Chew Lips

Chew Lips

Chew Lips performing live in 2011
Background information
Origin East London, UK
Genres Electro, synthpop, drone, dance-punk
Years active 2008–present
Labels Family
Website www.chew-lips.com
Members 'Tigs' (Alicia Huertas), James Watkins
Past members Will Sanderson

Chew Lips is a dance-pop duo, formed in spring of 2008.[1] They consist of singer 'Tigs' and multi-instrumentalist James Watkins.[2]

Career

2008–2009: First Steps

Formed in London as a 3 piece band in the summer of 2008, Tigs, James & Will armed themselves with a slew of electro-pop hooks and set about establishing Chew Lips as one of the most exciting new acts in the capital.

With Tigs developing into a charismatic whirlwind of a front woman who it was impossible to take your eyes off, Chew Lips increasingly compelling live performances grabbed the attention of uber-cool French label Kitsuné who insisted on putting out the band's debut single, "Solo".

Released in March 2009, "Solo" sold out almost instantly, causing a storm in the blogosphere and beyond, with Pitchfork calling the track "….classic, pristine,"[3] and The Fly magazine labelling it "one of the most magnificent debuts of the year".

2009–2010: Second Kitsuné Single and Unicorn

A relentless schedule of touring followed into 2009 as Chew Lips honed their sound into a sleek, sophisticated beast.

Kitsuné released a second sold out single, "Salt Air" in July 2009 – NME called it "an addictive slice of heart-wrenching disco-pop" – before the band begun work in summer '09 on their full-length debut with Bat For Lashes collaborator David Kosten.

The fruits of their labour came with the self-released album Unicorn in January 2010, such a giant leap forward for their sound that they were confident enough to leave off both of the previous singles. It was easy to see why – in the likes of "Play Together", "Karen" and "Slick", they'd outdone themselves. The press agreed: the BBC called it "startling", NME "mesmeric", whilst a 4/5 review in The Guardian said it "drags you straight in."

Another stretch of intense touring followed and by the time the European festival season came round and after a scene-stealing appearance at SXSW in Texas (Elle US described them as the best new act at the festival), Chew Lips were on top of their game. Topping off their tour they headlined the packed BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Other touring highlights include support slots with The Killers, Delphic, We Are Scientists, The Virgins, Joy Formidable, Howling Bells, 3 sold out UK Tours and a sold out European tour in 2011.

Discography

Studio albums

Album Details Release Date Label
Unicorn 25 January 2010 Family

Singles and EPs

Release Details Release Date Label
Solo January 2009 Kitsuné
Salt Air 6 July 2009 Kitsuné
Play Together 18 January 2010 Family
Karen 28 March 2010 Family
Do You Chew? 4 May 2012 Sony
Hurricane 3 September 2012 Sony

Chew Lips remixing

Chew Lips remixes

Solo

Salt Air

Play Together

Karen

Slick

Soundtracks and Syncs

Live Appearances

UK Highlights

US

European Festivals

Press

Unicorn

References

  1. "Q Radio – Chew Lips introduction page". Ash Meikle, Q. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  2. "The Guardian – New band of the day". Paul Lester, The Guardian. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  3. "Pitchfork – Chew Lips 'Solo' Review". Jonathan Garrett, Pitchfork. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  4. "NME.com – 'Unicorn' First Listen". Camilla Pia, NME. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
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