Shortly after returning home to Knoxville, Tennessee, Atlantic dropped the band but retained Smith.

[12] The first member he recruited was bassist Brad Stewart through local Jacksonville music producer Pete Thornton.

[15] The album was eventually certified platinum by the RIAA in the United States, indicating sales of over one million.

[17] In early 2016, the band started recording their sixth album, as they revealed in an interview with Wes Styles of the 97.7 WQLZ radio station.

[19] Following an intervention from his then-girlfriend, Smith eventually lost weight through exercise and a healthier diet, including quitting drinking.