Line-up

Headliner
Parachute Last time in Los Angeles (LA): 7 years ago

Venue

El Rey Theatre

5515 Wilshire Blvd., 90036, Los Angeles (LA), CA, US

www.theelrey.com/

Capacity: 700

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Additional details

Doors open: 19:00

Concert in your area for Rock, Indie & Alt, and Pop.

Find out more about Rock and Pop.

Parachute biography

Formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, US, Parachute developed their soul and funk-addled indie pop, building on their local popularity to find mainstream success with their major-label debut in 2009.

Having met at high school, the members of Parachute, Will Anderson (vocals, guitar), Johnny Stubblefield (drums), Christopher "Kit" French (saxophone, keyboards), Alex Hargrave (bass) and Nate McFarland (guitar) initially performed as Sparky's Flaw. Under this moniker, the band developed a strong local following, becoming a popular band for students at the University of Virginia.

Their independently released EP, "One Small Step" in 2005 helped attract the attention of Smash Records, an imprint of Mercury Records, who were quick to sign them to their roster. A self-titled EP followed in 2007 before Sparky's Flaw decided to change their name to Parachute, before releasing their debut album.

It was not until 2009 that "Losing Sleep," their debut, appeared, with the album's success bolstered by the inclusion of their song for a national TV campaign for Nivea. The album reached number 40 on the Billboard 200, finding them mainstream success. The band continued to progress, gaining a high profile support slot for Kelly Clarkson, as well as their appearance on the popular online show, "Live at Daryl's House," with Daryl Hall.

Parachute continued to tour, as well as gaining additional dates in support of Kelly Clarkson, as well as a joint headline slot with British artist, Joe Brooks. After developing new songs, they returned to the studio in 2011, recording their sophomore album, "The Way It Was." The album built on their previous success, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200. Their third, "Mercury," arrived in 2013, finding their highest chart success thus far, reaching number 15.

Live reviews

With new bands coming out of the woodwork each day, sometimes it’s hard to make that lasting impression. And while Parachute can be tossed into the pile of pop rock bands, this Charlottesville, Virginia, outfit has managed to pack venues wherever they go.
Childhood friends -- Will Anderson (vocals, guitar, keys) , Kit French (saxophone, keys, vocals), Alex Hargrave (bass) and Johnny Stubblefield (drums) -- started the band back in high school and were known as Sparky’s Flaw. After signing with Mercury Records in 2007, they soon changed their name to Parachute and put out three albums that wooed fans with their catchy melodies, sweet lyrics and rock rhythms on songs like ‘You and Me,’ ‘Can’t Help’ and ‘She (For Liz).’
Seeing their shows since 2008 when I followed gaggles of girls toward a band of all-American guys who each had his own cute look that would appeal to just about every young female in the crowd. However it's not just their adorable looks that will grab you (if that’s your kind of thing). Instead it was their band’s musical ingenuity. From the Stubblefield’s heavy drumming to French’s skills on the sax, their sound was something that was less Dave Matthews Band, who’s also from their hometown, and leaned more towards a piano-driven Billy Joel type vibe. They continue the ‘Piano Man’ singer’s legacy by even covering his hit, ‘Movin’ Out’ in their set. Another thing to note about Parachute is the way they are able to mix things up in their set by making sure to show their rock band styles on ‘Something to Believe In,’ the romantic acoustic side with ‘She is Love’ and the more trendy synthy sound on ‘The Only One.’ Playing outdoor festival stages and theaters with bands like The Cab and Plain White T’s, they are your no-frills straight forward pop rock band. So don’t expect fireworks or some crazy costumes. But be sure to pack a pair of earplugs to protect yourself from the high pitch screams.

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