Codeine Velvet Club
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Lou Hickey, Jon Lawler |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Glasgow , Scotland |
| Products | Alternative rock music |
Codeine Velvet Club was an alternative rock ensemble from Scotland, established in 2009 by Lou Hickey and Jon Lawler during a break taken by Lawler’s primary group, The Fratellis. Their only album, titled after the band itself, was launched on 28 December 2009 in the United Kingdom and later on 6 April 2010 in the United States.
Following the album release and a sequence of live performances, the group declared in early 2010 that they would disband after fulfilling their tour commitments. Post-disbandment, Lawler embarked on a solo venture supported by his backing band, while Hickey returned to her solo pursuits.
2008–2009: Formation
In 2008, during the hiatus of The Fratellis after their second studio effort Here We Stand, Jon Lawler (also known as Jon Fratelli) showed interest in creating a solo album. After concluding touring activities in July 2009, Lawler partnered with Lou Hickey—active in Glasgow’s burlesque community—to form Codeine Velvet Club. Initially, the project was rumored to be called 'Codeine Breakfast Club', but due to trademark complications, the name was revised.
2009–2010: Codeine Velvet Club Album and Tour
The band revealed their formation and debut album plans in August 2009, with an original release date set for 16 November later postponed to 28 December. They promoted singles such as "Vanity Kills" and "Hollywood" using rehearsal footage and a dedicated website that provided exclusive material to subscribers of their mailing list. Early performances across the UK were met with favorable critiques highlighting vocal delivery and musical arrangements.
Their official website went live with full features on 28 September 2009, including a members-only area offering acoustic tracks for download. Additional tour dates were announced, encompassing a show at Glasgow’s SECC and a series of club performances throughout the UK.
The music video for "Vanity Kills" premiered on YouTube on 11 November 2009. An instrumental piece shared with fans later transformed into The Fratellis’ track "Rosanna". The single "Vanity Kills" was released on 23 November 2009; delays in the album’s release were attributed to last-minute adjustments, although it briefly appeared for sale on the initial date. The follow-up single was a double A-side featuring "Hollywood" alongside a cover of The Stone Roses’ "I Am the Resurrection," which was made available as a complimentary download.
In early 2010, Codeine Velvet Club supported John Mayer during his UK tour dates before appearing at SXSW and opening for Metric in the United States. The album saw its US release via Dangerbird Records on 6 April 2010, including an additional track titled "Midnight Love Song." A digital reissue of "Vanity Kills" was issued on 5 April.
The video for "Hollywood" earned a nomination for Best Music Video at the MTVU Awards in 2010. The band also headlined notable events such as the reopening of Kilmarnock Grand Hall in May and London’s Lovebox Festival in July, sharing stages with artists like Dizzee Rascal and Roxy Music. Their inaugural performance in Romania took place at the Becksperience Festival in Bucharest during May 2010.
2010: Disbandment and Solo Endeavors
Although Jon Lawler initially mentioned plans for a second Codeine Velvet Club album, he eventually chose to depart from the project along with its touring musicians to concentrate on his solo career. Concurrently, Lou Hickey continued her individual artistic path, working on her debut solo record slated for release.
Studio albums
- Codeine Velvet Club (28 December 2009)
Singles
- "Vanity Kills" (23 November 2009)
- "Hollywood / I Am the Resurrection" (28 December 2009)
- "Vanity Kills" (Reissued) (5 April 2010)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Work nominated | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Codeine Velvet Club | 5th Scottish Style Awards 2009 | Won |
Band members
Codeine Velvet Club
- Jon Lawler – vocals, guitars
- Lou Hickey – vocals
Supporting touring musicians
- Ross McFarlane – drums
- Will Foster – keyboards, guitars
- Lewis Gordon – bass guitar
- Ryan Quigley – trumpet
- Cameron Jay – trumpet
- Paul Towndrow – saxophones
- John Melone – saxophone
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups established in 2008
- Musical groups disbanded in 2010
- Alternative rock bands from Glasgow
- Scottish alternative rock bands
- 2008 establishments in Scotland
- 2010 disestablishments in Scotland
- Dangerbird Records artists
- Island Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2010