Clean Bandit

2008–2012: Formation and career beginnings

Original band members Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson and Neil Amin-Smith met while studying as undergraduates at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.^[10] At the time, Amin-Smith, who attended Westminster School^[11] was leading a string quartet together with Chatto, who attended The Latymer School.^[12] The original vocalist, Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka, left to undertake a PhD in laser analytics.^[1] In 2011, Chatto and Jack Patterson formed their own film production company, Cleanfilm, to make music videos for themselves and other artists.^[10]

The band's name, Clean Bandit, comes from a translation of a Russian phrase; the meaning is similar to the English phrase "complete bastard", though Patterson later stated that it is actually a more affectionate term similar to "utter rascal".^[13][14]

2012–2015: New Eyes

In December 2012, Clean Bandit released their debut single "A+E", which peaked at number 100 on the UK Singles Chart. In March 2013, they released their second single "Mozart's House". The song peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. Their third single "Dust Clears" charted at number 43 in the UK. The band's fourth single "Rather Be" featuring Jess Glynne was released in January 2014 and topped the UK Singles Chart. It was the fastest-selling song released in January since 1996 and ended 2014 as the year's second best-selling song in the UK (behind "Happy" by Pharrell Williams), selling over 1.13 million copies.^[15] "Rather Be" also reached number one in Austria, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, whilst charting at number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100. In April 2014, the band made their TV debut on BBC's Later... with Jools Holland.^[16] The following month, they announced a 14-date headline tour of the UK kicking off in Lancaster Library as part of the Get It Loud In Libraries campaign.^[17] The band's debut studio album New Eyes, was released in June 2014 by Atlantic Records UK.^[18] In September 2014, they performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at MediaCityUK.^[19][20] In November, the band collaborated again with Jess Glynne, on their single "Real Love". It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.^[21] The same month, the band performed as part of the charity group Band Aid 30 alongside other British and Irish pop acts, recording the latest version of the track "Do They Know It's Christmas?" to raise money for the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa.^[22]

In February 2015, "Rather Be" won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.^[23] The group recorded a 30-piece orchestral version of "Rather Be" at Abbey Road Studios for Marks & Spencer's Christmas 2015 advertising campaign.^[24]

2016–2019: What Is Love? and Neil Amin-Smith's departure

In May 2016, the band released the single "Tears" featuring The X Factor 2015 winner Louisa Johnson, which later appeared in their second studio album. The song peaked at number five in the UK, following a performance on Britain's Got Talent.^[25]

In October 2016, it was announced that violinist and pianist Neil Amin-Smith had decided to leave Clean Bandit.^[26][27] Two days later, the group released their first song as a three-piece without Amin-Smith: "Rockabye", which features rapper Sean Paul and singer Anne-Marie. "Rockabye" became their second number one hit in the UK,^[28] and remained at the top spot for nine weeks. It went on to become the Christmas number one single for 2016.^[29][30] The song also reached number one in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. It additionally charted at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[31] In March 2017, the trio released "Symphony", a collaboration with Swedish singer Zara Larsson. The song topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming the group's third number one single in the country.^[32][33] They gave their first live performance of the song on The Voice UK.^[34] "Rockabye" was recorded at The Crypt Studio in London. In June, the band released the studio version of "Disconnect" with Marina Diamandis. The track was previously performed at the 2015 Coachella Festival.

In October 2017, the band announced the single "I Miss You", featuring songwriter Julia Michaels. It charted within the top five of the UK and has been certified platinum. In May 2018, the band released the second album's fifth single, "Solo", featuring vocals from Demi Lovato. It topped the charts in the UK the following month and has received a platinum certification in the country.^[35] In November 2018, sixth single "Baby" was released, featuring Marina and Luis Fonsi.^[36] Clean Bandit released their second album What Is Love? in November 2018. The album features collaborations with Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Craig David, Anne-Marie, and Charli XCX.^[37]

2020–present: Leaving Atlantic Records, forthcoming third studio album and new projects

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band produced a "House Party" event fortnightly in place of the live shows which they would've performed if the pandemic had not happened. Clean Bandit produced six of these house parties in total, from April to July, many featuring vocals from their singer Yasmin Green.^{[citation needed]}

In early August 2020, as their live home music performances gained credit, the band agreed with Global Citizen to host a 12-hour long "Houseparty Against Hunger" on 8 August, to raise money for the charity to help fight poverty-related hunger. The event consisted of one hour-long sets from DJs around the world. Clean Bandit hosted the event and played at the start and end of proceedings, with their set-up the same as that used in their original house parties. Kirsten Joy, one of the band's singers, performed along with Becky Hill, Joel Corry, MNEK and a guest appearance from Sean Paul.^[38]

On 17 August, Clean Bandit announced they would be releasing a new single, titled "Tick Tock" with singer Mabel and rapper 24kGoldn.^[39] It was released on 21 August 2020.

On 26 January 2021, Clean Bandit announced their new single "Higher" featuring American rapper Iann Dior. The song was released on 29 January 2021.^[40]

On 30 July 2021, Clean Bandit released their new single "Drive" with German DJ Topic featuring Wes Nelson.^[41]

On 24 September 2021, Clean Bandit released a remix of the famous 1980s hit song How Will I Know in collaboration with Whitney Houston.^[42]

On 18 February 2022, Clean Bandit released a new dance/electronic song featuring A7S called "Everything but You".^[43]

On 9 September 2022, Clean Bandit released a new single "Sad Girls" with rapper French the Kid featuring Rema.^[44]

On 21 October 2022, Clean Bandit released another single, "Don't Leave Me Lonely" in collaboration with the songwriter Elley Duhé.^[45]

Between 2022 and 2024, Clean Bandit parted ways with their label Atlantic Records.

On 23 July 2024, Clean Bandit announced their song with English singer-songwriter Anne-Marie and French DJ David Guetta called "Cry Baby". It was released on 9 August 2024 with B1 Records/Ministry of Sound.^[46]

Timeline