Is Tropical
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Is Tropical is a band originating from London, established in 2009, comprising members Simon Milner, Gary Barber, Dominic Apa, and Kirstie Fleck (as of 2014). Their first full-length album, Native To, was released in June 2011, following the launch of the single "The Greeks," whose accompanying music video received several accolades at the UK Music Video Awards. In 2013, they introduced the EP Flags and later that year issued their sophomore album I'm Leaving through Kitsuné. The group has performed alongside artists such as Egyptian Hip Hop and is presently signed with New York-based Axis Mundi Records. Their third studio album, Black Anything, came out in March 2016.
2009-13: Native To
Is Tropical’s initial release was the single "When O’ When" in January 2010 under Hit Club Records, with production by Al Al Al. Soon after, they secured a deal with the French label Kitsuné, known for its blend of music and fashion. In late 2010, they recorded their debut album with producer Jimmy Robertson. The single "South Pacific," released in January 2011 as their first project under Kitsuné/Cooperative Music, was mixed by LEXXX. The band embarked on extensive tours throughout the UK and Europe, sharing stages with Klaxons, The Big Pink, Mystery Jets, and Good Shoes, and also co-headlining tours with Egyptian Hip Hop.
Their debut album Native To was unveiled in June 2011, spearheaded by the single "The Greeks," which featured a viral video crafted by French directing duo Megaforce. This video accumulated millions of views worldwide and garnered numerous awards including The Antville Music Video Awards 2011, UK Music Video Awards 2011, a D&AD Yellow Pencil Award in 2012, and an Artrocker Award. Following this release and the single "Lies," Is Tropical toured across Europe, the United States (supporting Crystal Fighters), Japan, South America, and Asia during late 2011 and early 2012.
2013-14: Flags and I'm Leaving
In January 2013, they issued the EP Flags, which included collaborations with artists such as Get People and Owen Pratt.
Their second full-length record, I'm Leaving, was launched on 20 May 2013 via Kitsuné / Pias, produced by Luke Smith. The lead track "Dancing Anymore" was accompanied by a controversial video from recurring collaborators Megaforce, which attracted attention before being removed from YouTube due to its explicit CG content. The subsequent single "Lover's Cave," released on 26 August 2013, featured a video directed by New York-based photographer Richard Kern.
In April 2013, Is Tropical became among the first Western bands to perform in Mongolia—a landmark event documented in a two-part series by Noisey and reported on by The Guardian.
Awards and nominations
Antville Music Video Awards |- | rowspan="4" | 2011 | rowspan="4" | "The Greeks" | Video of the Year | |- | Most Fun | |- | Best Editing | |- | rowspan="2" | Best Visual Effects | |- | rowspan="2" | 2013 | rowspan="2" | "Dancing Anymore" | |- | Most Fun |
D&AD Awards |- | 2012 |"The Greeks" |rowspan=2|Music Video | style="background:#FFBF00"| Yellow Pencil |- | 2014 | "Dancing Anymore" | style="background:#FFBF00"| Yellow Pencil
UK Music Video Awards |- | rowspan="2" | 2011 | rowspan="2" | "The Greeks" | Best Animation | |- | rowspan="2" | Best Rock/Indie Video - UK | |- | rowspan="2" | 2013 | rowspan="2" | "Dancing Anymore" | |- | Best Animation |
Albums
- Native To (Kitsuné, released 13 June 2011)
- I'm Leaving (Kitsuné, released 20 May 2013)
- Black Anything (Axis Mundi, released 11 March 2016)
EPs
- Flags EP (Kitsuné, released 22 January 2013)
Singles
- "When O' When" (2010)
- "South Pacific" (2010)
- "The Greeks" (2011)
- "Lies" (2011)
- "Dancing Anymore" (2013)
- "Lover's Cave" (2013)