Mis-Teeq
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Sabrina Washington, Su-Elise Nash, Alesha Dixon |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Mis-Teeq was a British female trio consisting of Sabrina Washington, Su-Elise Nash, and Alesha Dixon, active between 1999 and 2005.
The group secured two UK albums within the top ten and achieved seven straight singles reaching the UK top ten, gaining considerable popularity across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. Their first album, Lickin' on Both Sides (released on 27 October 2001), climbed to number three on the UK Albums Chart and was certified double platinum. This album featured their initial five singles, all of which entered the UK top 10, including their debut track "Why?" with McNally, and "All I Want". Following a break, their sophomore album, Eye Candy (released on 29 March 2003), also earned double platinum status and contained their most prominent international single, "Scandalous", which reached number two on the US Billboard Dance charts. The ensemble disbanded in February 2005 after their label Telstar Records went under, issuing a greatest hits compilation on 25 April 2005 to commemorate their dissolution.
1997–2001: Formation and changes in membership
In 1997, Alesha Dixon and Sabrina Washington connected at Dance Attic studios located in Fulham, through Louise Porter of Big Out Ltd. Initially performing as a trio called Face2Face alongside Tina Barrett—who later departed to join S Club 7—they were subsequently joined by Zena McNally and Su-Elise Nash. Under the guidance of producer David Brant, they met Inferno Records A&R Pat Travers, which led to signing with Telstar Records and adopting the name Mis-Teeq. Their recording sessions involved producers such as the Norwegian duo Stargate, Brant himself, Ed Case, Blacksmith, Rishi Rich, and Ceri Evans. Their debut single "Why?" (2000), co-written and produced by Brant with a UK garage remix by Matt "Jam" Lamont that gained considerable acclaim, reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart. In January 2001, McNally left the group due to dissatisfaction with internal dynamics.
2001–2002: Lickin' on Both Sides release and live performances
The trio's second single, "All I Want," was released in June 2001. Originally co-written and produced by David Brant, it was later reworked and remixed by Ceri Evans (Sunship). This track outperformed their debut by peaking at number two in the UK and breaking into Australia's top 30 charts. Their debut album, Lickin' on Both Sides, launched on 27 October 2001, received Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry.
Mis-Teeq expanded their global presence with their third single "One Night Stand," produced by Stargate, which reached number five in the UK and charted within the top twenty in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Denmark. In 2002, their fourth single "B with Me" also secured a top ten position in the UK at number five. The album's final single was a double A-side featuring "Roll on" alongside a rendition of Montell Jordan's "This Is How We Do It," which appeared on the soundtrack for Ali G Indahouse (2002) and peaked at number seven. That year, Mis-Teeq supported Shaggy during his UK tour.
2003–2005: Eye Candy, global recognition and disbandment
Following a short break, Mis-Teeq unveiled their sophomore album, Eye Candy, on 29 March 2003. The record featured production from Stargate, Ed Case, Salaam Remi, Joe, Delroy "D-Roy" Andrews, and JD (So Solid Crew), and climbed to number 6 on the UK Albums Chart. While the album's total sales did not surpass those of their debut, the lead single "Scandalous" emerged as their biggest hit, securing the number 2 spot in the UK and achieving top ten placements in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Denmark.
The follow-up single from the album, "Can't Get It Back", became their seventh and final top-ten UK hit in July 2003. This release featured an alternative "Ignorants Radio Edit" rather than the original album cut. Later that year, a Special Edition of Eye Candy was issued in December, accompanied by the third single "Style," which reached number 13.
In May 2004, "Scandalous" was introduced to the American market via Reprise Records, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100—the group's sole entry on US charts—and was used as the theme song for the movie Catwoman. This period marked Mis-Teeq’s promotional push in the United States. However, after launching their self-titled third album alongside "Scandalous," their label Telstar Records went bankrupt, leaving them without label backing.
After announcing their separation in February 2005, Mis-Teeq released a Greatest Hits collection that included a new rendition of the Andrews Sisters' classic "Shoo Shoo Baby." Additionally, they earned a nomination for a 2005 Soul Train Lady of Soul Award.
Speculation about a reunion arose in February 2011 but was dismissed by Alesha Dixon. By 2013 and again in September 2014, group members expressed willingness to reunite, with Su-Elise Nash confirming discussions about a possible comeback.
Members
- Alesha Dixon (2000–2005)
- Sabrina Washington (2000–2005)
- Su-Elise Nash (2000–2005)
- Zena McNally (2000–2001)
Studio albums
- Lickin' on Both Sides (2001)
- Eye Candy (2003)
Compilation albums
- Mis-Teeq (2004)
- Mis-Teeq: Greatest Hits (2005)