The Dog and Everything, a power pop rock band from Chicago, IL, was formed by Dan Monahan and Augie Schmidt. The duo recorded and released their debut album, Bandshell, in 2001. The single "Hey Luv" gained steady radio play and was featured on MTV shows such as The Real World and Undressed. Following the success of Bandshell, which sold nearly 10,000 copies, the band added drummer Shawn Davis and guitarist Jimmy Dietzen. In October 2002, they were named Chicago's Best Unsigned Band by WZZN radio station. The group toured extensively with bands like Something Corporate and Lucky Boys Confusion. Tensions within the band led to Davis' departure in 2004. The band then recorded their second album, Sound Off (2004), with producer Sean O'Keefe, which sold nearly 9,000 copies.
