ARTIST FEATURE: Arctic Monkeys
- Posted on January 24, 2007 12:18 PM
- 8 comments
By Katie Spain
Every now and then there's a band you can't escape from; a song that follows you to the end of the earth and back again. Three years ago, I travelled Germany in the festive season and couldn't escape the whining sound of George Michael's "Last Christmas". This year, I'm travelling the whole of Europe and the music that fills my ears is somewhat sweeter. Actually, make that a hell of a lot sweeter.
No matter where you turn these days, Brit band Arctic Monkeys are there. On television screens, wafting through the stoner smoke in Amsterdam cafes, playing on hostel sound systems and greeting shoppers as they seek a bit of designer retail therapy in Paris boutiques. They met us at the Munich main station, bon voyaged us from Zurich central station and awoke us from our slumber as they leaked out of our neighbour's ipod on the train from Copenhagen to Oslo. Yep, even when we called home to Australia the Arctic Monkeys could be heard playing in the background.
Why do people love them? It's something I can't put my finger on... and I think that's the key. People from all walks of life love the Arctic Monkeys. Whether it's just one or two songs they've heard on the radio and love, or they're an avid fan with a list of front row gig experiences behind them, the Monkeys appeal to all. They cross the petty niche borders of music genres and leap beyond hard core music fans' barriers.
The lads from Sheffield, England formed in 2002 and rose to fame when "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" and "When the Sun Goes Down", went straight to number one in the UK Singles Chart.
Some people followed the rise of the band from the very beginning - when the Monkeys were mere chimps struggling to make it in the cut throat music world. It's simple really... they played tiny gigs, handed out demos and gradually won over the masses. They were one of the biggest bands of last year and stormed the charts and hey, let's get corny... the hearts and ears of the nation.
Now they're pumping out tunes at a rate of knots and kids and adults alike are travelling miles, cutting school, work and whatever other plans they have to see the guys play live. The question is, would you? And why?
What makes Alex Turner (lead vocals and guitar), Jamie Cook (rhythm guitar), Matt Helders (drums and backing vocals) and Nick O'Malley (bass guitar - formerly Andy Nicholson) so damn special? Is it their straight talking, no-nonsense Indie rock? Is it because their second single "When the Sun Goes Down" smashed Shayne Ward from the top of the charts? (I doubt it). Maybe it's because they achieved genuine popularity by resisting record companies and official big brand marketing. The online buzz surrounding them lifted the band above the rest and it was the fans who raised their hands (and keyboards) below them. Fan-made demo tapes and file sharing laid the foundations for the inevitable; Arctic Monkey musical world domination.
Above all, they're real. I'll always remember the day the guys were interviewed for the radio station I present for. It isn't a big name station, we have absolutely no money, most people volunteer their time and the presenters are 100% passionate about new music. The band weren't yet known by the general public and were happy for a chat with everyday music lovers. That's the thing... their lyrics reflect the lives and issues of their fans, they bag chavs, identify with Indie kids and let's face it - everyone loves a strong Yorkshire accent. Their live performances are dead set crowd pleasers. Despite the occasional negativity by critics, the fans sing along at every opportunity. Sets are simple (and that's an overstatement) - who needs a backdrop when the focus is purely on the music?
So, the future for fans looks bright. There's a new album on the way, and a tour to boot. In the meantime, I'm sure the rest of my trip will include flashes of the Arctic Monkeys. Next stop Norway... I'm sure "I Bet you Look Good on the Dancefloor" is a hit on the slopes.
What do you think of the Arctic Monkeys? Have you seen them live? Were you there in the crowd before they hit the big time? Do you have a fan-made demo tape? Have you met the lads? Tell all in our comments section - or if you've got a lot to say, blog about it.
Watch them take the stage at the Lancashire cricket ground.
Comments (8)
Brad
Wow... I love these guys. Anyone that says they're over hyped is jealous. Absolute crap. See them live and you'll see why.
I'll be there (singing along)
Posted on January 24, 2007 9:27 PM
chloe
i love artic monkeys there brilliant!!! i went to see them in manchester and it made me love them so much more and i want to go see them again!!!
Posted on August 22, 2007 11:29 AM
danny
ye these guys r shithot and loved by many, i went to see them at LCCC and and thought they were brilliant. love all there tunes and getting tickets for there winter tour a manchester central!! cant wait
Posted on September 29, 2007 11:29 PM
danny
ye these guys r shithot and loved by many, i went to see them at LCCC and and thought they were brilliant. love all there tunes and getting tickets for there winter tour at manchester central!! cant wait
Posted on September 29, 2007 11:30 PM
Matt
Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor makes me want to jingle my jangly bits! Great band.
Posted on November 28, 2007 12:37 PM
Jenn
I saw the Arctics as a last minute thing to do when they came to the Palladium in Dallas. I have been hooked ever since. They are so great live and their music is amazing. I don't think the cd holding their two albums has left my car in months.
Posted on November 30, 2007 10:54 PM
victoria
the arctic monkeys are great i really want to go and see them. there songs are great !!
Posted on January 21, 2008 6:08 PM
victoria
the arctic monkeys are great i really want to go and see them. there songs are great !!
Posted on January 21, 2008 6:09 PM
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