Extra Toppings – Under the Influence of Giants

I came across this awesome band a few years ago, and had always held a torch for them, like most bands, they didn’t have a easy start.. But i do believe that we can expect more awesome music from them soon.

Under the Influence of Giants (UTIOG) is a musical group from Los Angeles, California. The band is often compared to the Scissor Sisters. They released their major label debut album in August 2006, which was a number one hit on the Top Heatseekers chart. Among their influences are the Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, Prince, WHAM!, and Todd Rundgren.

Aaron Bruno and Drew Stewart formed a band called Home Town Hero and signed to the now defunct Maverick Records from 2002-2004.

In 2004, after several member changes and label woes, the band went on hiatus. Around this time, Aaron and Drew reconnected with childhood friend and former Audiovent drummer Jamin Wilcox and began to play music together. All three had experienced turmoil with major record labels and wanted to create music on their own terms. The music from these sessions would later be recorded and released free over the internet under the album title Bitch City. While the band was still called HomeTown Hero at this point, they felt the evolution of the music did not fit the name so they dropped the name. Since HomeTown Hero was still contractually obligated to Maverick, the label held the legal rights to HomeTown Hero’s music. The members of the band quit the label, forced to leave their music behind. However, they are currently in legal talks to acquire rights to the music and possibly release some or all of it in the future.

The band continued under the name “Under the Influence of Giants”, a name meant to reflect of their continuous struggle to operate free of authority. In the winter of 2005 they signed with Def Jam Island Records. They released their debut in summer of 2006 on Island Records.

In November of 2006, they headlined the halftime show at Major League Soccer’s MLS Cup championship game. They have headlined a club tour in the US and UK. They have also gone on tour in the UK and Europe with The Sounds, as well as opening for them on select dates in the United States.

The members are currently starting their solo projects. But still continues to play shows together.

Check out their music on Youtube and Myspace.

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