Under the Influence of Giants
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Under the Influence of Giants (abbreviated as UTIOG) was an American alternative rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, California. Their first major label album, launched in August 2006, achieved the top position on the Top Heatseekers chart. The band drew inspiration from iconic acts such as the Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, and Prince. UTIOG appeared on television programs including Last Call with Carson Daly and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and served as opening performers for artists like Aerosmith, Darrell DMC, Crowded House, Angels and Airwaves, and The Sounds.
History
Home Town Hero was initially formed by Aaron Bruno and Drew Stewart, signing with Maverick Records between 2002 and 2004. Following lineup alterations and complications with their label, the group entered a hiatus. Bruno, Stewart, alongside former Audiovent drummer Jamin Wilcox regrouped to independently produce music, distributing the album Bitch City online at no cost. Because Maverick retained rights to Home Town Hero's material due to contractual terms, a name change became necessary.
Choosing "Under the Influence of Giants" as their new identity to reflect a commitment to artistic independence, they expanded their lineup by adding keyboardist Katie Logan and bassist David Amezcua. By mid-2005, the band was consistently selling out venues such as the Roxy and Key Club in Los Angeles. In spring 2006, Logan departed to form the duo Katie and Katie.
In late 2005, UTIOG secured a deal with Island Records and released their debut album in summer 2006. That November, they headlined the halftime performance at the Major League Soccer MLS Cup held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
The band completed numerous sold-out club tours throughout the United States and United Kingdom, toured Europe alongside The Sounds, and also supported them during selected US shows.
Following UTIOG's disbandment, Aaron Bruno went on to establish Awolnation, while David Amezcua and Drew Stewart remained with the group until their eventual departures. In 2010, they released the EP Back from Earth via iTunes. Jamin Wilcox issued a solo album on iTunes as well, and Amezcua joined Hotstreets, which launched their self-titled debut album in 2010.
As Home Town Hero
- Home Town Hero LP (2002)
- Bitch City LP (2004)
As Under the Influence of Giants
- Heaven Is Full EP (2006)
- Under the Influence of Giants LP (2006) U.S. No. 134
Singles
- "Mama's Room" (2006)
- "In the Clouds" (2006)
In other media
- The track "Robbers" from Bitch City was featured in EA Sports’ video game MVP Baseball 2004.
- Multiple songs from Under the Influence of Giants were included during a Halloween party sequence ("The Middle-Earth Paradigm") in an episode of The Big Bang Theory.
- "Hi Lo" appeared in "Credit Where Credit's Due," an episode of Veronica Mars.