Industry (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Industrial Complex |
| Founded | 1978 in New York City, United States |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Industry was a new wave group from the United States, originally established in 1978 in New York City under the name Industrial Complex, before adopting the name Industry. The band transitioned to a commercial sound in 1981 but dissolved three years afterward. Their only widely recognized album, Stranger to Stranger (1984), included their prominent track "State of the Nation".
Members
- 1978–1981 (as Industrial Complex/early Industry)
- Andrew Geyer – guitar, tape loops
- Mercury Caronia – vocals, drums
- Sean Robin Kelly – bass, backing vocals
- 1981–1984 (Industry)
- Jon Carin – lead vocals, keyboards, synthesizers
- Brian Unger – guitar, backing vocals
- Mercury Caronia – drums, backing vocals
- Rudy Perrone – bass, guitar, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals
- 2014–2016 (MASS/Industry)
- Mercury Caronia – drums, keyboards, vocals
- Andrew Geyer – guitar, tape loops, vocals
- Sean Robin Kelly – bass
- Steve Northshield – guitar
History
The band was created in 1978 as Industrial Complex by Mercury Caronia (handling drums, vocals, keyboards, composition, and studio engineering), Andrew Geyer (guitar), and Sean Kelly (bass and backing vocals). Their sound combined experimental electronic elements including tape loops and synthesizers with innovative guitar work.
In 1981, Geyer and Kelly left the group. They were replaced by guitarist Brian Unger, lead vocalist Jon Carin, and Rudy Perrone—who had previously collaborated with Caronia in the progressive rock outfit Cathedral. Subsequently, the band secured a contract with Capitol Records.
Their most successful single "State of the Nation" charted notably in Sweden and Italy between 1983 and 1984. This exposure allowed them to open for major acts such as Billy Idol, Talk Talk, and INXS. However, their follow-up single "Still of the Night" did not achieve comparable success. Industry disbanded in 1984.
Post-split
Following the breakup, Jon Carin embarked on a prosperous career as a session musician and solo artist. He became an integral member of the Pink Floyd touring ensemble and co-authored their hit "Learning to Fly". Meanwhile, Unger and Perrone pursued their own musical projects, and Sean Kelly continued working as an arranger and composer under the name Sean Robin.
Albums
- Stranger to Stranger (1984) – Peaked at No. 16 in Italy
EPs
- Logging Time (1980)
- Turning to Light (1981)
- Industry (1983) (Mini vinyl LP containing 5 tracks)
Singles
- "Logging Time" (1980)
- "Ready for the Wave" (1980)
- "Turning to Light" (1981)
- "State of the Nation" (1983) – Charted AUS No.78, IT No. 3, SWE No. 10, U.S. No. 81
- "Communication" (1983)
- "Still of the Night" (1984)
- "What Have I Got to Lose" (1984)