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Clean Bandit

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Clean Bandit
Clean Bandit in 2016
Clean Bandit in 2016
Background information
OriginCambridge,England
Genres
Years active2008–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka[1]
  • Neil Amin-Smith[2]
Websitecleanbandit.co.uk

Clean Banditare an Englishelectronic musicgroup, formed inCambridgein 2008. They have had four number 1 hits and ten top 10 hits on theUK Singles Chart.They direct and produce their own music videos, many of which have been nominated for Brit Awards and VMAs, while two of them, "Symphony"and"Rockabye",each have over 1 billion views on YouTube, with Rockabye having reached over 2.9 billion views. The group currently consists of founderGrace Chattoand brothers Jack and Luke Patterson.[2]Jack Patterson is the principal songwriter and has been awarded two Ivor Novellos for the writing of "Rather Be".Many of their projects are known for blending elements of bothclassicalanddance music,and featuring guest vocalists. Notable collaborators includeMarina,Demi Lovato,Jess Glynne,Anne-Marie,Sean Paul,Zara Larsson,Julia Michaels,Luis Fonsi,Ellie Goulding,Iann DiorandMabel.

The band released their debut single "A+E"in 2012, followed by their 2013 single"Mozart's House",the latter of which reached number 17 on theUK Singles Chart.In January 2014, they scored their first UK chart topping single with "Rather Be", a collaboration withJess Glynne.The song also reached number 10 on the USBillboardHot 100.[3]In 2015, the song won theGrammy Award for Best Dance Recording.[4]The band's debut albumNew Eyeswas released in June 2014 and has received a gold certification from theBPI.Their 2016 single "Rockabye",which features Jamaican artistSean Pauland singerAnne-Marie,became their second number one hit in the UK and theChristmas number one single for 2016.The song became an international chart topper for the band, additionally charting at number nine in the US.[5]"Symphony"featuringZara Larssonbecame their third UK number one single in 2017. Clean Bandit's final number one to date wasSolo,withDemi Lovatoproviding vocals. The band's second album,What Is Love?,was released in November 2018. As of 2016,Clean Bandit have sold over 13 million singles and 1.6 million albums worldwide.[6]

History

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Four-shape motif used on early album covers

2008–2012: Formation and career beginnings

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Original band membersGrace Chatto,Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson and Neil Amin-Smith met while studying as undergraduates atJesus College,University of Cambridge.[7]At the time, Amin-Smith, who attendedWestminster School[8]was leading a string quartet together with Chatto, who attendedThe Latymer School.[9]The original vocalist, Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka, left to undertake a PhD in laser analytics.[1]In 2011, Chatto and Jack Patterson formed their own film production company, Cleanfilm, to make music videos for themselves and other artists.[7]

The band's name, Clean Bandit, comes from a translation of a Russian phrase; the meaning is similar to the English phrase "complete bastard", though Patterson later stated that it is actually a more affectionate term similar to "utter rascal".[10][11]

2012–2015:New Eyes

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Clean Bandit, along with singersFlorence RawlingsandElisabeth Troy,atWay Out Westin Gothenburg, Sweden, August 2014

In December 2012, Clean Bandit released their debut single "A+E", which peaked at number 100 on theUK Singles Chart.In March 2013, they released their second single "Mozart's House".The song peaked at number 17 on theUK Singles Chart.Their third single "Dust Clears"charted at number 43 in the UK. The band's fourth single"Rather Be"featuringJess Glynnewas released in January 2014 and topped theUK Singles Chart.It was the fastest-selling song released in January since 1996 and ended 2014 as the year's second best-selling song in the UK (behind "Happy"byPharrell Williams), selling over 1.13 million copies.[12]"Rather Be" also reached number one in Austria, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, whilst charting at number ten on the USBillboardHot 100.In April 2014, the band made their TV debut on BBC'sLater... with Jools Holland.[13]The following month, they announced a 14-date headline tour of the UK kicking off in Lancaster Library as part of the Get It Loud In Libraries campaign.[14]The band's debut studio albumNew Eyes,was released in June 2014 byAtlantic Records UK.[15]In September 2014, they performed with theBBC Philharmonic OrchestraatMediaCityUK.[16][17]In November, the band collaborated again with Jess Glynne, on their single "Real Love".It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.[18]The same month, the band performed as part of the charity groupBand Aid 30alongside other British and Irish pop acts, recording the latest version of the track "Do They Know It's Christmas?"to raise money for the2014 Ebola crisisinWest Africa.[19]

In February 2015, "Rather Be" won theGrammy Award for Best Dance Recordingat the57th Annual Grammy Awards.[20]The group recorded a 30-piece orchestral version of "Rather Be" atAbbey Road StudiosforMarks & Spencer's Christmas 2015 advertising campaign.[21]

Chatto withElisabeth Troyat FIB 2015

2016–2019:What Is Love?and Neil Amin-Smith's departure

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In May 2016, the band released the single "Tears"featuringThe X Factor2015 winnerLouisa Johnson,which later appeared in their second studio album. The song peaked at number five in the UK, following a performance onBritain's Got Talent.[22]

In October 2016, it was announced that violinist and pianist Neil Amin-Smith had decided to leave Clean Bandit.[23][24]Two days later, the group released their first song as a three-piece without Amin-Smith: "Rockabye",which features rapperSean Pauland singerAnne-Marie."Rockabye" became their second number one hit in the UK,[25]and remained at the top spot for nine weeks. It went on to become theChristmas number one single for 2016.[26][27]The song also reached number one in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. It additionally charted at number nine on the USBillboardHot 100.[28]In March 2017, the trio released "Symphony",a collaboration with Swedish singerZara Larsson.The song topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming the group's third number one single in the country.[29][30]They gave their first live performance of the song onThe Voice UK.[31]"Rockabye"was recorded at The Crypt Studio in London. In June, the band released the studio version of"Disconnect"withMarina Diamandis.The track was previously performed at the 2015Coachella Festival.

Clean Bandit on stage in Rome on 28 June 2017

In October 2017, the band announced the single "I Miss You",featuring renowned songwriterJulia Michaels.It charted within the top five of the UK and has been certified platinum. In May 2018, the band released the second album's fifth single, "Solo",featuring vocals fromDemi Lovato.It topped the charts in the UK the following month and has received a platinum certification in the country.[32]In November 2018, sixth single "Baby"was released, featuringMarinaandLuis Fonsi.[33]Clean Bandit released their second albumWhat Is Love?in November 2018. The album features collaborations with Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Craig David, Anne-Marie, and Charli XCX.[34]

2020–present: Leaving Atlantic Records, new record label, forthcoming third studio album and new projects

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Against the backdrop of theCOVID-19 pandemic,the band produced a 'House Party' event fortnightly in place of the live shows which they would've performed if the pandemic had not happened. Clean Bandit produced six of these house parties in total, from April to July, many featuring vocals from their singer Yasmin Green.[citation needed]

In early August 2020, as their live home music performances gained credit, the band agreed with Global Citizen to host a 12-hour long 'Houseparty Against Hunger' on 8 August, to raise money for the charity to help fight poverty-related hunger. The event consisted of one hour-long sets from DJs around the world. Clean Bandit hosted the event and played at the start and end of proceedings, with their set-up the same as that used in their original house parties. Kirsten Joy, one of the band's singers, performed along withBecky Hill,Joel Corry,MNEKand a guest appearance fromSean Paul.[35]

On 17 August, Clean Bandit announced they would be releasing a new single, titled "Tick Tock"with singerMabeland rapper24kGoldn.[36]It was released on 21 August 2020.

On 26 January 2021, Clean Bandit announced their new single "Higher" featuring American rapperIann Dior.The song was released on 29 January 2021.[37]

On 30 July 2021, Clean Bandit released their new single "Drive"with German DJTopicfeaturing Wes Nelson.[38]

On 24 September 2021, Clean Bandit released a remix of the famous 80s hit songHow Will I Knowin collaboration withWhitney Houston.[39]

On 18 February 2022, Clean Bandit released a new dance/electronic song featuringA7Scalled "Everything but You".[40]

On 9 September 2022, Clean Bandit released a new single "Sad Girls" with rapperFrench the KidfeaturingRema.[41]

On 21 October 2022, Clean Bandit released another single, "Don't Leave Me Lonely" in collaboration with the songwriterElley Duhé.[42]

Between 2022 and 2024, Clean Bandit parted ways with their labelAtlantic Recordsand signed with B1 Recordings.

On 23 July 2024, Clean Bandit announced their song with English singer-songwriter Anne-Marie and FrenchDJDavid Guettacalled "Cry Baby".It was released on 9 August 2024.[43]

Musical style

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Clean Bandit are an electronic,[44]electropop[45]and dance-pop band.[46]The band mixes electronic music with classical pieces by composers such asMozartandShostakovich.[10]

Political views

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In May 2017, Clean Bandit endorsed theLabour PartyandJeremy Corbynin the2017 UK general election.[47]In June, the band supported a Labour Party rally in Birmingham.[48]

In June 2018, they headlined theLabour Livefestival in London.[49]

In November 2019, they endorsed the Labour Party in the2019 UK general election.[50][51]In December 2019, along with 42 other leading cultural figures, they signed a letter stating that "Labour's election manifesto under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership offers a transformative plan that prioritises the needs of people and the planet over private profit and the vested interests of a few."[52][53]

They endorsedRebecca Long-Baileyin the2020 Labour Party leadership election.[54]

After leaving the band, Neil Amin-Smith joined theInstitute for Fiscal Studiesand in July 2024 was appointed by Labour chancellorRachel Reevesto a government council of economic advisors.[55]

Members

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Former members

  • Neil Amin-Smith – violin, piano(2008–2016)
  • Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka – vocals(2008–2010)

Former touring musicians

  • Patrick Greenberg – bass(2010–2016)
  • Simon Marlin – guitar(2010–2016)
  • Braimah Kanneh-Mason – violin(2016–2017)
  • Nikki Cislyn – vocals(2012–2013)
  • Florence Rawlings– vocals(2013–2016)
  • Elisabeth Troy– vocals(2013–2016)
  • Christina Hizon - vocals, piano(2013–2016)
  • Ezinma – violin(2017)
  • David Gane – drums, percussion(2018)[58]
  • Tom Varrall – guitar(2017)
  • Molly Fletcher – violin(2018)

Discography

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Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Category Recipient Outcome
2011
Best Dance Video - Budget
Nominated
Best Pop Video - Budget
"Telephone Banking"
Nominated
2014
Best Electronic/Dance Act
"Clean Bandit"
Won
Song of the Year
Nominated
Best English Language Song
Nominated
2015
British Group
"Clean Bandit"
Nominated
British Single of the Year
"Rather Be"
Nominated
International Work of the Year
Nominated
Won
Most Performed Work
Won
Best Contemporary Song
Won
Top Dance/Electronic Artist
"Clean Bandit"
Nominated
Top Dance/Electronic Song
"Rather Be"
Nominated
Modern Pop/Rock Album of the Year
Nominated
2017
British Single of the Year
Nominated
British Video
Nominated
Best Song
Nominated
Best Dance/Electronic Song
Nominated
Gaygalan Awards
International Song of the Year
Nominated
International Song of the Year
Nominated
International Hit of the Year
Nominated
International Duo/Group of the Year
Clean Bandit
Nominated
2018
Best Group
Nominated
Mass Appeal Award
Nominated
Best Group
Nominated
British Single of the Year
Nominated
British Video of the Year
Eliminated
Gaygalan Awards[61]
Best International Song of the Year
Won
Danish GAFFA Awards[62]
Best International Song of the Year
Nominated
Sweden GAFFA Awards[63]
Best Swedish Song of the Year
Won
P3 Guld Awards[64]
Song of the Year
Nominated
Scandipop Awards[65]
Best Dance/Pop Song
Won
Pop Awards[66]
Song Of The Year Award
Nominated
Winning EDM Songs
Won
"Rockabye"
Won
Winning Hot 100 Songs
Won
Best Global Track
Won
Top Dance/Electronic Song
Nominated
Choice Electronic/Dance Song
Nominated
Best World Stage
Clean Bandit
Nominated
Best British Group
Nominated
2019
Best Group
Nominated
Best British Artist or Group
Nominated
Best Song
"Solo"
Nominated
British Single of the Year
Nominated
British Video of the Year
Nominated
Swedish GAFFA Awards[71]
International Song of the Year
Nominated
Nominated
2023
Clean Bandit
Won

References

[edit]
  1. ^abParrish, Charlie (21 July 2015)."Clean Bandit on Cambridge, being shameless, and turning down MI6".The Telegraph– via telegraph.co.uk.
  2. ^abPreston, Dominic (19 October 2016)."Clean Bandit's Neil Amin-Smith just quit the band".PinkNews.
  3. ^Trust, Gary."Meghan Trainor, Tove Lo, Clean Bandit Hit Top 10".Billboard.Retrieved1 October2014.
  4. ^"Grammys 2015: Complete list of winners and nominees".LA Times.9 February 2015.Retrieved9 February2015.
  5. ^"Clean Bandit".Billboard.Retrieved17 June2017.
  6. ^"UK TRIO CLEAN BANDIT RELEASE THEIR NEW SINGLE" ROCKABYE "FEAT. SEAN PAUL AND ANNE-MARIE!".Warner Music Canada.24 October 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 20 December 2016.Retrieved18 December2016.
  7. ^ab"Interview: Clean Bandit".Varsity, the independent student newspaper for the University of Cambridge. 30 September 2011.
  8. ^Maxx Design."Famous Old Westminsters (OWW), Central London".Westminster.org.ou. Archived fromthe originalon 13 January 2015.Retrieved13 February2015.
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  10. ^ab"Clean Bandit: A classical approach to pop music".BBC News.26 May 2014.
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  22. ^Smith, Carl; Cox, Lizzie (27 May 2016)."The X Factor's Louisa Johnson's first single to be Clean Bandit collaboration 'Tears'".Sugarscape.Retrieved22 July2016.
  23. ^"Neil Milan on Twitter".Twitter.Retrieved23 December2016.
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  25. ^Copsey, Rob (11 November 2016)."Clean Bandit's Rockabye reaches Number 1 in the UK".Official Charts Company.Retrieved9 December2016.
  26. ^Cantor, Brian (2 December 2016)."CLEAN BANDIT, SEAN PAUL & ANNE-MARIE'S" ROCKABYE "ENJOYS 4TH WEEK AS UK'S #1 SONG".Headline Planet.Retrieved9 December2016.
  27. ^Savage, Mark (23 December 2016)."Clean Bandit land Christmas number one with Rockabye".BBC News.Retrieved23 December2016.
  28. ^Trust, Gary (13 March 2017)."Ed Sheeran Stays Atop Hot 100, Clean Bandit Bounds to Top 10".Billboard.Retrieved14 March2017.
  29. ^"Clean Bandit".Official Charts.Archived fromthe originalon 7 October 2017.Retrieved5 November2017.
  30. ^"Official Singles Chart Top 100 – 28 April 2017 - 04 May 2017".Official Charts.Archived fromthe originalon 21 August 2017.Retrieved5 November2017.
  31. ^Darvill, Josh (16 March 2017)."Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson to perform on The Voice UK on Saturday".TellyMix. Archived fromthe originalon 17 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  32. ^McIntyre, Hugh."Clean Bandit And Demi Lovato Climb To No. 1 In The U.K. With 'Solo'".Forbes.Archived fromthe originalon 22 June 2018.Retrieved28 June2018.
  33. ^"Clean Bandit, Marina and Luis Fonsi Lament Lost Love in Nostalgic 'Baby' Video: Watch".Billboard.Retrieved29 April2019.
  34. ^"What Is Love? (Deluxe) by Clean Bandit on Apple Music".Apple Music.Retrieved28 September2018.
  35. ^Yopko, Nick."Clean Bandit Announce 12-Hour Virtual House Party to Fight Hunger".EDM - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists.Retrieved20 August2020.
  36. ^"Clean Bandit announce new single titled Tick Tock".officialcharts.Retrieved20 August2020.
  37. ^Gable, Jake (30 January 2021)."Clean Bandit drop new single 'Higher' feat. chart-topping rapper Iann Dior".We Rave You.Retrieved11 August2024.
  38. ^Rees, Katrina (9 August 2021)."Clean Bandit & Topic unveil music video for 'Drive' featuring Wes Nelson".CelebMix.Retrieved11 August2024.
  39. ^"Whitney Houston x Clean Bandit 'How Will I Know' out today".Out Clique.28 September 2021.Retrieved11 August2024.
  40. ^Brereton, Greta (21 February 2022)."Listen to Clean Bandit link up with A7S for new single 'Everything But You'".NME.Retrieved11 August2024.
  41. ^Romeo, ToniAnn (24 September 2022)."Clean Bandit, French The Kid and Rema team up for new single 'Sad Girls'".Glasse Factory.Retrieved11 August2024.
  42. ^Pepe, Nicole (30 October 2022)."Clean Bandit enlist Elley Duhé on new single 'Don't Leave Me Lonely'".We Rave You.Retrieved11 August2024.
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  44. ^Multiple citations:
  45. ^Multiple citations:
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  50. ^Bandit, Clean [@cleanbandit] (20 November 2019)."REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE Tue Nov 26 http:// gov.uk/register-to-vote…. Share or create your own version of 'why I'm voting labour' using #WantChangeVoteLabour. Vote tactically if you're in a marginal using http:// tactical.vote, other sites are dishonest. Pass this on!"(Tweet).Retrieved21 November2019– viaTwitter.
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  52. ^"Vote for hope and a decent future".The Guardian.3 December 2019.Retrieved4 December2019.
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  54. ^Clean Bandit [@cleanbandit] (12 February 2020)."I think Rebecca Long-Bailey is the only choice? #Newsnight #LabourLeadership"(Tweet).Retrieved13 February2020– viaTwitter.
  55. ^Partington, Richard (11 July 2024)."Rachel Reeves to announce economic advisory council to boost UK growth".The Guardian.Retrieved12 July2024.
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  57. ^https:// instagram /p/CyQqNAmISKn/
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