The Influents

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The Influents formed in 1999 as an answer to Pinhead Gunpowder alumni Jason White (vocals, guitar) and Bill Schneider's (bass) desire to make music when not working with Pinhead. Recruiting Bill's brother Greg (vocals, guitar) and former Receivers drummer Willie Samuels (drums, producer) finalized the first Influents line-up. The Influents name was created from an observation by Jason White of the frequent use of the word "influence" when discussing rock music.

Hitting the studio in July and August of 2000, The Influents recorded their debut album, "Check Please" in a variety of studios, including Samuels' own Nu-Tone Recordings. Released on Billie Joe Armstrong's Adeline Records, where White worked, the album soon met critical acclaim, including a Top Five Artist Pick in Rolling Stone Magazine. The band toured heavily in support of the album and soon became well known around Berkeley's famed 924 Gilman Street punk club.

Before the recording of The Influents' second album, Bill Schneider left the band on good terms to focus on his drum store. After bringing in Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong to play bass for a few shows, The Influents enlisted studio musician Johnnie Wentz (bass) to take over as a permanent member. With Wentz, the band headed to the studio again and recorded "Some of the Young", which was to be their final album.

After more extensive touring, tensions in the band reached a new high, and in 2003, The Influents broke up amid professional and personal differences. One of the opinions given for the break-up was Jason White's increasing dedication to his job as touring guitarist for Green Day. The band has no intentions of reforming, and each member has taken on new directions and projects.

Current projects of Influents members:

  • Jason White: Second touring guitarist for Green Day and rumored to be part of the Green Day masked side-project The Network, as Balducci. Also planning to record a new album with his band The Big Cats.
  • Greg Schneider: Recording solo music at his convenience and working in a skateboard company.
  • Willie Samuels: Owner of Nu-Tone Recordings, home of Influents sessions. Currently drumming in the band Poor Baileys.
  • Johnnie Wentz: Recently married and attending school.
  • Bill Schneider: Green Day's Guitar technician and Tour Manager.