Sarah and Alexander began playing together around the turn of the millennium, in Kerhonkson, New York. Originally, they called themselves Badger. After their first all-human lineup imploded, Sarah and Alexander retreated to Tucson, Arizona, to record their first album as The Chief Smiles. Help Us Help You attracted the attention of Glenn, who soon put his unique stamp on The Chief Smiles sound. In 2007, the band began recording the follow-up to Help Us Help You. Great For Terrible Times was a long time in the making, but certainly worth the effort. It was released, in the modern fashion, in late 2007 / early 2008 to blood-curdling screams. As the release of Great For Terrible Times approached, Brian joined The Chief Smiles. The band is secretly based in and around New York City.