Octopus (Scottish band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Shotts, Lanarkshire , Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Octopus was a Britpop group originating from Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland, established in 1993. They released three successful singles prior to their dissolution in 1997.
History
The band was initially formed by schoolmates Marc Shearer (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Alan McSeveney (guitar), Steven McSeveney (bass), and Bob Holmes (drums). After moving to London, Holmes was replaced by drummer Oliver Grasset. Among their early London gigs, they received notable feedback from Damon Albarn.
David Francolini, drummer of Levitation, forwarded their demo to Andy Ross of Food Records, who subsequently signed the band. Their first single, "Magazine," debuted in March 1996. For live performances, the original quartet expanded to an eight-piece ensemble including trumpeters James Donaldson and Andrew Blick, pianist Mike , and harmonica player Nick Reynolds, son of Bruce Reynolds.
Octopus supported Sleeper on tour, and their second single "Your Smile" climbed to number 42 on the UK Singles Chart. The next release, "Saved," entered the top 40. Their only album, From a to b, arrived in September 1996 and featured these singles. Following the recording sessions, Cameron Miller took over bass duties from Steven McSeveney. The band's final single, "Jealousy," reached number 59 before they disbanded in 1997.
After the split, Miller teamed up with Andrew Blick in Blowpipe and collaborated with artists such as Ben Christophers and Adem. Shearer worked alongside Adem and issued solo work under the name Marc Meon, including the track "Magma on My Mind" on the 2009 compilation A Psychedelic Guide To Monsterism Island. Steven McSeveney went on to perform with The Secret Goldfish.
Albums
- From A to B (September 1996), released via Food – reached UK chart position No. 82
Singles
- "Magazine" (March 1996), Food – UK chart peak No. 86
- "Your Smile" (June 1996), Food – UK chart peak No. 42
- "Saved" (September 1996), Food – UK chart peak No. 40
- "Jealousy" (November 1996), Food – UK chart peak No. 59
EPs
- "All The Fear of the Fayre" (May 1996, exclusive to Japan), Toshiba EMI Ltd