Smalltown Poets

The original members of Smalltown Poets, Danny Stephens, Michael Johnston, Byron Goggin, Kevin Breuner and Miguel DeJesus, started writing and performing together in May of 1996 just shortly before signing to Ardent/ForeFront Records where their Grammy nominated debut was released in March of 1997. The self titled first album, produced by Jon Hampton, sold well over 100,000 copies and had two number one singles. In 1999 the second recording, "Listen Closely" was released giving Smalltown Poets another top ten single, "Gloria", which still enjoys a significant amount of airplay on satellite radio. By the time the band was ready to start the tour to support Listen Closely, Byron and Danny both decided to leave the band. This didn’t seem to deter fans from coming to see the band play live or love the new music. Before work started on the third Smalltown Poets project , Kevin Breuner left the band in order to move back to the West Coast, leaving Michael and Miguel to forge a new writing relationship with part time drummer, Matt Goldman. "Third Verse", co-produced with Paul Ebersold, was released in late 2000 and was also nominated for a Grammy in 2001. In 2004 BEC Records released "It’s Later Than It’s Ever Been" with Matt Goldman and Michael Johnston calling on friends Alex Peterson and Troy Stains to help write and record the fourth Smalltown Poets album. One single was released. You may have heard (and may still hear) "The Truth Is Out" on satellite and internet radio as well as a few savvy terrestrial stations. The band supported the release with a few regional shows but did not do a national tour. The original members remain good friends and continue to collaberate.