In 1999, the band released their debut album, the tongue-in-cheek titled 'Greatest Hits'. It went on to win "Best Independent Album" in the L.A. Music Awards and has picked up a big fan response. In 2000, after forging a friendship with the alternative rock band Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm signed with DreamWorks SKG for their first major studio album, called 'ANThology'. The band's tunes showcased an energetic sound that featured humorous, often cynical lyrics and a desire to take in all kinds of musical influences.
In 2001, their cover of the Michael Jackson song, "Smooth Criminal", was a #1 single in both Australia and New Zealand as well a #3 single in the United Kingdom and #1 on Billboard's Modern Rock chart. The song's music video features numerous homages to Michael Jackson's life and career as well as Jackson's many videos. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the first season of 'WWE Tough Enough' and in the movie 'American Pie 2'. Their following single, "Movies", also featured a quirky music video with references to classic films such as 'The Karate Kid' and 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. The tune became top 5 hit in the U.K. and a top 20 hit in New Zealand. The band began touring in promotion of these two singles and their album, which later went platinum.
In spring of 2002, the band contributed the track "Bug Bytes" to the first 'Spider-Man' soundtrack, giving them even more exposure after the Tobey Maguire film's major success. However, tragedy struck the group. In May 2002, the band was involved in a bus accident while touring in Spain. The driver, 26-year-old Christopher Holland, was killed, and lead singer Dryden Mitchell suffered a fractured C2 vertebra. The horrific event scarred the group permanently, and many fans speculated that the band might have to go on a long hiatus or even fold for a while.
Nontheless, Alien Ant Farm soon returned to the studio to work on their next album, titled 'truANT', which was released in 2003. Produced by Stone Temple Pilots' Robert and Dean DeLeo, the work found the band doubling down on their past style. The video for "These Days", the first single from the album, was filmed on top of a nearby building during the Red Carpet at the 2003 BET Awards. While that tune ended up having more modest success that the band had hoped, song "Glow" was a mainstream radio success, achieving long lasting Top 20 success in New Zealand. Two months after this album was released, however, the group's record label closed its doors. Some fans speculated that the outfit had some kind of black cloud of bad luck around them, despite the guys' talents.
In October 2003, guitarist Terry Corso split with the band, citing "irreconcilable differences". Soon after, he joined the popular alternative metal outfit Powerman 5000 for a time. Joe Hill was named the new guitarist in 2005. The musician had formerly served in the underground California rock outfit Spiderworks.
In 2004, the band recorded the song "Dark in Here" for the Punisher video game. Unfortunately, the band was forced to wait for Geffen to allow them to record another album. Label Universal Music had bought DreamWorks and assigned the band to the Geffen Records company, and it appeared as if corporate shenanigans had stopped the band's momentum in its tracks, the mainstream popularity having faded.
In 2005, the band recorded with producer Jim Wirt (who recorded their independent, debut release "Greatest Hits") and planned to release the album during that summer. However, Geffen shelved the album and subsequently denied the band the rights to release it themselves. The band hit the road and made bootleg copies of the album material available to all of their fans. This unofficial release was dubbed 3rd Draft by fans.
In late 2005, Geffen finally agreed to let the band release the album on another Universal label, Universal Music Enterprises (its catalogue division). On May 4, 2006, information began showing up on music store websites and release calendars about an upcoming release from the band. The band also released information about a DVD that same day. On May 30, 2006 the new album, Up in the Attic, was released digitally on iTunes. The first single was "Forgive and Forget", the one added track to 3rd Draft.
In April 2006, bassist Tye Zamora left the band and decided to go to college. He was replaced by Alex Barreto (formerly of hardcore bands Chain of Strength, Hardstance, and Inside Out). On June 29, 2006, the band performed on G4's Attack of the Show, and on July 18, 2006, Up in the Attic was released worldwide, along with BUSted: The Definitive DVD. Included on the DVD were music videos for "Forgive and Forget", "Around the Block", and "She's Only Evil". Notably, the three videos feature only Dryden Mitchell and Mike Cosgrove.
Since the July 2006 release of Up in the Attic, very little has happened. Their website remained unupdated from November 2006 until April 2007, the update promoting the Alien Ant Fans website, created by a long time Polish fan, Bartek.
The band released Around the Block, the second single from Up in the Attic, on iTunes Store in 2007.
On February 11, 2008, the band posted a statement on their website saying all the original members of the band are back together. It was also revealed that the band had "unofficially broken up" in 2007 due to the fact that 2006's Up in the Attic was their least successful album. Around this time, vocalist Dryden Mitchell formed a new band, Send the Sages. Guitarist Terry Corso and drummer Michael Cosgrove worked on a side project titled Ghost In The Flesh, bassist Tye Zamora worked with the band eEnik. Alien Ant Farm toured sporadically, and released a new live album, Alien Ant Farm: Live In Germany.
In 2009, they played the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, UK on August 1. They had also performed "Smooth Criminal" at the 2009 Vans' Warped Tour in memory of Michael Jackson, who had recently died.
On February 9, 2010, Alien Ant Farm posted on their official website that the original line up (Dryden Mitchell, Terry Corso, Tye Zamora and Mike Cosgrove) was back together for the first time since 2003. On February 27, 2010, the Alien Ant Farm official website released the band's first "webizode" titled Bassmasters.
Always And Forever and upcoming sixth studio album (2011–present)
Alien Ant Farm playing in 2015
The band's "ANTicipation" 2011 Tour took place across the continental U.S. from July to October 2011. They also took part in the "Michael Forever Tribute Concert" which took place on October 8, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. Alien Ant Farm started writing new material and in July 2012 started recording their fifth album, Always and Forever, at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago in July 2012. In March 2013 they set up a crowdfund, using PledgeMusic, to finance the album's release. The first single from Always and Forever, "Let 'Em Know", was released in May 2013. Also in the summer of 2013, Alien Ant Farm participated in "The Big Night Out Tour", opening for Hoobastank and Fuel.
Founding member and bassist Tye Zamora left Alien Ant Farm in March 2014 and was replaced by Tim Peugh. At the same time, Michael Anaya joined as a touring member of the band, providing backing vocals, percussion, and keyboards. Another single, Homage, was released in September 2014, followed a month later by E.P. Phone Home. The album Always and Forever was released on February 24, 2015.
On March 31, 2016, Alien Ant Farm announced on their official Facebook page that they were writing material for a new album.
On May 17, 2016, the band took part in the Make America Rock Again super tour throughout the summer and fall of 2016. In addition, they announced a headlining tour where they intend to perform the album Anthology in its entirety. In 2018 they toured as part of the "Gen-X Tour", alongside Buckcherry, P.O.D., and Lit.
On May 8, 2020, the new single "Everything She Wants" was released digitally on streaming services. It is a cover of the song by Wham!.
Whisper
Alien Ant Farm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's my arms, it's my arms, baby
Small rooms with record exec types
Whisper away my future lately
I'll introduce you
To producers
I'll write your songs and make them way damn shorter
[Chorus]
I'm so confused
This industry has made me cold
I trusted you to make me shine bright
This is almost getting old
Shock me with fear it's taking longer
Blood sweat and years will make me way damn stronger
It's my words that fail to give insight
I blame you, blame me, baby
[Chorus]
It suits me just fine
This is the package I'm sending
These are the clothes that I'm wearing
These are the words that I'm saying
These are the notes that they're playing
I'll introduce you to producers
I'll write your songs and make them way damn shorter
[Chorus]
And it suits me just fine
The lyrics to Alien Ant Farm's song "Whisper" seem to be about an artist who is struggling with their place in the music industry. The singer acknowledges that their talent is what has led to success, as it is their arms that "wrap you up nice." However, they lament being stuck in small rooms with record executives who whisper about their future. The singer is clearly frustrated with the industry and those who have promised to make them shine bright. They feel confused and cold, blaming themselves and those around them for their inability to find success.
In the chorus, the singer expresses their weariness with the industry, suggesting that they have been through this cycle many times before. They admit that the process has taken longer than they expected, but they believe that the struggle is making them stronger. They are not giving up, even though the experience has been difficult.
The final lines of the song suggest that the singer has come to terms with the fact that this is the industry they have chosen. They are willing to send out the package they have created, wear the clothes they have been given, and say the words they have rehearsed. They will continue to introduce themselves to producers and write songs, even if it means making them shorter than they would like.
Overall, "Whisper" seems to be a song about the struggles of being an artist in the music industry. The singer acknowledges that success requires talent and hard work, but they are frustrated with the power dynamics and the lack of control they have over their own career.
Line by Line Meaning
It's my arms that wrap you up nice
I have the power to wrap you in a comfortable and secure embrace.
It's my arms, it's my arms, baby
I am reminding you that my arms are always here to hold you and protect you.
Small rooms with record exec types
I find myself in cramped spaces with intimidating music industry professionals.
Whisper away my future lately
These executives are making quiet promises that could determine my future success.
I'll introduce you
To producers
I'll write your songs and make them way damn shorter
I am offering to use my connections and skills to create successful music for you, even if it means sacrificing artistic integrity.
[Chorus] I'm so confused
This industry has made me cold
I trusted you to make me shine bright
This is almost getting old
I am struggling with the harsh realities of the music industry, and I am losing faith in the people I have trusted to guide me through it.
Shock me with fear it's taking longer
Blood sweat and years will make me way damn stronger
The constant stress and uncertainty of this industry is taking a toll on me, but I am determined to endure and grow stronger despite it.
It's my words that fail to give insight
I blame you, blame me, baby
I am frustrated that my words are not resonating with people and am unsure who to blame for this lack of connection.
It suits me just fine
Despite the difficulties I face, I am willing to continue in this industry and make compromises to achieve success.
This is the package I'm sending
These are the clothes that I'm wearing
These are the words that I'm saying
These are the notes that they're playing
I am presenting the version of myself that the music industry wants to see, and everything I say and do is carefully curated to fit that image.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: TYE ZAMORA, DRYDEN MITCHELL, MICHAEL COSGROVE, TERENCE MAURICE CORSO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
r0ttingb0ne
on Smooth Criminal
@ciggywater yess
ciggywater
on Smooth Criminal
Love this version much better.
Aaron Bernhard
on Wish
muie