Young the Giant’s members are Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (lead guitar), Eric Cannata (rhythm guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass) and Francois Comtois (drums). The rock band formed in Irvine, California, in 2004, originally as the Jakes. Former members are Ehson Hashemian, Jason Burger and Sean Fischer.
Young the Giant signed with Roadrunner Records in 2009 and released its self-titled debut album in 2010; its first three singles, “My Body,” “Cough Syrup” and “Apartment,” all charted on the US Alternative Songs chart. Here is every member with roles and years.
Sameer Gadhia – Lead Vocals (2004–present)
Sameer Gadhia is a founding member and sings lead, and also plays percussion, keyboards and rhythm guitar.
Jacob Tilley – Lead Guitar, Keyboards (2004–present)
Jacob Tilley has played lead guitar, keyboards and synthesizer since the band started in 2004.
Francois Comtois – Drums (2007–present)
Francois Comtois was in the band from the start, playing bass guitar from 2004 to 2007, and moved to drums, percussion and backing vocals in 2007.
Eric Cannata – Rhythm Guitar (2007–present)
Eric Cannata joined in 2007 on rhythm guitar, backing vocals, keyboards and tenor ukulele.
Payam Doostzadeh – Bass Guitar (2008–present)
Payam Doostzadeh took over bass guitar in 2008 and also plays keyboards and synthesizer.
Former Members
- Ehson Hashemian – keyboards, piano, synthesizer (2004–2009)
- Sean Fischer – drums, percussion (2004–2007)
- Jason Burger – drums, percussion (2007)
Line-Up Changes in Brief
The early band went through several changes between 2004 and 2009: Fischer and then Burger left the drum seat, Comtois moved from bass to drums in 2007, Cannata joined on guitar the same year, Doostzadeh arrived on bass in 2008, and Hashemian left in 2009. The five-member line-up has been stable since.
From the Jakes to Young the Giant
Keyboardist Ehson Hashemian left shortly before the band signed to Roadrunner Records in August 2009. The Jakes officially changed their name to Young the Giant in January 2010 while recording their debut album with producer Joe Chiccarelli at Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The album peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200. The current line-up released its second album, Mind over Matter, after the lead single “It’s About Time” on October 28, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Young the Giant’s original name? The Jakes.
- Where is Young the Giant from? Irvine, California.
- Who sings in Young the Giant? Sameer Gadhia.
- How many members does Young the Giant have? Five.
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