Band of Skulls
Encyclopedia
Band of Skulls is an alternative rock
band from Southampton
, England
, consisting of Russell Marsden (guitar
, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass
, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). The group formed after meeting in college, although Russell and Matt have been friends since school.
area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. The band's original demos were recorded in their father's shed-studio.
Band of Skulls debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
, distributed by Shangri-La Music
, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store
on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track "I Know What I Am" was chosen as iTunes
' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. Another track that was not actually on the album,"Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival
in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil
" by The Rolling Stones
with the band John & Jehn
. In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom
. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather
at The Roundhouse
in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp
's "Strict Machine
" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse
on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care Of His Own" - the first single to be taken from the new album - with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy) who also produced their debut album. The release is planned for 21 February 2012 in the US, and 20 February 2012 in the UK and Europe.
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band from Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, consisting of Russell Marsden (guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). The group formed after meeting in college, although Russell and Matt have been friends since school.
History
Initially, the group played at night clubs in the Greater LondonGreater London
Greater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. The band's original demos were recorded in their father's shed-studio.
Band of Skulls debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
Baby Darling Doll Face Honey
Baby Darling Doll Face Honey is the debut album for English alternative rock band Band of Skulls. It was released on April 7, 2009 in England and July 28, 2009 in America...
, distributed by Shangri-La Music
Shangri-La Music
Shangri-La Music is an indie record label based in Santa Monica, California. The label was started by Steve Bing as an expansion of Shangri-La Entertainment. Co-founders Jeff Ayeroff and Jon Rubin run the label. Shangri-La Music is a "boutique" label, which is a smaller, more specialized label and...
, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track "I Know What I Am" was chosen as iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. Another track that was not actually on the album,"Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival
South by Southwest
South by Southwest is an Austin, Texas based company dedicated to planning conferences, trade shows, festivals and other events. Their current roster of annual events include: SXSW Music, SXSW Film, SXSW Interactive, SXSWedu, and SXSWeco and take place every spring in Austin, Texas, United States...
in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, now based in Los Angeles. BRMC is known for their garage rock, blues, folk revival, neo-psychedelia sound. They are influenced by bands such as: The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Verve, The Rolling Stones, Oasis, T...
. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil
Sympathy for the Devil
"Sympathy for the Devil" is a song by The Rolling Stones which first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It was written by Mick Jagger credited to Jagger/Richards...
" by The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
with the band John & Jehn
John & Jehn
John & Jehn are a Lo-fi indie rock duo from France in which John and Jehn are respectively Nicolas Congé and Camille Berthomier.- History :...
. In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom
Electric Ballroom
The Electric Ballroom is a performance venue and indoor market located at 184 Camden High Street in Camden Town, London . The Electric Ballroom has been in operation for over seventy years, during which time it has been used in many different ways.The two storey building has two dance floors and...
. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather
The Dead Weather is an American alternative rock supergroup, formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. Composed of Alison Mosshart , Jack White , Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence , The Dead Weather debuted at the opening of Third Man Records' Nashville...
at The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, London, England, which has been converted into a performing arts and concert venue. It was originally built in 1847 as a roundhouse , a circular building containing a railway turntable, but was only used for railway...
in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp are an English electronic music duo, formed in 1999 in London, England, that consists of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory ....
's "Strict Machine
Strict Machine
"Strict Machine" is an electronic dance song written by British group Goldfrapp and Nick Batt for their second studio album Black Cherry . It was produced by Goldfrapp and describes laboratory rats in neuroscience experiments...
" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse
Muse (band)
Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The band consists of school friends Matthew Bellamy , Christopher Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard...
on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care Of His Own" - the first single to be taken from the new album - with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy) who also produced their debut album. The release is planned for 21 February 2012 in the US, and 20 February 2012 in the UK and Europe.
Albums
- Baby Darling Doll Face HoneyBaby Darling Doll Face HoneyBaby Darling Doll Face Honey is the debut album for English alternative rock band Band of Skulls. It was released on April 7, 2009 in England and July 28, 2009 in America...
(20 March 2009) - Friends EP (23 March 2010)
- Sweet Sour (21 February 2012)
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart peak | Album | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
CAN Alt Canadian rock/alternative chart The Canadian rock/alternative chart was first published on June 11, 1995 by RPM magazine under the name Alternative 30. The song which held the number-one spot on this first chart was "More Human than Human" by White Zombie... |
||||||||
| 2009 | "I Know What I Am" | — | — | Baby Darling Doll Face Honey | |||||
| "Blood" | — | — | |||||||
| "Fires" | — | — | |||||||
| "Death By Diamonds and Pearls" | 138 | — | |||||||
| "Friends" | — | — | |||||||
| 2011 | "The Devil Takes Care Of His Own" | — | 27 | Sweet Sour | |||||
| "—" denotes a release that did not chart. | |||||||||
Media usage
- "Light of the Morning" was featured in a commercial for the 2011 Ford Mustang V6. and a trailer for The Hangover II
- "I Know What I Am" was included on the soundtrack of Gossip GirlGossip Girl (TV series)Gossip Girl is an American teen drama television series based on the book series of the same name written by Cecily von Ziegesar. The series was created by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, and premiered on The CW on September 19, 2007...
's 4th season first episode, for the PlayStation 3PlayStation 3The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
video game MLB 10: The ShowMLB 10: The ShowMLB 10: The Show is a baseball simulation video game created by Sony Computer Entertainment's San Diego division. The MLB: The Show series of video games is the longest officially licensed baseball simulation game on the PlayStation. The game is made for Sony's own PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and...
, in Degrassi: The Next GenerationDegrassi: The Next GenerationDegrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Degrassi is the fourth fictional series in the Degrassi franchise, and follows The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and...
, the SwatchSwatchSwatch is a brand name for a line of wrist watches from the Swatch Group, a Swiss conglomerate with vertical control of the production of Swiss watches and related products...
TV ad "Swatch Colour Codes" worldwide, in Season 4 for the television series Friday Night LightsFriday Night Lights (TV series)Friday Night Lights is an American sports drama television series adapted by Peter Berg, Brian Grazer and David Nevins from a book and film of the same name. The series details events surrounding a high school football team based in fictional Dillon, Texas, with particular focus given to team...
, soundtrackFriday Night Lights Vol. 2 (television soundtrack)Friday Night Lights Vol. 2 is the second soundtrack for the NBC television series Friday Night Lights, a program inspired by the film of the same name. It was released by Arrival Records/Scion Music Group and is distributed by Fontana Distribution....
, SBS advert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup2010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
and epidode 3 season 1 of "Terriers", Lost Girl — Season 1, Episode 1, Fairly Legal — Season 1, Episode 1. It is also playable in the music video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of RockGuitar Hero: Warriors of RockGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is a music video game and the sixth main entry in the Guitar Hero series for the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 consoles. The game was released September 24, 2010 in Europe, September 28, 2010 in North America and September 29, 2010 in Australia...
. On January 2011, it is used in a Nissan Micra commercial on Australian TV. - "Death By Diamonds and Pearls" was used in the commercial for Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 6Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 6Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 6 was the sixth cycle of Britain's Next Top Model, and the sixth cycle to air on Living. It premiered on 5 July 2010. This cycle featured a completely revamped judging panel. Host Lisa Snowdon was replaced by supermodel Elle Macpherson...
. - "Patterns" was used in the second season, episode 16, of CastleCastle (TV series)Castle is an American comedy-drama television series, which premiered on ABC on March 9, 2009. The series is produced by Beacon Pictures and ABC Studios. On January 10, 2011, Castle was renewed for a fourth season...
, a TV show with Nathan FillionNathan FillionNathan Fillion is a Canadian actor, currently starring as Richard Castle on the ABC series Castle. He is also known for his portrayal of the lead role of Captain Malcolm Reynolds in the television series Firefly and its feature film continuation, Serenity.He has acted in traditionally distributed...
and Stana KaticStana KaticStana Katic is a film and television actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Detective Kate Beckett in ABC's Castle.- Early life :...
. - "Patterns" was used in the spot of SwatchSwatchSwatch is a brand name for a line of wrist watches from the Swatch Group, a Swiss conglomerate with vertical control of the production of Swiss watches and related products...
in the watch collection called "New Gents". - "Patterns" appears on soundtrack for the video games Gran Turismo 5Gran Turismo 5is the fifth edition of the Gran Turismo racing video game series. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, it was released for PlayStation 3 on November 24, 2010...
and Tony Hawk: Ride. - "Cold Fame" is featured on the soundtrack for the 2010 movie Going The Distance.
- "Honest" was used in Season 4 Episode 5 of SkinsSkins (TV series)Skins is a BAFTA award-winning British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through the two years of college. The controversial plot line explores issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness , adolescent sexuality, substance abuse and death...
as backing music to the "Next Time" segment and end credits. - "Blood" was featured in Season 3 Episode 1 of United States of Tara, a television series created by Diablo CodyDiablo CodyBrook Busey , better known by the pen name Diablo Cody, is an American screenwriter, writer, blogger, journalist, and author. She was first known for her candid chronicling of her year as a stripper in her Pussy Ranch blog and her 2006 memoir, Candy Girl: A Year in the Life of an Unlikely Stripper...
. - "Impossible" was used in the end credits of My Soul to TakeMy Soul to TakeMy Soul to Take is a 2010 American horror film, written and directed by Wes Craven. It is his first film since 1994's Wes Craven's New Nightmare that he both wrote and directed.The film stars Max Thieriot as the protagonist Adam "Bug" Hellerman, who is one of seven teenagers chosen to die.The film...
. - "Friends" is featured in the soundtrack for the movie the The Twilight Saga: New Moon.