Default
Default is a Canadian hard rock band best known for their powerful blend of post-grunge grit, melodic hooks, and emotionally charged vocals. Emerging from Vancouver’s thriving rock scene in the early 2000s, Default shot to fame with their breakout hit “Wasting My Time,” a song that became a staple on rock radio and helped define the sound of a generation.
Formed in 1999, Default consists of Dallas Smith (vocals), Jeremy Hora (guitar), Dave Benedict (bass), and Danny Craig (drums). The band was discovered and mentored by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, who produced their 2001 debut album The Fallout — a record that quickly earned platinum status in both Canada and the U.S. Thanks to the success of singles like “Deny,” “Live a Lie,” and the anthemic “Wasting My Time,” Default became one of the most recognizable Canadian rock acts of the early 2000s.
Default’s sound blended the introspective moodiness of grunge with the polished punch of post-grunge and alternative metal. Dallas Smith’s dynamic vocals — equally capable of vulnerability and aggression — paired with driving riffs and arena-ready choruses, made their music resonate with fans navigating personal struggles and emotional turning points.
Following the success of The Fallout, the band released several more albums, including Elocation (2003), One Thing Remains (2005), and Comes and Goes (2009), delivering charting singles like “Taking My Life Away” and “Count on Me.” While musical trends evolved, Default remained a dependable force in Canadian rock, known for their energetic live performances and radio-friendly edge.
After a hiatus during which frontman Dallas Smith launched a highly successful solo career in country music, Default officially reunited in 2018. Their return included a nationwide tour and the release of The Fallout 15th Anniversary Edition, introducing their music to a new wave of fans while reigniting nostalgia among longtime listeners.
Essential Tracks:
“Wasting My Time”
“Deny”
“Taking My Life Away”
“Count on Me”
“Live a Lie”
With their emotionally honest lyrics, radio-tested hooks, and guitar-driven sound, Default remains one of Canada’s most enduring contributions to the post-grunge rock movement. Whether you discovered them in high school or are hearing them for the first time, their music still hits with the same intensity and melodic force that made them stand out in the first place.
