Charleston's music scene is in good Co.

After a tour with Band of Horses in Colorado, a performance at the South by Southwest Festival in Texas, and a new EP recording on Fat Possum Records, it's safe to say that local rock quartet, Company, has had a busy year in 2010.

Company, known locally as Co., has been playing music in the Charleston area since 2006. Singer Brian Hannon and drummer Kelly Grant attended high school at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville. They went to different colleges, but reunited in Charleston three years later. After talking at a show, the two started playing music, recruiting friend and fellow musician Matthew Royse on bass and Hannon's neighbor, T.J. Ave-Lallemant, on guitar. The resulting sound is reminiscent of early '90s alt-rock and contemporary indie music.

After Company signed up as an impromptu opener at the Music Farm a few months ago, things started happening. Long story short, the show resulted in a small tour with Band of Horses, and progressed into an EP recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville that will be released later this year. Company has two upcoming shows scheduled. On July 12, the group will play a soft set at 52.5 Records on King Street. July 30 will bring them to The Music Farm, with Sleepy Eye Giant and Firework Show, two other rising stars in the Charleston music circuit.

Charleston Scene caught up with singer Brian Hannon to hear about Company.

Q: Where did the name come from?

A: Interesting development. It started off 'Ko.' It's a symbol in a religious text, the I Ching. A close English translation would be "revolution," in a political sense. People started to call us "Knock-Out" which is not very cool. We decided to go with Company. Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses solidified the name.

Q: Tell me about the shows with Band of Horses.

A: We went to Colorado with them in March. They were the biggest shows that we ever played. Then we went to Texas for South by Southwest, which was a huge experience. Certainly those are the most memorable shows, but I also like playing house shows to crowds of 10 people here in Charleston. Those are still really important as well.

Q: What's next for Company?

A: The label is working on a booking agent for us, so we're kind of waiting to get a real tour going. The biggest thing right now is the Music Farm show (on July 30). That's our first time headlining the Music Farm, so I'd love for people to come out. I've got a few free copies of the new unmastered EP that will be handed out, and we're doing the show for as cheap as we can make it. Everyone should come ... listen to me sing.