Madam is a five-piece
London
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
based band, fronted by
Sukie Smith
Sukie Smith (born 23 September 1964) is a British actress and musician. Her credits include the role of Rachel Branning in ''EastEnders'' in 2006, as well as appearances in ''Peak Practice'' and ''Doctors''. She also appeared in several films, ...
. Their music is often described as possessing a smoky, nocturnal quality with a
pop sensibility that has led to comparisons to artists such as
Portishead,
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1964. The original line-up consisted of singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise. MacLise w ...
,
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey (born 9 October 1969) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments.
Harvey began her career in 1988 when she joined loca ...
and
Cat Power
Charlyn Marie "Chan" Marshall ( ; born January 21, 1972), better known by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and model. Cat Power was originally the name of her first band, but has become her stage name as a ...
, as well as more mainstream artists such as
Goldfrapp
Goldfrapp are an English electronic music duo from London, formed in 1999. The duo consists of Alison Goldfrapp (vocals, synthesiser) and Will Gregory (synthesiser).
Despite favourable reviews and a short-listing for the Mercury Prize, their ...
and
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. Fleetwood Mac were founded by guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood and guitarist Jeremy Spencer, before bassist John McVie joined the line-up for their epony ...
.
The band has experienced several line-up changes since its inception, with vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Smith being the only constant member.
History
Releasing debut single ''Call America'' in July 2007, the following February saw Smith - by now signed to
Reveal Records
__NOTOC__
Reveal Records is a British independent record label. It began as an independent record store in Derby, England.
History
The record store was opened by Tom Rose in 1999. The store reached its peak in 2005/2006 when it sold virtually ...
- release the album ''In Case Of Emergency'' to much critical acclaim. Having finally established a settled line-up for her band, a five track EP ''Fall On Your Knees'' followed in July, which was to complete the band's releases through Reveal.
Late in 2008 the band were invited by
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins, commonly known as B&W, is a British company that produces consumer and professional loudspeakers and headphones.
B&W was founded in 1966 by John Bowers in Worthing, West Sussex, England.
In October 2020, B&W was acquired by ...
to record a session at
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel (born 13 February 1950) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and activist. He rose to fame as the original lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis. After leaving Genesis in 1975, he launched ...
's Real World Studios as part of their "Society Of Sound Music" download series. This session was later to form the basis of sophomore album, ''Gone Before Morning'' (2011) released through Smith's own Shilling Boy label.
Members
Madam's current line-up is completed by Sarah Gill (cello, keyboards, saw and vocals), Sam Willard (guitar) Gareth Moss (bass) and Jeff Townsin (drums and percussion).
Collaborators and former members include
Chris Clarke,
Adam Franklin
Adam Franklin (born 7 October 1968) is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is the front-man of the alternative rock band Swervedriver (1989–99, 2007–present) as well as the main creative force behind Toshack Highway (1999–2006 ...
, Gavin Pearce, John Robertson, Simon Breed, Marc Tchanz, Mara Carlyse, Moose,
Brock Norman Brock
Brock Norman Brock (born October 1966) is a British screenwriter and playwright. Early in his career, his play ''Here is Monster'' was nominated for the Verity Bargate Award. The premiere production in 1990–91 was staged by the Show of Streng ...
, Lee Tryming, Howard Monk, Sean Reed, Jon Redfern, Patrick Durkan, Ross Drummond, Nick Bergin,
Jason Buckle
The All Seeing I were a British electronic music group from Sheffield, England, comprising Dean Honer, Jason Buckle and DJ Parrot (real name Richard Barratt).
Biography
The band released their first single "I Walk" in 1997, but it was not unt ...
and John Mercedo.
Discography
Albums
''In Case of Emergency'' (2008)
Track listing:
1. "Fall On Your Knees"
2. "Calling for Love"
3. "Strange Love"
4. "Call America"
5. "Girl Down"
6. "Still"
7. "Horses"
8. "Can't Help Myself"
9. "Superfast Highway"
10. "Dirty That Makes Me"
11. "Rope Trick"
''Gone Before Morning'' (2011)
Track listing:
1. "You Lead I Follow"
2. "The Ground Will Claim You"
3. "The Snake"
4. "Weekend Love"
5. "Tar and Serpents"
6. "Someone in Love"
7. "Cover the Ground"
8. "If You're Looking for a Way Out"
9. "Marine Boy"
10. "Ride the Waves"
EPs
''Fall On Your Knees'' (2008)
Track listing:
1. "Fall on your knees"
emix
2. "St Mary"
3. "Some Other Elvis"
4. "Not Here Yet"
References
The Independent ''Ones to watch: Five of the best new acts'' (April 2008)
Bowers & Wilkins ''Society of Sound''
External links
Website
{{Authority control
Musical groups established in 2004
Musical groups from London