Satchel was originally formed under the name Bliss by vocalist Shawn Smith and drummer Regan Hagar, after their previous band Brad (which also featured guitarist Stone Gossard) went on hiatus.

They recruited guitarist John Hoag, bassist Cory Kane and Jefferson Bennett on saxophone.

Some of EDC's song titles were taken from the character's names in the film Reservoir Dogs, one of the band's favorite movies.

Touring bassists include former member Mike Berg, Jeff Fielder, and Lonnie Marshall.

Smith died at his home in Seattle on April 3, 2019, of a torn aorta and high blood pressure.