The Follow

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Follow


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genre = Alternative rock
Garage rock revival
Indie rock
Years_active = 2003 - present
Label = Warner Music
URL = [http://www.thefollow.net/ www.thefollow.net]
Current_members = Steven
Jak
KJ
Azaria
Past_members =

The Follow are an Australian rock band. They made their way up through Sydney’s live rock scene where they began in late 2003. After only a few months of gigging, they quickly released their debut E.P – ‘Love is a Cult’, produced by Simon Day (Ratcat) which found it’s way to the hands of Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth). He liked what he heard and without delay began working with Azaria to produce The Follow’s debut album – ‘Empty Orchestra’. Once the recording was complete Lee invited the band to join Sonic Youth on their 2004 tour of Australia, winning them a place in the hearts of indie-art-rock lovers across the nation. The release of Empty Orchestra’s first single ‘Smashed Heart’ saw the band touring Australia with national radio and video play, as well as being picked up by independent radio stations overseas. Their exposure reached as far as the attention of Nine Inch Nails front man, Trent Reznor, who asked The Follow to join their 2005 tour of Australia. Later that year the band were flown to L.A to showcase for Warner and Capitol Records where they met producer Nick Launay (Nick Cave, INXS, The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Arcade Fire, silverchair, etc - www.launay.com), who was captivated by their spirited live performance.

After signing with Warner Records (AUS) in 2006 The Follow headed straight to the studio with Nick Launay to record a five track E.P – ‘Hope You’re Happy’, the end result, highlighting a cohesive cocktail of the bands song writing ability and untameable energy. The first single from the E.P – Christian Girl, quickly rose to 1 on Australian music program, Channel V, as well as braking the itunes record for having the most downloads of a single with in a week(it still stands), While the E.P’s second single – ‘Happy Now’ saw The Follow reaching commercial radio and television success nationally. They finished the year touring the UK where independent label WCS released a 7” vinyl of Smashed Heart, marking the bands first international release.

Returning to Australia the band spent the better half of 2007 on the road headlining tours and supporting fellow Australian artists including Eskimo Joe, IOTA and Bertie Blackman, appearing at the launch of ‘Rolling Stone Live’, Sydney’s ‘Come Together Festival’, Brisbane’s ‘4ZZZ Market Day’ and many more. Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls) was so impressed by The Follow’s charismatic performance when they opened for her sold out Sydney show, that she invited them to join her Australian tour the next day.

2008 has seen The Follow take some time off touring to demo their new material at their Newtown home where they live and work together in the centre of Sydney’s music community; After touring North America in late March working with Nick Launay on their second album. Before they record it they will be releasing the EP 'Hope You're Happy' to the American market through Beverly Martel and Nick's own label Stick It To The Man. Look out for it in on Itunes and in stores from early July. The band will be in LA playing in support of the release. [http://www.myspace.com/thefollow]

Discography

Studio albums

* 2004: "Empty Orchestra"
* 2008: "TBA"

Singles

* 2004: "Smashed Heart"
* 2005: "Christian Girl"
* 2007: "Happy Now"

EPs

* 2003: "Love is a Cult"
* 2007: "Hope You’re Happy"

References