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Ladytron

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For other uses, see Ladytron (disambiguation).
Ladytron
Ladytron performing at The Troc in Philadelphia, 13 April 2009
Ladytron performing at The Troc in Philadelphia, 13 April 2009
Background information
OriginLiverpool, Merseyside, England
GenresElectropop, synthpop, New Wave
Years active1999–present
LabelsInvicta Hi-Fi, Emperor Norton, Telstar, Rykodisc, Island, Nettwerk
MembersHelen Marnie
Mira Aroyo
Daniel Hunt
Reuben Wu
Websitewww.ladytron.com

Ladytron is an English electronic band formed in 1999 in Liverpool, Merseyside.[1] The group consists of Helen Marnie (lead vocals, synthesizers), Mira Aroyo (vocals, synthesizers), Daniel Hunt (synthesizers, electric guitar, vocals) and Reuben Wu (synthesizers).[2]

Their sound blends electropop and synthpop with New Wave and shoegazing elements. Ladytron described their sound as "electronic pop".[3] They focused on a balance between pop structures and experimental sounds. A particularity of this group is that some songs performed by Mira Aroyo have the lyrics written in her native Bulgarian.

They have released five studio albums so far: 604 in 2001, Light & Magic in 2002, Witching Hour in 2005 and Velocifero in 2008. Their fifth studio album, Gravity the Seducer, was released on 13 September 2011.[3]

Their name was taken from the song "Ladytron" by Roxy Music.[4] According to the legendary musician Brian Eno, once a member of Roxy Music, Ladytron are "the best of English pop music".[5]

History

Early years

The Liverpudlian producers and DJs Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu met in the 1990s. Using the moniker Ladytron, they recorded the debut single "He Took Her to a Movie" with the guest vocalist Lisa Eriksson, who later formed the band Techno Squirrels.[6][7] "He Took Her to a Movie" was released in 1999 and became NME Single of the Week.[8] In the summer of 1999, Hunt and Wu met the Scottish Helen Marnie and the Bulgarian Mira Aroyo, through various DJ gigs, and both joined the band as vocalists and keyboard players.[9][10]

Previously, Daniel Hunt founded the indie record label Invicta Hi-Fi and a night club.[11] Reuben Wu trained in Industrial Design at Sheffield Hallam University, before becoming a successful designer in a consultancy until finally going full time with the band.[12] Helen Marnie studied music at the University of Liverpool where she received a BA in pop music[13] and she has also worked briefly as a model.[14] Mira Aroyo was a postgraduate research geneticist in the Oxford University's Biochemistry department.[10]

604 (1999–2001)

In 1999, Ladytron issued the EP Miss Black and Her Friends in Japan only, followed a year later by Mu-Tron EP.

In 6 February 2001, they released the debut album 604 on the Emperor Norton/Invicta Hi-Fi labels. The album has been written mostly by Daniel Hunt[15] and co-produced by him and Lance Thomas. The singles released from this album were "He Took Her to a Movie", "Playgirl", "Commodore Rock" and "The Way That I Found You". The single "Playgirl" brought some national and international attention to the band.

During the early years, they were sometimes labeled as electroclash, but they rejected this tag.[9][16]

We felt being compared to the day-glo trash-aesthetic of electroclash didn't make any sense. We were wise enough to know that being positioned by the press at the forefront of it, despite our protestations, would mean we bore the brunt of the backlash when it inevitably came. However, that happened anyway, and we survived."

— Daniel Hunt[9]

In 2001, Ladytron performed at the music festivals La Route du Rock in France and Benicàssim in Spain. In 5 December 2001, they performed four songs for Radio 1's John Peel Show: "Zmeyka", "Holiday 601", "Another Breakfast With You", "Discotraxx".[17]

Light & Magic (2002–2003)

Their second album Light & Magic was released in 17 September 2002 on Emperor Norton/Telstar labels. The album featured a darker sound than before. It has been written and produced in Los Angeles by the band and co-produced by Mickey Petralia.[18] Light & Magic included the underground hits "Seventeen", "Blue Jeans" and "Evil".

They toured 18 months to support the album. In 4 December 2002, Ladytron returned to John Peel Show.[19]

In 7 October 2003, they issued the mix compilation Softcore Jukebox. Besides the songs of other artists, the compilation also includes two of their own songs, the single remix of "Blue Jeans" renamed "Blue Jeans 2.0" and a cover of Tweet's "Oops (Oh My)". The cover art appears to be a homage to Roxy Music's Country Life.[20]

Witching Hour (2004–2007)

"Destroy Everything You Touch"
One of Ladytron's best known singles
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Ladytron released their critically acclaimed[21] third studio album, Witching Hour, in 3 October 2005 on Island label. This album was recorded in 2004 and it was co-produced by the band and Jim Abbiss. Witching Hour featured live drums and electric guitars mixed with their trademark sound. Pitchfork Media described it as a "quantum leap record".[22] Witching Hour was supported by the singles "Sugar" and "Destroy Everything You Touch". "Destroy Everything You Touch" became the band's best known song.

The group took to the road on the strength of their cult following, booking sold-out tours across North America and Europe, and playing for capacity crowds in China and Latin America.[23] Without any real label support, Ladytron toured exhaustively over the next two years. In early 2007, they also opened for the European shows of Nine Inch Nails, at the invitation of Trent Reznor.[24]

In 2006 saw the light Extended Play, a two-disc EP CD/DVD compilation that features exclusive unreleased remixes and UK B-sides, as well as a 35-minute bonus DVD. In the same year Ladytron recorded The Harmonium Sessions, which contained four songs from their third studio album, performed unplugged.

Velocifero (2008–2009)

In 2 June 2008, Ladytron released their fourth and most successful album, Velocifero, on Nettwerk. The album featured a heavier sound and it was recorded in Paris, with the band handling production duties with Alessandro Cortini (Modwheelmood, Nine Inch Nails, SONOIO) and Vicarious Bliss (Justice, DJ Mehdi).[25] The band stated that "velocifero" literally means "bringer of speed" and is also the name of a classic retro styled scooter.[26] The album spawned three singles: "Ghosts", "Runaway" and "Tomorrow".

In 2009, Ladytron toured North America with The Faint,[27] and performed two special shows with Brian Eno at the Sydney Opera House.[28] In the same year they announced that they will be the opening act for Depeche Mode on few concerts in Eastern Europe,[29] but these concerts were cancelled due to Dave Gahan's illness.

Also in 2009, the band self released their first live album Live at London Astoria 16.07.08 and the remix compilations 604 (Remixed & Rare), Light & Magic (Remixed & Rare), Witching Hour (Remixed & Rare) and Velocifero (Remixed & Rare). They also wrote and produced two songs for Christina Aguilera's album Bionic: "Birds of Prey" and "Little Dreamer".

Best of 00–10 (2010–2011)

The soundtrack of the video game FIFA 11 included a new Ladytron song, "Ace of Hz", which was released as digital single on 30 November 2010. In 11 January 2011, the band issued a digital EP of "Ace of Hz", which contained the album mix plus 5 remixes.

In 28 March 2011, it was released the compilation Best of 00–10, featuring 17 tracks on standard edition and 33 tracks on deluxe edition, plus a 80 page booklet. Both editions included two new tracks, "Ace of Hz" and a cover version of Death In June's "Little Black Angel".[30]

Ladytron also issued the remix compilation Best of Remixes and the iTunes video compilation Best of 00–10 Videos. The video compilation featured nine music videos for the singles "Playgirl", "Blue Jeans", "Seventeen", "Sugar", "Destroy Everything You Touch", "Ghosts", "Runaway", "Tomorrow" and "Ace of Hz".[31]

Gravity the Seducer (present)

Their fifth studio album, Gravity the Seducer, was released on 12 September 2011. It has been preceded by the single "White Elephant", released on 17 May 2011. The band premiered another song, "Ambulances", in 16 June 2011, followed by "Mirage" in 8 August 2011.

Touring

Ladytron live at The Circus, Helsinki (May 2011)

Ladytron has a large cult following worldwide,[2][32] and have toured extensively since the release of their second album, Light & Magic. Daniel Hunt, Mira Aroyo and Reuben Wu also play DJ sets in clubs and events around the world.[10]

Bands to open for Ladytron on their tours include Simian, The Presets, CSS, Asobi Seksu, Mount Sims, Crocodiles and Franz Ferdinand.

Ladytron have opened for other artists like Soulwax on their UK tour in 2001, Björk in 2003, and Goldfrapp in 2006. In early 2007, they opened for Nine Inch Nails on their European tour, at the invitation of Trent Reznor. In 2009, Ladytron and The Faint co-headlined a North American tour. The Gravity the Seducer headline tour in North America will begin in 22 September 2011, with Alessandro Cortini's SONOIO as the opening act.[33]

Their current live gear consists of Korg Delta played by Helen Marnie, Korg MS-20 played by Mira Aroyo, Minimoog Voyager played by Reuben Wu, Crumar Stratus played by Daniel Hunt and a drum kit played by a tour drummer.

Remixing

Ladytron have produced remixes for many artists, including David Gahan, Goldfrapp, Apoptygma Berzerk, Placebo, Blondie, Gang of Four, Bloc Party, Kings of Convenience, Indochine, She Wants Revenge, Simian, Nine Inch Nails, SONOIO and Soulwax.

Discography

Main article: Ladytron discography

Song usage

Many Ladytron songs featured on various film, game and ad soundtracks.[34] For the Sims 3 game soundtrack, the group composed three exclusive tracks: "Rockfalls & Estuaries", "She Stepped Out of the Car" and "Young Etruscians".[35]

Song Year Production Type
"Ace of Hz" 2010 FIFA 11 game
"Burning Up" 2008 Fringe tv series
"Destroy Everything You Touch" 2006 2006 FIFA World Cup game
2007 Smiley Face film
2008 One Missed Call film
2009 Mammoth film
2009 The September Issue film
"Discotraxx" 2008 Plague Town film
"Fighting in Built Up Areas" 2006 Need For Speed: Carbon game
"Ghosts" 2008 Need For Speed: Undercover game
2009 The Sims 3 game
2011 LittleBigPlanet 2 game
"International Dateline" 2009 Mammoth film
"Mu-Tron" 2008 August film
"Playgirl" 2001 Picture Claire film
"Rockfalls & Estuaries" 2009 The Sims 3 game
"Runaway" 2009 FIFA 09 game
"Seventeen" 2003 Party Monster film
2008 Inspire fragrance advertising ad
"She Stepped Out of the Car" 2009 The Sims 3 game
"Sugar" (Jagz Kooner Remix) 2006 Need For Speed: Carbon game
"Versus" 2009 Mammoth film
"Young Etruscians" 2009 The Sims 3 game

References

  1. ^ Krisher, Dan & Schirz, Tiffany (November 2007). "Ladytron On Roland". Roland Users Group Insider. Retrieved 13 June 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b Newman, Scott (16 June 2010). "LADYTRON – An Interview With Reuben Wu". Scott Newman's blog. Digital Advance. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  3. ^ a b Gourlay, Dom (8 March 2011). "DiS meets Ladytron". Drowned In Sound. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  4. ^ Pytlik, Mark (22 November 2005). "Ladytron: Spell Bound". XLR8R Magazine. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  5. ^ Brian Eno talks about Ladytron (Luminous Festival 2009 – Sydney Opera House) (YouTube video). 9 July 2009.
  6. ^ "Techno Squirrels: Bio". Techno Squirrels. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  7. ^ Lisa Eriksson profile on LinkedIn
  8. ^ He Took Her to a Movie was NME Single of the Week
  9. ^ a b c "3/29 – Ladytron – 'Best Of: 00 – 10'". Nettwerk Press Blog. 14 February 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  10. ^ a b c "60 second interview: Ladytron's Mira Aroyo". DailyRecord.co.uk. 1 June 2008. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  11. ^ http://www.formatmag.com/features/ladytron/, retrieved 2011-08-22 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. ^ "Reuben Wu". LinkedIn. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  13. ^ Helen Marnie studies; PDF page 11
  14. ^ "Helen Marnie from Ladytron". Battery In Your Leg blog. 6 May 2008. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  15. ^ "Ladytron". Gale Musician Profiles. Answers.com. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  16. ^ Laurence, Alexander (19 June 2008). "Ladytron Interview 2008". The Portable Infinite blog. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  17. ^ "Peel Sessions: 05/12/2001 – Ladytron". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  18. ^ "Ladytron – Light & Magic". Discogs. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  19. ^ "Peel Sessions: 04/12/2002 – Ladytron". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  20. ^ Curtis, Carleton (27 January 2004). "Various Artists Ladytron's Softcore Jukebox". XLR8R Magazine. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  21. ^ "Witching Hour – Ladytron". Metacritic. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  22. ^ Pytlik, Mark (4 October 2005). "Album Reviews: Ladytron: The Witching Hour". Pitchfork. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  23. ^ Rogers, Jude (30 May 2008). "Ain't that a kick in the teeth?". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  24. ^ "Ladytron joins Major Records and Nine Inch Nails on tour". Side-Line Magazine. 28 February 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  25. ^ Weiss, David (1 June 2008). "Ladytron". Electronic Musician. Retrieved 13 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "Layer Cake" ignored (help)
  26. ^ Williams, Rohan (3 June 2009). "Ladytron: Bringers of Speed". Scene Magazine. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  27. ^ Neyland, Nick (6 February 2009). "Ladytron and the Faint Co-Headlining North American Tour". prefixmag.com. Prefix Media. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  28. ^ "Brian Eno Curating Sydney Music Fest". Synthtopia. 26 March 09. Retrieved 13 June 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ Ladytron were scheduled to open the Depeche Mode concerts in Eastern Europe in 2009
  30. ^ "'Best Of Ladytron: 00-10' Available Now". Nettwerk Press Blog. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  31. ^ http://www.myspace.com/ladytron/blog/542898410
  32. ^ "Ladytron (interview)". we7. March 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2011.
  33. ^ http://www.myspace.com/ladytron/blog/543507672
  34. ^ Soundtracks featuring Ladytron songs
  35. ^ "Song List". The Sims 3 Wiki. Retrieved 13 June 2011.[unreliable source?]

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ladytron.
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