GROUPLOVE'S SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION

The American rock group, Grouplove, was formed in 2010, went viral on the Internet and soon afterwards opened for Florence and the Machine. Ryan Rabin is the producer and drummer. He is also the son of the very talented Soouth African guitarist and composer, and former Rabbitt band member, Trevor Rabin. Ryan's maternal grandmother lives in Fishhoek. Ryan started singing, drumming and playing piano at a young age. He played in various bands before going to the University of Southern California for a music management degree. Shortly after graduation, he went to Europe on holiday with a childhood friend, Andrew Wessen. They met the other members of Grouplove - Christian Zucconi, Hannah Hooper and Sean Gadd - at an artists commune in Greece. Ryan is inspired by his father's work ethic, and his technical and creative abilities. Grouplove's song, Colours, was ranked number 12 on USA TODAY's alternative chart and was also featured in Madden 12, FIFA 12, and MLB 2K12. Tongue Tied was featured in an Apple iPod touch commercial in 2011, and in June 2012 it reached the number one position on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.