Clean Bandit is a British electronic music group formed in 2008 in Cambridge, England. The ensemble blends elements of classical music with dance, pop, and electronic styles, often incorporating string arrangements performed by classically trained musicians. The core members are multi-instrumentalist and producer Jack Bennett, violinist and vocalist Grace Chatto, and keyboardist and producer Luke Hills. Bassist and vocalist P J Bennett joined the group in 2009, and drummer and percussionist S F Davis became a member in 2010.
History and development
The band originated when Bennett and Chatto, who were studying music at the University of Cambridge, began collaborating on arrangements that combined orchestral and electronic elements. Their early work featured collaborations with a rotating roster of vocalists and instrumentalists. In 2012, Clean Bandit signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut single, “A+E,” featuring vocalist Kandace Springs. Their breakthrough came with the 2014 single “Rather Be,” featuring vocalist Jess Glynne; the track reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Dance Recording.
Musical style and influences
Clean Bandit’s sound is characterized by the integration of classical instrumentation—particularly strings and cello—with contemporary electronic production techniques. The group cites influences ranging from classical composers such as Johann Pachelbel to modern electronic and pop artists including Daft Punk and Beyoncé. Their compositions often feature complex chord progressions and orchestral arrangements alongside synth‑driven beats.
Discography
- New Eyes (2014) – debut studio album, peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart.
- What Is Love? (2018) – second studio album, included singles “Symphony” (featuring Zara Larsson) and “Rockabye” (featuring Sean Paul and Anne‑Marie), both of which achieved international chart success.
Selected notable singles:
- “Rather Be” (2014) – UK #1, certified 5× Platinum in the United Kingdom.
- “Rockabye” (2016) – UK #1, topped charts in multiple countries, certified 6× Platinum in the United Kingdom.
- “Solo” (2018) – featuring Demi Lovato, reached top‑ten positions in several European markets.
Awards and recognition
Clean Bandit has received multiple BRIT Awards nominations, winning the 2015 BRIT Award for British Single of the Year for “Rather Be.” They have also been nominated for Grammy Awards (2015, 2020) and have earned numerous certifications from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales and streaming milestones.
Live performances and collaborations
The group is known for incorporating live orchestral elements into their concerts, often performing with a full string section. They have collaborated with a diverse array of artists across genres, including Jess Glynne, Anne‑Marie, Khalid, and Ellie Goulding, among others. Their performances have been featured at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella.
Philanthropy and activism
Clean Bandit has participated in charitable initiatives, supporting organizations such as the UN Refugee Agency and the British Heart Foundation. Their music videos and public statements frequently promote themes of inclusivity and mental‑health awareness.