Teller Biography

“I can’t believe we didn’t start this earlier,” reflects singer, Stuart Pridell when asked about TELLER’s origins. He goes on to blame himself for this when remembering numerous conversations had with bass player, Daniel Baker about getting together and doing some writing. “I was busy with solo stuff and we never got around to it, better late than never I guess,” he muses.

In fact, at the point Daniel drafted in long time friends, Olly Gane (guitars) and Matt Woolman (drums), the plan was to provide a band to support Stuart’s solo project. Within one 3 hour practise session they had written a song that Stuart felt was better than any of the stuff he had prepared for them.

And so, the solo project was scrapped and TELLER were born. Having said that, the name was some weeks away from being decided. “One of the toughest and yet most insignificant things to do in a band is name it,” says Matt. This prompts the question, where does thename come from?

“Every band, every artist is trying to tell you something with every piece they create, I guess we’re happy with the name meaning nothing more than that.”

The first practise session they had was in September 2008. In the short time since then they have put their efforts into writing with no preconceived ideas. There is one rule: If it feels great when you first play it, trust it. “I used to worry more about the complexity of the music than the simple quality of the song.” Olly’s admition is not lost on his band mates. Daniel says, “I think it’s a trap a lot of people fall into, knowing they’re going to be judged by other musicians.”

TELLER just want to make good music and affect people. They figure the best chance they have of achieving this is by doing what affects them.

“It’s a musical thing first. Once the chords, rhythm and melody has given a song it’s feel, I try to attach lyrics accordingly. More often than not, the mood created by the four of us playing writes half of it for me.”

Stuart maintains he is getting the best out of himself since TELLER formed, “This is the best environment for any songwriter,” he insists.