Biography

THE STEREO formed in 1999 when Jamie Woolford, formerly of Animal Chin, and Rory Phillips, formerly of The Impossibles, were brought together by Fueled By Ramen Records co-founder (and current head of Interscope Records) John Janick. They released their debut album THREE HUNDRED to acclaim from fellow musicians and fans in the indie music scene. Phillips would be kicked out before year’s end and THE STEREO forged ahead under Woolford’s leadership. In 2000 they released NEW TOKYO IS CALLING, an EP recorded with indie super producer and Jawbox frontman J Robbins. Numerous lineup changes and inter-band turmoil surrounded the release of their second album NO TRAFFIC in 2001. Following a house cleaning of all existing members except Woolford, THE STEREO persevered with the release of 2002's REWIND + RECORD. Continuing to receive praise from their peers but not the attention from fans or the music industry they craved, the last iteration of the band self-imploded in a fireball of early internet drama in March 2004. In 2011 the band reunited for the Fueled By Ramen 15th Anniversary in NYC. Showcasing a new lineup that featured the return of co-founder Rory Phillips, REWIND + RECORD-era bassist Chris Serafini, and powerhouse new drummer Sam Hardwig. Finding a camaraderie missing from earlier iterations of the band and after sharing new music ideas for the first time in decades, Woolford and Phillips solidified the new roster and began work on THE STEREO’s new album THIRTEEN.