Jared Nelson Smith

Born and raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, singer/songwriter Jared Nelson Smith relocated to Los Angeles where, in 2003, he formed the trio Vagenius with singer/keyboardist Juliette Commagere and drummer Joachim Cooder. With their unique, electro-pop sound and hard-driving live show, the group toured relentlessly, building a sizable fan base both locally and nationally. Renaming themselves Hello Stranger in 2006, the group released their self-titled LP, which was co-produced by Ry Cooder (father of drummer Joachim). The album was well-received, and Hello Stranger soon foun...