As one of the most popular electronic acts around today, we took a moment to reflect on Clean Bandit’s career so far, detailing their incredible success with chart-topping tracks such as ‘Rather Be’ and ‘Rockabye’.

Last updated: 5th Apr 2022

Originally published: 1st Apr 2022

With almost 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, four number one hits, over 6.5 billion total views on YouTube, and a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, we doubt classical-electronic crossover group Clean Bandit need much of an introduction. 

The trio, originally a four-piece, formed at the University of Cambridge and, despite only releasing two studio albums, has already penned some of the most popular electronic tunes of our time. 

Bursting onto the scene back in 2012, their bright, catchy dance tune ‘Rather Be’ featuring Jess Glynne dominated the charts, becoming the best selling track by a UK artist that year. The song added colour to millions of people’s lives, won the group a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, two Ivor Novello Awards, and marked the beginning of their rise to global fame. Following such success, the group collaborated with Jess Glynne again for ‘Real Love’, which reached number two on the charts.

 

 

Both summer anthems are featured on the group's debut album, New Eyes. While the album received mixed reviews from critics, the UK continued to lap up the group's captivating feel-good tunes, with the album climbing to the number three spot on the UK albums chart, achieving Gold certification. But the group were just getting started.

Following the departure of founding member Neil Amin-Smith (violinist and pianist), the group released ‘Rockabye’, another huge summery anthem that once again propelled them to the top of the UK charts for a total of nine weeks. Unsurprisingly, the track also topped the charts in many other countries and reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, proving that these genre-crossover pioneers are up to the task of soundtracking our summers with certified anthems. 

Clean Bandit continued their reign, releasing ‘Symphony’, another track that took the UK by storm. It felt as though you couldn’t go into any bar or turn on the radio without a warm greeting from the explosive but heartwarming ode to love.

Both tracks are featured on Clean Bandit’s sophomore album, What Is Love?, an album with a more serious approach to lyricism and a more "dancey" sound. The album marks exponential progression with features from some of the biggest names in music including Craig David, Demi Lovato, MARINA, Rita Ora, Charli XCX, and others.

 

 

Only two albums in, it seems Clean Bandit is destined to dominate the charts with their infectious hooks, sophisticated blend of genres, and irresistibly joyous disposition. With the group expected to drop a new album sometime this year, it's only a matter of time before the group release their next smash hit and dominate the airwaves with new material. 

 

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Catch Clean Bandit among thousands of other passionate music fans as they flood Highest Point Festival’s Main Stage with upbeat, blissful tunes on Friday 13th May.

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.