Young the Giant /

Young the Giant is an American alternative rock band that formed in Irvine, California, in 2004. The band's line-up is Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and François Comtois (drums). Formerly known as The Jakes, Young the Giant was signed by Roadrunner Records in 2009 and released its eponymous debut album in 2010. The band's first two singles, "My Body" and "Cough Syrup", reached the top five of the US Alternative Songs chart. The Jakes formed in 2004 in Irvine, California. After several personnel changes, the group's lineup by 2008 consisted of Sameer Gadhia, Jacob Tilley, Ehson Hashemian, Eric Cannata, François Comtois, and Jason Burger. While two members were still in high school and the rest were attending different colleges, the band recorded the EP, "Shake My Hand," with producer Ian Kirkpatrick, and shortly thereafter decided to put their schooling on hold to focus on music. Jason Burger left the band to pursue a career as a freelance musician in New York City, and François Comtois took over as the drummer. Shortly after, longtime friend and collaborator, Payam Doostzadeh, joined as bassist.