The Stereophonics are a popular Welsh rock band that has been active since 1992. Over the years of the formation of the popularity of the team, the composition and name have often changed. The musicians are typical representatives of light British rock.
The beginning of the Stereophonics journey
The band was founded by songwriter and guitarist Kelly Jones, who was born in the village of Kumaman, near Aberdare. There he met drummer Stuart Cable and bassist Richard Jones. Together they created their own teenage cover band Tragic Love Company. The objects of their processing were the famous songs of the bands Led Zeppelin и AC/DC.
Initially, the group consisted of four musicians who performed cover versions in the blues style. After the departure of Simon Collier, three performers remained in the line-up. The style of music was revised and changed to suit the mood of the mass audience. Own author's songs began to appear. The source of inspiration for writing the lyrics was memories from the life of the vocalist. Performances were held at small venues, cafes and pubs in South Wales.
In 1996, Tragic Love Company was taken over by manager John Brand. The band was renamed The Stereophonics. The original title was very long and awkward for posters. Stuart saw the second option in the inscription on his father's radiogram. Decided to remove the article The. So the final name of the popular group appeared. In August of this year, the musicians were the first to sign a contract with Richard Branson's new label V2.
The first and subsequent albums of the group Stereophonics
August 25, 1997 released the first album Word Gets Around, which was very popular in the UK. High-quality music, beautiful lyrics and velvety charming vocals with an easily recognizable hoarse "color" were received positively by the audience. The band won the 1998 Brit Award for Best New Musical Group.
In November 1998, the second album Performance and Cocktails was released. It was hugely popular and topped the UK music charts. The songs were recorded in different studios. They were made at Real World Studios (in Bath), Parkgate (in Sussex) and Rockfield (in Monmouth).
On July 31, 1999, the band performed at the Morpha Stadium (in Swansea) in front of 50 people. The show was very successful. Two weeks later, the Stereophonics received an award for Best Album. Experience in early video clips and the involvement of new directors allowed us to achieve higher quality videos.
The Stereophonics recorded their third album, Just Enough Education to Perform. It was different from the previously created tracks.
Song Writer
Song Writer reached number 5 on the music charts. It is dedicated to the journalist who took part in the tour with the band during the American tour. The Stereophonics claim that their friend lived among them, eating their food and drinking their drinks. But then he expressed his negative opinion. This is how the popular track Mr. Writer (on the negative side of journalism). After this incident, the media began to express dissatisfaction with the group.
The second popular track from the album Have a Nice Day was the opposite of Mr. Writer. It's a joyful song about a cab ride in California. The album Just Enough Education to Perform became the most popular, taking 1st position in the UK.
Activities after the 2000s
In 2002, after the release of the official DVD-concert with elements of documentary information about the band's life, a Vegas Two Times clip was released. The soundtrack was taken from a live performance in the studio.
This made a change in creativity - they abandoned the only vocalist and the use of a harmonizer. Backing vocalists Eileen McLaughlin and Anna Ross were regularly invited to record subsequent tracks and enrich the sound. As well as virtuoso guitarist Scott James.
The new album You Gotta Go There to Come Back was released in 2003. It was collected from previously accumulated demos that were not released due to the little experience of the musicians. Kelly worked on writing tracks amid his own dissatisfaction with teamwork.
Mixing the tracks was entrusted to Jack Joseph Puig. He was a recognized specialist, previously received a Grammy Award and worked with The Black Crowes. His presence made it possible to get a clearer sound and maximum immersion in the atmosphere while listening.
In the Language album. sex. Violence. other? The band's music has changed drastically. Trying to keep up with the times, they added more electronic vibrating effects. Almost every song began with an atmospheric prelude and ended with a coda.
Positive reviews have collected even from the most demanding music critics. The track Dakota stayed at number 12 in the British music charts for 1 weeks. And then he hit the top 5.
The team released a new album, Pull the Pin (2007). Everywhere, including the band's official MySpace page, they added an artistic photo taken by the musician on some street. The graffiti read: Cries on Hope Street. "Fans" took it as the title for a new collection of songs. As a result, the album was sold out in significant quantities.
Line-up change
After numerous experiments with the composition, the team became a quartet. The announcement was made only in the official fan club. And the mailing was done covertly on the basis of e-mail. The first official show was planned a little before the release of Keep Calm and Carry On. They invited only certain people according to criteria that they did not talk about. There have been numerous resales with significant mark-ups on Ebay, and costs running into the thousands of pounds.
Requests from the music lovers of the Stereophonics resulted in a number of singles and acoustic versions. DJs also sorted out tracks for remixing. The representatives of the International Olympic Committee really liked the song I Got Your Number. And they invited the band to perform at the 2009 Paralympics medal ceremony.
Nowadays
The band has been shown to be productive in terms of album releases, constantly experimenting with creativity. Graffiti on the Train was released in 2013 and Keep the Village Alive in 2015. And in 2017, the album Scream Above the Sounds was released. 2019 is marked by the release of the Kind album. In terms of musical criticism, they are the new representatives of the latest wave of British avant-garde rock.
Musicians are not only engaged in concert activities. Among their friends is the famous English footballer Wayne Rooney. And also they are friends with their colleagues.
