Known for their post-grunge 90s alternative pop/rock style, Blue October has been giving us The Answers since 1995. The Texas quintet formed when vocalist/guitarist Justin Furstenfeld began penning angst-ridden rock songs with the help of his brother, drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld, and violinist Ryan Delahoussaye. Though lineup changes would Bassist Matt Noveskey and lead guitarist Brant Coulter completed the band's initial lineup, and Blue October released an independent debut album, The Answers, in 1998. The band's stylistic brand of “post-grunge” led to the sale of 5,000 copies the Houston metropolitan area alone. Two years later, Blue October made their major-label debut on Universal with Consent to Treatment,. By the time Blue October began prepping for their third album, 2003's History for Sale, guitarist Coulter had left the group and CB Hudson (guitar/vocals) took his place. The band itself had also left Universal for Brando Records. The album's first single, "Calling You," became a Top 40 hit thanks to its inclusion on the American Wedding soundtrack, and Universal re-signed the band in the wake of such newfound success. The live CD/DVD package Argue With a Tree was released in February 2005, following 18 months of touring. Noveskey briefly left the band shortly thereafter, but returned in time to record Blue October's first studio album in three years, Foiled, which was issued in April 2006 and went platinum one year later. Recording sessions for another studio album, Approaching Normal, began in mid-2008 with acclaimed producer Steve Lillywhite, and the finished product appeared early the following year. In summer of 2010 the band began pre-production on their most recent album, Any Man In America. During an interview for Austin’s KROX-FM, Justin let slip that their new album would be distributed by RED Distribution, a Sony subsidiary for independent artists. Blue October decided to reject a 360 deal and parted ways with Universal in favor of creating their own label, Up/Down Records. Their sixth album was released in August of 2011, taking the number one spot on the Billboard Top Alternative and Top Rock Albums. The band toured in early 2012, hitting cities throughout the East Coast, South and their home in the Southwest. Did Blue October miss your city this time around? Make sure to demand them in your hometown to let them know where their biggest fans are.
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