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Jeremy William Smith wasn't one of those kids who sang into a hairbrush in front of the mirror dreaming of being a famous pop star. "I never planned on being a singer," he says. "My mom made me take piano lessons when I was in first grade and at first I hated it. "I ended up falling in love with it and it's been a constant thing in my life ever since." .Jeremy is the front man and chief songwriting force behind Days Difference, a young quartet from Virginia Beach, VA, who released their self-titled debut album in the fall of 2009 -- a breezy collection of pop gems that showcases the melody-minded songwriting, expressive vocals, and dynamic piano sound. Jeremy formed Days Difference in May 2004 with his 23-year-old brother Jonathan on drums and another set of brothers, 22-year-old Micah and 23-year-old Jeremiah Ricks, who play bass and guitar, respectively. The siblings met when Jeremy and Jonathan filled in for a no-show pianist and drummer at a high school concert that Micah and Jeremiah were performing. "We jammed it out onstage and the chemistry and connection we had together was incredible," Jeremy recalls. Days Difference spent several years honing their propulsive pop sound by opening for artists such as Paramore, Lifehouse, Third Eye Blind, Jack's Mannequin, and Yellowcard when those artists played Virginia Beach. In 2007, they released an independent album, Numbers, then embarked on a nationwide tour, in which everything that could have gone wrong did: a tire on their trailer fell off, a show was canceled when the promoter got hit by a car, Jonathan got a concussion playing soccer, Micah broke his collarbone playing football, and they received a $500 parking ticket to top it all off. The tour may have been grueling, but "it taught us a lot," Jeremy says. "We really grew as a band. We had some tough times, but we never doubted ourselves." To help bring out their best, the band's team enlisted several veteran co-writers and producers, including Wayne Wilkins (Beyoncé, Natasha Bedingfield), Andrew Frampton (The Script, Orianthi, Kris Allen, Natasha Bedingfield,), Stefanie Ridel Fair (Fergie, Pussycat Dolls), Michael Smidi Smith (Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Tisdale), Jimmy Harry (Kelly Clarkson, Pink) and Tim Myers, former bassist for OneRepublic. Myers and Jeremy co-wrote four key tracks "Radio Song," the touching ballad "Imperfections," and the radio-ready "Falling Into You" and "Magnetized." "From the second we worked together, Tim and I saw eye to eye on everything, including the way the melodies and lyrics were supposed to sound," Jeremy says. As far as co-writing, I just wanted to create the best songs possible. Great songs make great bands, and if you don't have great songs, then there's really no point in releasing an album. We wanted to make an album of hit singles -- with great lyrics, great melodies, and great hooks. If you strike that chord with every song, people will connect with you better." The band signed with Universal Motown a mere 24 hours after playing a well-attended industry showcase in June 2008. Disney has also climbed aboard, casting Jeremy, Jonathan, Micah, and Jeremiah as members of Miley Cyrus's backing band in the big-screen version of Hannah Montana: The Movie. In 2009, Days Difference spent the summer touring with the Plain White T's, All Time low, We the Kings, and Cartel. They ended the year playing with Owl City. "We really had a blast sharing the stage with such great acts and honestly, touring is our passion. We want to be in front of as many people as we can for as many nights as possible," says drummer Jonathan Smith. The beginning of 2010 has already included several shows with Selena Gomez and a sold out Popcon show with Justin Bieber. The band is currently on tour opening for Jordan Sparks. Their new single "Speakers" was most added at Hot AC radio.