Parachute Musical
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 in Washington, D.C., United States |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Nashville, Tennessee , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Josh Foster, Tom Gilbert, Andrew Samples, Ben Jacoby |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Website | www |
Parachute Musical was an American rock group established in 2005 in Washington, D.C. and later primarily operated out of Nashville, Tennessee until their dissolution in 2012. The ensemble consisted of Josh Foster (vocals, piano), Tom Gilbert (guitar, backing vocals), Andrew Samples (bass, backing vocals), and Ben Jacoby (drums).
Early history
Josh Foster and Tom Gilbert, who grew up together in Olney, Maryland, collaborated in high school jazz ensembles. Ben Jacoby and Gilbert became acquainted while employed at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center in Wheaton, Maryland. During his youth, Jacoby toured with The American Originals Fife and Drum Corps. Alongside bassist Matt Dowling (later associated with Deleted Scenes (band)), they founded Parachute Musical in 2005, initially performing at venues around Washington, D.C., such as The Grog & Tankard and Black Cat.
Parachute Musical debut and move to Nashville (2005–2007)
Their self-titled first album was recorded in 2005 as part of a project at American University. Following this release, Jacoby relocated to Milwaukee while Gilbert moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University. Foster experienced lineup instability while pursuing his jazz guitar studies at American University, which resulted in a brief hiatus for the band. Motivated by witnessing a Jamie Cullum show at the 9:30 Club, Foster moved to Nashville in February 2007 to reunite with Gilbert; Jacoby joined them shortly thereafter. They recruited bassist Kyle Cornett and resumed touring throughout the Southeast and Northeast regions.
Everything Is Working Out Fine In Some Town LP (2008–2009)
On June 19, 2008, Parachute Musical unveiled Everything Is Working Out Fine In Some Town, a 10-track album produced by Nashville indie producer Derek Garten. The record’s year-long creation involved intricate orchestral layers arranged by Foster and delved into subjects such as the end of his engagement and familial challenges. It received acclaim locally as one of Nashville’s most sophisticated and expansive indie rock releases.
Songs from the album gained television placements: "One More Song" was featured on E! Entertainment's Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami (2010), while "Instead" appeared on MTV's The Real World (2010). The album saw a Japanese release through This Time Records in August 2010, including bonus material like the No Comfort single.
Throughout 2008 and 2009, the band toured extensively to promote the album, sharing stages with groups such as Modern Skirts and Wakey!Wakey!. In May 2009, bassist Kyle Cornett left the group and was succeeded by Tennessee native Andrew Samples (Feable Weiner, Mondo Primo).
Touring & No Comfort Single (2010)
The band issued a two-track single titled No Comfort on January 8, 2010, produced by Derek Garten, coinciding with a tour alongside Sequoyah Prep School. A music video for "Drop Me A Line" was released on March 30, 2010.
During April and May 2010, Parachute Musical embarked on a five-week tour along the West Coast with Athens-based band The Winter Sounds.
On August 3, 2010, they released Little Did You Know, featuring pedal steel contributions from Russ Pahl, known for collaborations with Elton John and Willie Nelson. For this track, band members swapped instruments; it was made available as a free download via their website.
Kill It Cut It Down (2010–2011)
On August 5, 2010, Parachute Musical announced a hiatus from touring to concentrate on producing their third studio album.
Between September and November 2010, they utilized Kickstarter to secure $16,705 in funding from their supporters for this endeavor.
In December 2010, the band disclosed plans to collaborate with producer Jim Wirt (known for working with Incubus and Fiona Apple) and recorded the album in Cleveland during January 2011. They described this period as "the coldest month of [their] lives." Foster depicted the forthcoming record as more refined and rock-driven while maintaining its emotional resonance.
They released the two-track single New Love on Valentine's Day 2011, which included horn contributions from Richmond's Murphy's Kids. These songs had been recorded earlier, in August 2010.
The album title, Kill It Cut It Down, was unveiled on May 9, 2011. It became available on August 23, 2011 through their website using a dynamic pricing strategy that started at $2 and rose daily up to $10. The title symbolizes "letting go of old habits to welcome change." Reviewers regarded it as a natural progression from their 2008 debut, transitioning from piano-centered ballads to guitar-driven, "aggressive-but-bright pop-rock."
During the fall of 2011, Parachute Musical supported Kill It Cut It Down with a tour co-headlining alongside Elsinore and Nashville artist Kyle Andrews.
Break Up
On March 5, 2012, Parachute Musical announced via their blog that they would be disbanding. They expressed, "The past 7+ years have been some of the greatest moments of our lives, but we all feel this chapter has come to a close. We’re ready to try new things, go new places, see where life takes us." The split was amicable, with the members affirming "we're brothers and will continue to be."
Their final performance took place on March 30, 2012 at The 5 Spot in Nashville, Tennessee.
LPs
- Parachute Musical (2005)
- Everything Is Working Out Fine In Some Town (June 19, 2008)
- Kill It Cut It Down (August 23, 2011)
EPs
- Seasons Greetings (December 2008)
Singles
- No Comfort [2-song single] (January 8, 2010)
- Little Did You Know (August 3, 2010)
- New Love [2-song single] (February 14, 2011)