The Used was formed in the town of Orem, Utah. The drummer, Branden Steineckert brought the band together to play their music. However, living in a largely conservative and Mormon area, their location was not very good for their style of music. Their big break came when they were discovered and signed to Reprise Records. Until then, they had to battle homelessness, poverty and drug addiction. Their success has been tangible. Before the release of The Used, they had played a few shows around Orem.