Chew Lips

Chew Lips performing live in 2011
Background information
Origin East London, UK
Genres Electro
Dance-pop
Drone
Dance punk
Years active 2008–present
Labels Family
Website http://www.chew-lips.com
Members
'Tigs' (Alicia Huertas), James Watkins
Past members
Will Sanderson

Chew Lips are an East London based dance-pop duo, formed in spring of 2008.[1] They consist of singer 'Tigs' and multi-instrumentalist James Watkins.[2]

Contents

[edit] First Steps (2008-2009)

Formed in London as a 3 piece band in the summer of 2008, Tigs, James & Will armed themselves with a slew of electro-pop hooks and set about establishing Chew Lips as one of the most exciting new acts in the capital.

With Tigs developing into a charismatic whirlwind of a front woman who it was impossible to take your eyes off, Chew Lips increasingly compelling live performances grabbed the attention of uber-cool French label Kitsuné who insisted on putting out the band’s debut single, "Solo".

Released in March 2009, "Solo" sold out almost instantly, causing a storm in the blogosphere and beyond, with Pitchfork calling the track "….classic, pristine,"[3] and The Fly magazine labelling it "one of the most magnificent debuts of the year".

[edit] Second Kitsuné Single & Debut Album (2009-2010)

Main article: Unicorn (Chew Lips album)

A relentless schedule of touring followed into 2009 as Chew Lips honed their sound into a sleek, sophisticated beast.

Kitsuné released a second sold out single, "Salt Air" in July 2009 – NME called it "an addictive slice of heart-wrenching disco-pop" - before the band begun work in summer '09 on their full-length debut with Bat For Lashes collaborator David Kosten.

The fruits of their labour came with the self-released album Unicorn in January 2010, such a giant leap forward for their sound that they were confident enough to leave off both of the previous singles. It was easy to see why – in the likes of "Play Together", "Karen" and "Slick", they'd outdone themselves. The press agreed: the BBC called it "startling", NME "mesmeric", whilst a 4/5 review in The Guardian said it "drags you straight in."

Another stretch of intense touring followed and by the time the European festival season came round and after a scene-stealing appearance at SXSW in Texas (Elle US described them as the best new act at the festival), Chew Lips were on top of their game. Topping off their tour they headlined the packed BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Other touring highlights include support slots with The Killers, Delphic, We Are Scientists, The Virgins, Joy Formidable, Howling Bells, 3 sold out UK Tours and a sold out European tour in 2011.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

Album Details Release Date Label
Unicorn January 25, 2010 Family

[edit] Singles and EPs

Release Details Release Date Label
Solo January 2009 Kitsuné
Salt Air July 6, 2009 Kitsuné
Play Together January 18, 2010 Family
Karen March 28, 2010 Family

[edit] Chew Lips remixing


[edit] Chew Lips remixes

Solo

  • David E Sugar
  • Tepr (Yelle)


Salt Air


Play Together

  • WaWa


Karen

  • Analogue People In A Digital World
  • Mark Otten
  • Netsky
  • We Are Enfant Terrible


Slick

[edit] Soundtracks and Syncs

[edit] Notable Live Appearances

[edit] UK Highlights

[edit] US

[edit] European Festivals

[edit] Notable Press

[edit] Unicorn

  • "4/5 – an accomplished first offering" – Q
  • "4/5 – sharp-edged, sharp-witted electro rock...success looks like an open goal" – Mojo
  • "4/5 – a spine tinglingly awesome debut" – Time Out
  • "4.5/5 – it deserves to be massive...make it so" – The Fly
  • "4/5 – brilliant...a record that gets better over time" - MusicOMH
  • "4/5 - Synth heaven!" New!
  • "Beautiful...clattering electronic pop with big melodies" – The Independent
  • "Wistful, discoid confections... like Blondie backed by Simian Mobile Disco" – The Observer
  • "A band to look out for this year… absolutely superb" – Sunday Mail
  • "Our new favourite" – NME
  • "An utterly peerless work; ten tracks to completely lose yourself in" – NME.com[4]
  • "Catchy electro tunes...you’ll love 'em" – Grazia
  • "Unicorn is that rarest of things; a record imbued with genuine talent and emotion which wipes the floor with the majority of its makers' contemporaries... quite startling" – BBC
  • "Chew Lips confidently reveal their crossover potential... the rhythms are edgy and the songwriting is something you can really get your teeth into" - Metro
  • "Chew Lips' blending of electronic punk ala 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs go 8-bit' is so infective it’s dangerous" – Super Super

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Q Radio - Chew Lips introduction page". Ash Meikle, Q. Retrieved 2011-07-26. http://news.q4music.com/2009/01/chew_lips.html. 
  2. ^ "The Guardian - New band of the day". Paul Lester, The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-07-26. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/25/new-band-chew-lips. 
  3. ^ "Pitchfork - Chew Lips 'Solo' Review". Jonathan Garrett, Pitchfork. Retrieved 2011-07-26. http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11133-solo/. 
  4. ^ "NME.com - 'Unicorn' First Listen". Camilla Pia, NME. Retrieved 2011-07-26. http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=140&title=chew_lips_unicorn_first_listen&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1. 

[edit] External links

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