formation of The Twilight Hours
In 2009, John Munson and Matt Wilson reunited to form a new band called The Twilight Hours.
2016: Release of Black Beauty by The Twilight Hours
In 2016, The Twilight Hours, featuring John Munson and Matt Wilson, released their second album, Black Beauty.
June 2017: 'Great Divide' 20th anniversary reunion shows
In June 2017, Semisonic reunited to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their first album, 'Great Divide', with a series of three shows, where the band played the album in its entirety.
December 2017: 'Feeling Strangely Fine' anniversary shows
In December 2017, Semisonic played three shows in the Twin Cities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their second album, 'Feeling Strangely Fine', and performed the album in its entirety.
2017: Live performances of new songs begin
From 2017 through 2019, Semisonic performed new and previously unreleased songs, including "Basement Tapes", "All It Would Take", and "You're Not Alone" during live shows.
2018: 'Feeling Strangely Fine' re-release
In 2018, the album 'Feeling Strangely Fine' was re-released for its 20th anniversary, including its first vinyl pressing and four additional songs.
July 2019: Summerfest and Basilica Block Party Performances
In July 2019, Semisonic performed at Summerfest in Milwaukee and later at the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis.
June 26, 2020: Release of "You're Not Alone" Single
On June 26, 2020, Semisonic released the single "You're Not Alone", which was their first new material in 19 years.
September 18, 2020: Release of "You're Not Alone" EP
On September 18, 2020, Semisonic released the full "You're Not Alone" EP.
2020: Release of 'You're Not Alone' EP
In 2020, Semisonic released the 'You're Not Alone' EP, marking their first studio release since 'All About Chemistry'.
June 2, 2023: Start of the Last Summer on Earth 2023 tour with Barenaked Ladies
On June 2, 2023, Semisonic began supporting Barenaked Ladies on the Last Summer on Earth 2023 tour.
June 26, 2023: End of the Last Summer on Earth 2023 tour with Barenaked Ladies
On June 26, 2023, Semisonic concluded their support for Barenaked Ladies on the Last Summer on Earth 2023 tour.
November 3, 2023: Release of "Little Bit of Sun" album
On November 3, 2023, Semisonic released their full album, 'Little Bit of Sun', consisting of twelve songs.
2023: Performances at First Avenue
In 2023, Semisonic played two shows at First Avenue to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Twin Cities public radio station The Current, the shows’ sponsor, on January 27 and 28.
2023: Releasing singles from "Little Bit of Sun"
In the summer of 2023, Semisonic began releasing singles from their upcoming album, Little Bit of Sun, including "Little Bit of Sun" and “Grow Your Own” on June 5, "The Rope" on August 1, and “Out of the Dirt” on September 12.
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