Mandalay (band)
| Company type | Musical duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Saul Freeman, Nicola Hitchcock |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Mandalay was a British trip hop pair originating from London, consisting of multi-instrumentalist Saul Freeman (formerly associated with Thieves) and vocalist-songwriter Nicola Hitchcock. They produced two studio albums and a compilation exclusive to the US market, briefly earning the label "Madonna's favourite band."
Formation and Early Years (1995–1997)
During the early 1990s, Saul Freeman was a member of the London-based pop duo Thieves alongside David McAlmont. Following creative differences that led to the group's dissolution, Freeman shifted his attention toward dance music and club scenes. In 1995, he advertised for a singer, which drew the response of Nicola Hitchcock, an established solo artist with an album released through F-Beat Records. Motivated by the burgeoning trip-hop genre popularized by acts like Massive Attack and Portishead, they established Mandalay, merging Hitchcock’s lyrical melodies with Freeman’s layered production that fused trip-hop, dance rhythms, and post-punk influences.
Empathy and the Single "Beautiful" (1997–1999)
Mandalay first appeared on a compilation with the track "This Life," attracting interest from major labels but ultimately signing with David Steele’s independent label Organic Records in 1996. Their debut single, "Flowers Bloom," was honored as Single of the Week by Melody Maker, which led to a full recording contract with V2 Music. Producer Guy Sigsworth—renowned for collaborations with Björk, Seal, and Acacia—joined them for their initial album project.
The re-recorded version of "This Life" was their first release under V2 in 1997, followed by "Flowers Bloom" in 1998 and the full-length album Empathy, featuring contributions from musicians such as Steve Jansen, Danny Thompson, and Jon Hassell. The album garnered attention from Madonna, who cited Mandalay as one of her preferred bands and included "This Life" on the soundtrack for her movie The Next Best Thing. Additionally, Mandalay’s music was featured in television programs including La Femme Nikita, Six Feet Under, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
The third single from Empathy, titled "Beautiful," gained placement on well-known chillout compilations like (Vol 6) and Hed Kandi’s Serve Chilled. This exposure led to Mandalay headlining Café del Mar’s 20th anniversary event in Ibiza in 2000. A sunset remix by Lenny Ibizarre became prominent within chillout circles. The track "Beautiful" was also featured in an Estee Lauder commercial campaign and served as the theme for the German film The Polar Bear. In 2003, Sarah Brightman recorded a cover of "Beautiful" for her successful album Harem.
Instinct and US Compilation Solace (2000–2001)
Their sophomore album, Instinct (2000), was co-produced alongside Andy Bradfield—known for his work with Everything but the Girl, Future Sound of London, and Björk—and Yoad Nevo (Jem). A review in The Guardian by MK highlighted that Instinct skillfully integrates jazz and classical elements into sophisticated pop compositions, resulting in a rich and expansive auditory experience.
The lead single "Deep Love" received a remix treatment from Nitin Sawhney, with Mandalay supporting him during UK tour dates. The duo also performed at notable chillout festivals such as Ibiza’s Las Dallias and Dreamdaze, culminating in a headline appearance at the UK’s Big Chill festival.
To enhance their presence in the American market, Mandalay released Solace in 2001—an exclusive US compilation combining selections from both Empathy and Instinct, previously unavailable stateside—accompanied by an 11-track remix album featuring contributions from Wagon Christ, Alex Reece, and Charlie May. The compilation sold over 44,000 units in the US and was supported by a short promotional tour.
Post-split activities and ongoing endeavors (2002–present)
Although Mandalay was on the verge of breaking into the American market, the duo dissolved in 2002 following the separation of Hitchcock and Freeman, prompted by unresolvable personal and professional conflicts.
In 2005, Hitchcock launched her solo career with the album Passive Aggressive, featuring collaborations with artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Hector Zazou, and Chris Brann. She continues to develop new solo projects.
Freeman has composed scores for short films, including the art film Far from China directed by C.S. Leigh, as well as for various television productions in both the UK and US, notably the acclaimed documentary series Testing God. After a period of creative pause, he returned to releasing music in 2013.
Studio albums
Compilation albums
- Solace (2001)
Singles
- "Flowers Bloom" (1996)
- "This Life" (1997)
- "Beautiful" (1998)
- "Deep Love" (2000)
- "Not Seventeen" (2000)
In popular culture
- The track "I Don't Want the Night to End" appeared in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode "You've Got Male" (Season 2, Episode 12), while "Like Her" was featured in "Play with Fire" (Season 3, Episode 22).
- "Insensible" was used in Strong Medicine during the episode "Side Effects" (Season 1, Episode 14).
- The song "Beautiful" is included in the soundtrack of the film Iron Jawed Angels.