CD
Moshi Moshi Records (2011) EU, UK
Florence & The Machine consists of Florence Welch and a collaboration of artists providing backing music for her vocals. The group's sound has been described as a combination of various genres, including rock and soul. The band's music received praise across the music media, especially from BBC, before they gained mainstream success. Even winning Critic's Choice at the BRIT Awards in 2009.
Let's talk about magic. Because music, at its best, is a kind of magic that lifts you up and takes you somewhere else. "I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if youre being sucked down into the ocean and you cant breathe," says Florence Welch. "It's something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you're either going to explode with it, or you're just going to disappear."
Her soaring, epic vocals, quirky melodies and self-contained musical world have already won her the 2009 Critics Choice Award at the Brits. Some compare her to Kate Bush. Youll also find touches of Tom Waits and Nick Cave in her dark visions, and if you heard a little of Bjork too, she'd find it a compliment. But mainly, Florence is out on her own: an exhilarating place to be, she points out, but also a little scary.
As for The Machine, it's a flexible beast. It can go right down to Florence and a drum kit or a piano, but also can include a seven-piece band including long-term collaborators Rob Ackroyd (guitar), Chris Hayden (drums), Isabella Summers (keyboards) and Tom Monger (harp). "I've worked with most of them for a long time and they know my style, know the way I write, they know what I want."
Florence & The Machine's 2009 debut album, Lungs (UNILP70910), was released to critical acclaim. Lungs won the MasterCard British Album award at the 2010 BRIT Awards. At the 53rd Grammy Awards, Florence & The Machine was nominated for Best New Artist. The band also performed at the 2010 MTV VMAs and the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
The group's sophomore album, Ceremonials, features the single "What the Water Gave Me".
Ceremonials was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer Paul Epworth.