Artist Spotlight: Example

One of the most crucial electronic artists of the 2010s, rapper, singer, producer, and platinum-selling chart-topper Example stole the hearts of music fans in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond using euphoric synths, relatable lyricism, and his cheeky chap persona. Even today, thousands of music fans are launched back to their first kiss, that chaotic lads holiday, or first house party when they hear a familiar synth intro followed by the everyman musician's instantly recognisable voice. 

The Fulham musician began creeping his way into our line of sight when ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ climbed to number six on the UK Singles Chart with its ridiculously infectious chorus and rapped verses that tell a story many could relate to. ‘Kickstarts’ followed similarly, debuting at number three thanks to its care-free Ibiza characteristics. Collaborating with electronic producers including Calvin Harris and Chase & Status injected an extra oomph into the shaggy-haired artist's music, appealing to a wider audience than his debut.

Fun fact: Example’s real name is Elliot Gleave, giving him the initials E.G., an abbreviation for “for example”. 

Donned in graphic tees, coloured cardigans, and chinos, his popularity only grew when he released his third album Playing In The Shadows. The album features some of his most iconic tracks including ‘Stay Awake’, ‘Midnight Run’, and ‘Changed The Way You Kiss Me’. It was then that the artist cemented himself as a crucial name on the scene, opening for the headliner of the North Stage, David Guetta, at Creamfields that following year. With over one hundred gigs booked around this time, it seemed like the whole globe was eager to get their hands on Example tickets. 

Continuing to approach music the way he always had, Example sought out a new sound, drawing inspiration from Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Rage Against The Machine for his fourth effort, The Evolution of Man. His fifth album, Live Life Living, marked yet another change to his sound, citing The Prodigy, Faithless and The Chemical Brothers among influences. Then the Fulham musician independently released his sixth album, Bangers & Ballads, a project that saw him introduce house and bassy tunes, in 2018.

Fun fact: Example began rapping at age 12 after listening to hip hop albums by artists such as Wu-Tang Clan and Snoop Dogg, whose albums he bought simply because the cover art looked cool.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved beneficial for the musician who would write his first proper hip hop tracks since his debut back in 2007. It seems Some Nights Last for Days marked the beginning of a new chapter for the musician if the lyric “now I'm living pretty, making music for myself, not a committee” from his track ‘Paperclips’ is anything to go by. 

Fun fact: Example collaborated with many artists, even writing Chasing The Sun for The Wanted, which debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

The music veteran has continued to push the boundaries of his sound and style, releasing ‘Every Single Time’ and ‘Never Let You Down’, an upbeat electronic tune and a drum and bass track, both of which were clearly penned to unite festival crowds.

To witness a natural-born performer command a crowd, head to Highest Point Festival for a setlist of nostalgic, throwback tunes and soon-to-be hits from his upcoming LP. 

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.

Header Image Credit: Example / Facebook.com  

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