Lemonescent
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music (singles and album) |
Lemonescent was a Scottish female vocal group established in 2002, gaining significant recognition within Scotland by securing five singles in the top twenty of the Scottish Singles Chart, including two entries in the top five, alongside three singles reaching the UK top forty between 2002 and 2005.
Although they experienced commercial momentum, the group encountered controversy in 2003 when one of their singles was disqualified from chart rankings amid allegations of bulk purchasing intended to influence its position. Their initial album did not enter the charts in either Scotland or the UK, and after undergoing lineup modifications, the band ultimately dissolved in 2005.
The lineup featured Lisa Rose (2002–2003), Nikki MacLachlan (2002–2004), Sarah Cassidy (2002–2004), Shonagh Strachan (2002–2004), Leona Skimming (2003–2004), and Emma Cassidy (2003–2004).
History
Lemonescent originated through auditions overseen by Iain MacDonald, formerly of Johnny Hates Jazz, who selected four founding members: Lisa Rose Harrison, Nikki Maclachlan, Sarah Cassidy, and Shonagh Strachan. They signed with Supertone Records, distributed by Universal Music, and adopted the name Lemonescent.
Their first single, "Beautiful," launched on 17 June 2002, reached No.70 on the UK Singles Chart. The subsequent release "Swing My Hips (Sex Dance)" climbed to No.48 and achieved the top spot on DJ magazine's Beat charts. In March 2003, "Help Me Mama" marked their initial entry into the UK top 40 at No.36; shortly thereafter, Harrison departed due to disagreements regarding the group's musical direction. Following auditions, Emma Cassidy and Leona Skimming were added to the lineup.
With the new members featured, "Cinderella" peaked at No.31 in June 2003—their highest position on the UK charts. The group embarked on extensive tours, supporting acts such as boy band Triple 8 and performing at prominent events including a Scotland versus Lithuania football match.
Their fifth single, "Unconditional Love," was removed from chart listings following accusations of bulk buying in Glasgow, which hindered its commercial success. Released in October 2003 under the same title as their single, their debut album did not achieve chart placement. In 2004, Lemonescent toured with Atomic Kitten and participated in charitable initiatives like D-Code 2004 and Glasgow’s "Go Yellow" walk.
The last single released was a rendition of Free's "All Right Now," promoted with a music video shot in Egypt and television appearances; however, it only reached No.37 on the UK charts. Disputes with management during its promotion may have contributed to its limited success.
Leona Skimming exited the band in 2004 citing creative differences; thereafter, the group continued briefly as a quartet before Shonagh Strachan also left. Although new material was developed for a second album, plans were ultimately cancelled. Lemonescent disbanded in early 2005.
Band members
- Sarah Cassidy – Originally from Glasgow; previously worked as a tanning salon attendant and disco dancer; pursued theatre after the band’s end and competed on the UK edition of The Voice.
- Lisa Harrison – Hailing from Balloch; formerly employed at Bank of Scotland; left in 2003 due to artistic disagreements to embark on a solo career.
- Nikki MacLachlan – Native of Ardrossan; former waitress; advanced to final rounds of the TV talent competition Popstars.
- Shonagh Strachan – From Prestwick; daughter of rugby international Gordon Strachan; joined following completion of school.
- Emma Cassidy – Based in Fife; worked as a sales assistant; cousin to Sarah Cassidy; joined in 2003.
- Leona Skimming – Born in Cumbernauld and raised in Edinburgh; former Miss Scotland finalist and stage performer; departed over musical differences; subsequently pursued acting and music under the name Leona Marie.
Studio Albums
- Unconditional Love (2003)
Singles Released
- "Beautiful" (2002) – Reached No. 70 in the UK, No. 18 in Scotland
- "Swing My Hips (Sex Dance)" (2002) – Peaked at No. 48 UK, No. 12 Scottish charts
- "Help Me Mama" (2003) – Attained No. 36 UK, No. 5 Scotland
- "Cinderella" (2003) – Charted at No. 31 UK, No. 3 Scotland
- "Unconditional Love" (2003) – Removed from chart consideration
- "All Right Now" (2004) – Achieved No. 37 UK, No. 7 Scottish rankings