Hard-Fi
Hard-Fi | |
|---|---|
| File:Hard-fi-photo.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Staines, England |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Members | Richard Archer Ross Phillips Kai Stephens Steven Kemp |
| Website | www.hard-fi.com |
HARD-Fi are an English indie rock band. Richard Archer was the only member formerly in "Contempo" in Staines, Spelthorne, Surrey in England - a suburban location that has significantly influenced their musical style and lyrics.
Staines is traditionally seen as a cultural wasteland by many critics. However it is the town's proximity to London that puts it in a position to produce a band that can be influenced by the scene, although not necessarily part of it.
The band were signed to newly formed independent label, Necessary Records.
HARD-Fi's debut album Stars of CCTV was initially recorded as a nine track mini-album in a disused mini cab office; it was then mixed in a variety of unusual acoustic environments - in bedrooms, in pubs, and in their producer's BMW. Only 1000 copies of this record were pressed with only 500 going on public sale. It quickly sold, receiving critical acclaim and radio play.
The band were then licensed to the Atlantic Records label (a major), where they were given the chance to re-record the album. The band went back to the cab office to maintain their unique sound.
Their debut album's launch party was scheduled to be July 7 2005 at Cheekees night club in Staines (where their top ten single "Hard To Beat" was filmed), however this was cancelled due to the ill health of Archer's mother. Her death resulted in the band pulling out of the Glastonbury festival. The launch party was rescheduled for July 13 2005 and the venue changed to Ladbroke Grove, London.
HARD-Fi gained increased prominence in the UK when Stars of CCTV was nominated for the 2005 Mercury Music Prize.[1]. It split the vote with Antony and the Johnsons who received the final casting vote.
HARD-Fi supported Green Day at their two massive gigs at Milton Keynes Bowl, England.
After a successful marketing campaign by Atlantic, the Stars of CCTV album re-entered the official UK album chart at No.4 on January 1 2006. Two places higher than it originally went in on the week of its release, the album climbed from No.33. Stars of CCTV finally climbed to No.1 on January 22 2006. The band's re-release of Cash Machine entered the official Top 40 singles chart at No.14 on January 1. A week later the band toasted national recognition as they received two Brit award nominations.
HARD-Fi's first full length tour of 2006 sold out in just 15 minutes calling for more dates to be added. They played London's Brixton Academy from May 14 to May 18, making them one of the few bands to play five consecutive nights there. The other artists to do so were The Clash, Bob Dylan, Massive Attack and The Prodigy.
They also have their own video podcast, which is known as 'HARD-Fi: Rockin' the City', that can be downloaded from their official website. In the first episode the bandmates discuss how they formed, and the rise of their successful album Stars of CCTV. They also discuss becoming increasingly more recognised, playing huge gigs with Green Day at the Milton Keynes Bowl, their home-town of Staines, and how it has influenced their music style. This talk is coupled with clips of some of HARD-Fi's music videos such as "Hard to Beat", "Cash Machine", "Tied Up Too Tight" and "Living for the Weekend".
Members
Richard John Archer is the group's frontman as the lead singer and principle songwriter. He is a music graduate from Kingston University. The influence of Staines is often evident in his lyrics.
Ross Phillips contributes guitar and backing vocals. He worked in a local hifi shop where Archer would come to play his demos on the latest systems. After telling Archer his music was rubbish, Phillips was recruited to play lead guitar for the group.
Kai Stephens plays bass and also sings backing vocals. He initially could not travel to the USA due to past misdemeanors. He has finally received his US visa.
Steven Michael Kemp plays drums. Originally from Lancashire but moved down in his late teens and played in Richard's old band "Contempo" towards the end.
Wrongtom is the in-house remixer and tour DJ.
Discography
(with UK chart positions)
Albums
| Album Art | Title | Release Date | UK Chart Position |
Certification | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File:Stars of CCTV.jpg | Stars of CCTV | 4 July 2005 | 1 | 2x Platinum - Platinum - |
United Kingdom Ireland |
| File:Hard-fi in operation.jpg | In Operation | 8 May 2006 |
Singles
| Title | UK Singles Chart | US Modern Rock | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Tied Up Too Tight"/"Middle Eastern Holiday" (2005) | #15 | - | Stars of CCTV |
| "Hard to Beat" (2005) | #9 | #34 | Stars of CCTV |
| "Living for the Weekend" (2005) | #15 | - | Stars of CCTV |
| "Cash Machine" (2006) | #14 | #15 | Stars of CCTV |
| "Better do Better" (2006) | #14 | - | Stars of CCTV |