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Sing-Sing (band)

From Alfawiki
Sing-Sing
Company typeSupergroup
IndustryMusic
Founded1997
FounderLisa O'Neill, Emma Anderson
Defunct2007
Headquarters
London
,
England
ProductsIndie pop and dream pop music

Sing-Sing was a London-based English indie pop and dream pop supergroup established in 1997, featuring vocalist Lisa O'Neill, known for her previous work with Locust, Mad Professor, and Kid Loco, alongside guitarist and vocalist Emma Anderson, formerly of Lush. Their musical style combined elements from 1960s girl groups with influences from electronica and folk. The band ceased activity in 2007.

History

Lisa O'Neill and Emma Anderson connected in 1997 and recorded their initial demo early the following year, with Justin Welch from Elastica contributing on drums. Their debut single, "Feels Like Summer," was issued in October 1998 through Bella Union, the label managed by Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie.

Following a split single release in 1999, they founded their own imprint, Aerial, under which they released the singles "I'll Be" and a reimagined version of "Feels Like Summer" in 2000. Their first full-length album, The Joy of Sing-Sing, was released in October 2001 via Alan McGee's Poptones label. The record garnered favorable critiques, described by AllMusic as a "divine first album" and by PopMatters as a "strong debut," while Pitchfork assigned it a score of 7.4 out of 10. The album saw its US release through Manifesto Records in 2002.

In 2002, Sing-Sing embarked on two American tours, including performances at SXSW and CMJ. To finance their second album, they offered the Madame Sing-Sing EP through their official website. Their follow-up album, Sing-Sing and I, arrived in 2005 to generally positive feedback, though reviews ranged from three stars by The Guardian to six out of ten from PopMatters.

Both albums were produced by Mark Van Hoen, who had previously collaborated with O'Neill in Locust. Additional contributors included Mad Professor (who remixed "I'll Be"), Robin Guthrie, cellist Audrey Riley, Poppy Gonzalez (former Mojave 3 pianist), Tim Keegan (Departure Lounge), and Vinny Miller of 4AD.

Their touring lineup featured Michael Scrivens on bass, Poppy Gonzalez handling keyboards, percussion, and backing vocals, Miguel Morland on drums from 1998 to 2000, Jenny Jones on trumpet and keyboards, Darren Groucutt on drums between 2000 and 2002, and Dominic del Torto playing guitar and providing backing vocals during 2005–2006.

In December 2007, Sing-Sing officially announced their breakup through both their mailing list and official website.

After the breakup

Lisa Wrake (formerly O'Neill) has pursued a career in graphic design and performs with the band Lost Remnants.

Emma Anderson took part in the revival of Lush during 2015–16 and launched her debut solo album Pearlies on 20 October 2023 via Sonic Cathedral. The release was accompanied by music videos for the singles "Bend the Round," "Clusters," and "The Presence."

Albums

  • The Joy of Sing-Sing (2001), released under Poptones
  • Sing-Sing and I (2005), issued by Aerial/Reincarnate – includes a CD video for the track "Lover"

Singles and EPs

  • "Feels Like Summer" (1998), Bella Union – reached UK Indie Singles #26
  • "I Can See You" (1999), Fierce Panda – double A-side with Linoleum – peaked at UK Indie Singles #26 and UK Singles #96
  • "I'll Be"/"Western"/"I'll Be ('Dub You Can Love Mix')" (2000), Aerial/Sanctuary – attained UK Indie Singles #38
  • "Feels Like Summer" (remix) (2000), Aerial/Sanctuary
  • "Tegan" (2001), Poptones
  • "Panda Eyes" (2001), Elefant Records
  • Madame Sing-Sing EP (2004), Aerial
  • "Lover" (2005), Aerial
  • "Come, Sing Me a Song"/"Mister Darkness" (2006), Aerial

Additional appearances

  • "Feels Like Summer" was included on the 1999 Polish compilation album Now To Jest Twoja Muzyka 06 released by Universal Music Polska
  • The track "Feels Like Summer" was featured in the 2005 motion picture Shelf Life
  • "Lover" was incorporated into Episode 4 ("Fog") of the 2006 American television series Saved
  • "Come, Sing Me A Song" appeared in Season 2, Episode 20 of Grey's Anatomy and was also part of Volume 2 of its soundtrack as an exclusive on iTunes
  • The song "A Modern Girl" was utilized in The Body Shop's 2006 advertising campaign titled 'Make Me Fabulous'
  • A cover of "Sunbathing," originally by Lush, was featured on the compilation Never Lose That Feeling Volume 2 (Club AC30 Records, 2005)
  • "When I Was Made" was included in the soundtrack of the 2007 film Numb
  • "Come, Sing Me A Song" was part of the 2012 movie Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

External links

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