The Smith Street Band was formed in 2010 in Melbourne. The initial lineup included Wil Wagner, a vocalist, songwriter, guitar player, and keyboardist. Tom Lawson was the back vocalist and guitarist. The other members were Jimi O'Loughlin (bass guitar), Lee Hartney (guitar), and Chris Cowburn (drums). Initially, the group had a long name, Wil Wagner and The Smith Street Band. It was shortened in 2011.
The band’s debut release was an EP, South East Facing Wall. It was recorded with the assistance of Jackknife Records at the beginning of 2011. In 2013, the album was re-released. The debut LP appeared in the summer of 2011. The artists called it No One Gets Lost Anymore. This time they worked with Poison City Records. Both albums received positive reviews from the critics in Melbourne.
In 2012, musicians announced an upcoming tour, Young Drunks, to support their new album, Sunshine and Technology. The tour continued for three months. The group gave concerts together with Bomb the Music Industry! and The Bennies.
In the spring of 2013, Wagner announced a three-day music festival, All Tomorrow's Shoeys, in Hobart’s Hotel in Brisbane. After the festival, the band participated in the Tram Sessions project. They arranged live concerts in Melbourne trams.