Blue October and Jess Woodland

Texas native Justin Furstenfeld formed Blue October in the mid-‘90s in the wake of bands like Nirvana et al. The group's original line-up comprised of Justin singing and playing guitar, brother Jeremy Furstenfeld on drums, violinist Ryan Delahoussaye, bassist Matt Noveskey and lead guitarist Brant Coulter.

In 1998 Blue October independently released their debut album “The Answers”, which became a popular album in the local area, selling over 5,000 copies in Houston alone. Thanks to producer Don Byczynski, the group’s follow-up album, “Consent to Treatment” (2000), was on the major label Universal Records. Due to the disappointing sales Blue October were dropped from Universal in 2000.

Following an appearance on ABC’s KTRK-TV early morning news, the band moved to Austin, Texas, U.S. in 2001 where they were able to fulfil a number of early morning radio shows and special radio concerts. Blue October’s third album “History for Sale” (2003) was released through Brando Records and is noted for the departure of guitarist Coulter and the arrival of guitarist and vocalist CB Hudson. As a result of appearing on the American Wedding soundtrack the album’s first single “Calling You” became a Top 40 Hit in the U.S.

After an 18-month stint of extensive touring, Universal re-signed the band with their newfound success and released the live CD/DVD combo “Argue with a Tree” in February 2005. Blue October’s third studio album entitled “Foiled” was issued in April 2006 and became a certified platinum album in under a year.

In the wake of a tour alongside Yellowcard, the group released the two-disc album “Foiled for the Last Time” featuring live recordings of new songs and remixes of original material. “Approaching Normal” arrived in 2008 produced by esteemed producer Steve Lillywhite and which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. The album was led by the single “Dirt Room” and followed by “Say It” which received a notable amount of U.S. radio airplay.

Blue October recorded and released a live unplugged album titled “Ugly Side: An Acoustic Evening With Blue October” to the delight of fans, and followed the released with a three-month acoustic tour. The band has subsequently released 2011’s “Any Man in America” produced by Tim Palmer, and 2013’s “Sway”, the group’s 7th studio album, featuring the tracks “Bleed Out” and “Light You Up”.