Dolly Rockers
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | London, Manchester, Leeds , United Kingdom |
| Products | Pop music |
| Parent | EMI Parlophone (former) |
The Dolly Rockers were a British female ensemble originating from London, Manchester, and Leeds. The group's final roster featured Lucie Kay, Sophie King, and Brooke Challinor. Their initial rise to prominence occurred during their participation in the third season of The X Factor in 2006. In 2009, their single "Je Suis une Dolly" achieved notable radio rotation and media attention, which led to public disputes with other pop performers. Under the EMI Parlophone label, they worked alongside acclaimed songwriters Ray Hedges and Nigel Butler. Their musical approach, often characterized as "wonky pop" and "drunk disco," carved out a distinctive niche within the pop genre; the band described themselves as "the pop equivalent of Marmite."
In 2013, The Dolly Rockers attempted a return to The X Factor but did not progress beyond the audition stage. Subsequently, on 10 October 2013, they declared their decision to part ways after seven years as a group.
Career
The members first connected after trying out for the girl group Innocence, which was promoted through The Stage. When that project did not materialize, they established The Dolly Rockers.[1][2] Their name was inspired by a vintage fashion brand.[3] In 2006, they auditioned for the third series of The X Factor, advancing to the judges' houses but ultimately being eliminated by Louis Walsh. Following their stint on the show, they spent eighteen months collaborating with songwriters Ray Hedges and Nigel Butler in Jersey while continuing their regular employment.[3] They made efforts to separate their identity from the reality show’s image.[2]
After signing with EMI in 2009, they broke into the mainstream with "Je Suis Une Dolly," a track inspired by Bill Wyman’s 1981 song "(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rockstar." The single received considerable backing from BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, and its popularity was enhanced by a music video shot on the London Underground, prompting EMI to expedite its digital launch.[2] Later that year, in September 2009, they released "Gold Digger," which was promoted through television performances but faced disappointment due to its absence from Radio 1’s playlist.[4] The accompanying video was produced in East London.
Lucie Kay departed in December 2009 and was succeeded by Liza Owen; Kay rejoined in August 2010 following Brooke Challinor’s exit. The ensemble secured a U.S. contract with RedWalk Productions—a collaboration between RedOne and Charlie Walk—and commenced work on their first album.[5] Their attempt to re-enter the tenth series in 2013 was unsuccessful as they did not reach bootcamp. Shortly thereafter, on 10 October 2013, they announced the dissolution of the group after seven years together.[6][7]
Discography
| Year | Title | Peak positions | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | |||||||||
| 2009 | "Je Suis Une Dolly" | ||||||||
| 2009 | "Gold Digger" | Template:Center | |||||||
External links
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- ↑ Digital Spy
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