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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.
Future Islands at a glance
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)
Formation
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.
The albums
Wave Like Home (2008)
A raw, lo-fi debut showing the band’s mix of melancholy synths and Herring’s unusual voice.
In Evening Air (2010)
A breakup record and a big step forward, with “Tin Man” and “Long Flight.”
On the Water (2011)
Moody and atmospheric, with “Balance” and “Before the Bridge.”
Singles (2014)
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.
The Far Field (2017)
Polished and confident, with “Ran” and “Cave,” plus a duet with Debbie Harry on “Shadows.”
As Long As You Are (2020)
Recorded with Lowry as a full member, featuring “For Sure” and “Thrill.”
People Who Aren’t There Anymore (2024)
A reflective album about love and distance, with “King of Sweden” and “The Tower.”
Samuel T. Herring
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.
Legacy
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.
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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