Future Pilot is an independent rock-alternative band from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Originally formed in 2004, Future Pilot is the brainchild of Derek Spaulding. Other members of the band include Alex Skalomenos at bass guitar, Chris Griffin at rhythm guitar, and Elliott Minkin on the drums.
In 2004 Derek Spaulding began putting his 10 years of songwriting and production experience towards a rock project that would be both personal and accessible. At the time, he was attending the University of Texas at Austin on an Air Force scholarship and had recently met up with the musically like-minded Alex Skalomenos. The two started toying around with different ideas to develop a feel for what they wanted to write. Future Pilot was founded.
Shortly thereafter, Spaulding moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he continued to write and produce songs for Future Pilot with hopes that he could one day assemble a band to carry the name.
In late 2006 when a dedicated manager and former Universal music employee came onto the scene, Future Pilot started booking shows as a four-piece band but still had only one member. Chris Griffin, a friend and former coworker of Derek’s, was asked to join Future Pilot and began rehearsing material just two weeks before the band would play its first show. A local music teacher, Jay Carlin, was promptly recruited to play drums. The virtuosity of both Jay and Chris quickly became evident; Future Pilot was on to something. But just as quickly as they gained momentum, Future Pilot was indefinitely grounded. Inability to keep a steady bassist in the band led to uncertainty. Eventually, Carlin followed suit and left the band.
Spaulding and Griffin unrelentingly sought new members until Elliott Minkin was discovered. After a brief jam session it was apparent that Minkin was the perfect drummer for the band, leaving just one slot left to be filled. Through careful planning, Skalomenos was reintroduced into the band and eagerly took up the bassist position. Future Pilot was finally realized.
Since becoming a solidified band, Future Pilot has released their first compilation of self-produced tracks titled "Kings of Nothing." The album is steadily attracting the attention of fans worldwide that are as eager for something new as Future Pilot is to give it to them. This work is chock full of lullaby-sensible riffs and melancholy vocals that explode into searing, uninhibited guitar madness, coupled with creative harmonies and the occasional piercing howl of love and contempt. With progressive, stimulating beat changes and unrivaled instrumentation that never loses its focus, Future Pilot will caress your soul, and the moment you drop your guard will sucker-punch you right in the gut.
In early 2007, Future Pilot submitted two of their songs, "Subhuman" and "Ghost in My Dream," to the New Mexico music awards. Amazingly, both songs passed the rigorous judging process and were selected as finalists for the categories "Rock-Alternative" and "Best Song." As the band continues to grow and evolve, many amazing things are expected to come for this group of talented individuals.