The Planet Smashers

The Planet Smashers

The Planet Smashers are a ska and ska punk group from Montréal, Canada, active since 1994. The band’s lineup includes Matt Collyer, Dave Cooper and Scott Russell. Their sound is rooted in third wave ska, with pop-influenced melodies, prominent horn lines and a fast live style.

Formation and early releases

The band forms in Montréal in 1994 and releases its first self-titled album on STOMP Records, the label founded by Matt Collyer. After that debut, the group tours widely and quickly moves beyond the local scene.

By 1997, the band is performing across Canada and promoting its second album, Atttack of The Planet Smashers, which reaches number 2 on the national college radio charts and remains there for two months. Its third album, Life of The Party, brings wider attention and helps establish the band as a major Canadian ska act.

Independent career and notable releases

Although the band attracts interest from major labels, publishers and booking agents during the ska boom, it stays with STOMP Records. The label continues as an important independent imprint internationally, and the group remains tied to it through much of its career.

The fourth album, No Self Control (2001), is produced by Steven Drake, known for work with the Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies and The Odds. The record is well received on national college radio and produces the videos “Blind” and “Wish I Were American”.

The fifth full-length album, Mighty, is produced and engineered by Rod Shearer, who has worked with Bran Van 3000, Bionic and Corey Hart, and is co-produced by the band. The album becomes the group’s most successful internationally after being licensed in Japan, Europe, Russia, Brazil and Australia.

The band later releases Unstoppable in 2005 as its sixth commercial album. That release is licensed in Japan by Sky/Sony, in the UK by Household Name Records and Plastic Head, in Europe by Leechredda/Cargo, and in Russia by AudioFind.

Recognition and touring

The Planet Smashers win the Montreal Independent Music Award for best ska band for Life of The Party. They also release a DVD, 10, in 2004, marking ten years of the band.

The group tours extensively in North America, Europe and Japan. Its live schedule includes headlining tours across Canada and North America, eight European tours, a Japanese tour in 2002, and appearances on five Vans Warped Tours, including the 2004 edition. It also tours with AFI, the Toasters, Sick of it All, Billy Talent, Rancid, Mustard Plug, Simple Plan, Samiam, the Aquabats and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.