How it all began:
Failing Forward was conceived in Cape Town, almost two and a half years ago. Local hardcore outfit Neshamah had just broken up and the guitarist, Russel Aitkenhead, decided to start his own project. He called up some mates, including singer/guitarist Anton van der Merwe and the jamming began! The idea was to create a new sound in Cape Town, a hard sound that was as melodic as it was heavy, yet infectiously catchy at the same time with a tasteful mix of singing and screaming. It needed to be music that appealed to almost everyone, music you could get into and have a great time listening to. And so with that in mind Failing Forward wrote five killer songs, recorded them on a self titled debut EP and exploded onto the Cape Town scene in April 2006. The band gigged the Cape Town circuit like machines and quickly gained a reputation for having one of the best live stage performances in the scene - a reputation that has been well maintained to date. Early 2007 saw Failing Forward leave the familiar territory of the Cape and head over to play a tour in Johannesburg alongside The Slashdogs, The Hellphones, Reason To Live and Die Straatligkinders. The music was enthusiastically received and had the Joburg crowds screaming for more!
In late 2007 Failing Forward entered the Battle For Woodstock competition and went up against five incredible acts in a band fight that will long be remembered. They arose victorious on the night and won the chance to play in the finals at Woodstock 9 in Harrismith. Playing Woodstock was a dream come true and although FF didn't win the finals they made many new fans and friends and widened their circle of influence.
The year of 2008 saw Failing Forward start off with a bang as they played main stage at Cape Town's Ramfest. However the band then suffered a massive lineup change as members quit for various personal reasons leaving Anton as the only original founding member. Determined that this would not be the end, Anton made a few phone calls and slowly rebuilt the band. The result was a new Failing Forward that remained true to its roots, built on the strengths of the past and stronger and more impressive than ever before!
The current band consists of Anton van der Merwe as guitarist/frontman, James Acker on guitars, Tyron Whittaker on bass and Nick Ornellas on drums. The boys are more amped than ever before to continue making music that will make South Africans proud. Music is undoubtedly their primary passion and if ever you meet them or watch them play this fact will hit you with the subtlety of a brick in a sock! See you at the next show!
Current News
At the time of writing Failing Forward are in the studio with Tim Rankin of Bed on Bricks fame. They are working on recording their debut full length which is scheduled for release in August 2008. The album will showcase most of the familiar Failing Forward songs including crowd favourites "Schoolyard Bullies" and "Hunting Beasties". The album will also include songs that weren't ever recorded as well as some material that has never been heard before!
You can stay up to date with what's happening, see the latest gig dates, listen to the songs and keep in touch with the members at the following links:
Band Members:
Anton van der Merwe - guitarist/frontman
James Acker -guitars
Tyron Whittaker - bass
Nick Ornellas - drums.
Myspace Band Profile: www.myspace.com/failingforward777
Facebook Band Profile: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Failing-Forward/19952989064
Failing Forward Fan Club and Gig Guide:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2352469267
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