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In March 2014, a little-known synth-pop band from Baltimore played “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on Late Show with David Letterman. Singer Samuel T. Herring beat his chest, growled, danced like nobody was watching and stared into the camera with total sincerity. The clip went viral, and after nearly a decade of touring, Future Islands were overnight sensations. The songs behind that moment are just as powerful as the performance.
| Formed | 2006, Greenville, North Carolina; later based in Baltimore |
| Members | Samuel T. Herring (vocals), William Cashion (bass, guitar), Gerrit Welmers (keyboards, programming), Michael Lowry (drums) |
| Genres | Synth-pop, new wave, indie rock |
| Breakthrough | Singles (2014) |
| Label | 4AD (since 2014) |
Herring, Cashion and Welmers met at East Carolina University and formed Future Islands from the ashes of an earlier art-school band. They moved to Baltimore and became a hard-touring live act, playing hundreds of shows a year in clubs and basements. Drummer Michael Lowry joined as a touring member and later became a full member.
A raw, lo-fi debut showing the band’s mix of melancholy synths and Herring’s unusual voice.
A breakup record and a big step forward, with “Tin Man” and “Long Flight.”
Moody and atmospheric, with “Balance” and “Before the Bridge.”
Their first album for 4AD and the breakthrough. “Seasons (Waiting on You)” was named the best song of 2014 by several publications. “A Dream of You and Me” and “Spirit” are just as essential.
Polished and confident, with “Ran” and “Cave,” plus a duet with Debbie Harry on “Shadows.”
Recorded with Lowry as a full member, featuring “For Sure” and “Thrill.”
A reflective album about love and distance, with “King of Sweden” and “The Tower.”
Herring’s voice moves from a tender croon to a death-metal growl, and his performances are completely unguarded. He has also released hip-hop under the name Hemlock Ernst. That emotional honesty is why Future Islands mean so much to their fans.
Future Islands showed that synth-pop could be raw and deeply emotional, not just stylish. Their success helped open the door for the new wave and synth revival that runs through The Midnight, Nation of Language and other artists on our Synth-Pop Top 20.
The Midnight, M83, New Order, Nation of Language, The National and Beach House.
In 2006 in Greenville, North Carolina. They are now based in Baltimore.
Samuel T. Herring, William Cashion, Gerrit Welmers and Michael Lowry.
“Seasons (Waiting on You)” (2014).
Yes. Their most recent album is People Who Aren’t There Anymore (2024).
Future Islands bring real emotion to synth-pop, which is why their songs fit so well between our guitar bands and electronic artists. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.
About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: future-islands.com. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.
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