Folds is better known for his former off-beat piano-fronted group, Ben Folds Five. Full of contradictions (contrary to the band’s name, there were only three members, for example), the group somehow found itself in the alt-rock scene, despite the absence of guitars. In lieu of a six-string, Folds brought his piano antics to mainstream rockers and dubbed his group as “punk rock for sissies.”

Since splitting with his namesake group in October 2000, Folds has been in the studio working on his album and recording songs for soundtracks. His debut solo effort, Rockin’ the Suburbs, is scheduled for a September 11 release.

In December, Folds joins group James as the supporting act on their U.K. arena tour. Catch him starting December 2 in Brighton. They wrap things up on the 10th in London at the famed Wembley Arena.