Nightnurse
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music singles, album (unreleased) |
Nightnurse was a London-based English indie rock group active between 1996 and 2000. They released three singles, with their second release, "Skirt," peaking at number 11 on the UK Independent Singles Chart in February 1998. Significantly, they became the first band to launch an official MP3 single titled "IDF/Big Sleep," an achievement that earned them a mention in the Guinness Book of Records. Their first full-length album was recorded at Blackwing Studios but was never issued after their label, Better Records, ceased operations in 2000.
History
Nightnurse was established in 1996 by frontwoman Ellyott Dragon, formerly associated with Pollyanna Frank and Sister George. The initial lineup featured Ellyott on guitar and vocals, Charlotte Hatherley on guitar, Ben Drakeford handling bass duties, and Alex Lutes on drums. After performing just six shows, they secured a deal with Better Records, managed by former Creation Records executive Tim Abbott. In 1997, the band earned the NME 'Best New Band' accolade, which significantly raised their profile. Their debut single "Golem" garnered some airplay on BBC Radio 1 and video rotation on MTV Europe, though it did not enter the charts. Soon after this release, Hatherley departed to join the indie band Ash.
Subsequently, Nightnurse experienced several guitarist changes, including stints by Debbie Smith (known from Curve and Echobelly) and Charley Stone (associated with Gay Dad). Charley Stone contributed to the recording of "Skirt," which climbed to number 11 on the UK Indie Chart in 1998 and was recognized as XFM's 'Single of the Week'. Following this accomplishment and with Matt Platts joining as guitarist, Nightnurse embarked on extensive tours supporting prominent UK indie acts such as Rachel Stamp, Jolt, Snow Patrol, and Seafood.
Their third single, a double A-side "IDF/Big Sleep," was initially released as a limited white-label 7" vinyl through S16 Records but was withdrawn on the day of release. The band then pioneered by self-releasing it as the UK's first official MP3 single, which achieved an impressive 30,000 downloads within one week.
In late 1997, Nightnurse recorded their debut album at Blackwing Studios; however, financial difficulties resulted in Better Records going into liquidation, leaving the album unreleased indefinitely. A message posted in 2006 on their official Myspace page revealed intentions to remaster and eventually release the album.
Following their third single's release, Nightnurse signed with Sanctuary Management and brought in drummer Dicki Fliszar, who replaced Alex Lutes. They proceeded to record four new demos at Trident Studios in South London and toured extensively before disbanding in 2000.
Members
- 1996
- Ellyott – lead vocals / guitar
- Charlotte Hatherley – guitar
- Ben Drakeford – bass guitar
- Alex Lutes – drums
- 1997
- Ellyott – lead vocals / guitar
- Debbie Smith – guitar
- Charley Stone – guitar
- Matt Platts – guitar
- Alex Lutes – drums
- later
- Ellyott – lead vocals / guitar
- Matt Platts – guitar / backing vocals
- Ben Drakeford – bass guitar
- Dicki Fliszar – drums
Singles
- "Golem" (1 April 1997) CD single / 7" vinyl – Better Records
- "Skirt" (12 January 1998) CD single / 7" vinyl – Better Records
- "IDF" (26 October 1998) ltd 7" vinyl / MP3 – S16 Records / Nightnurse