Clean Bandit

Clean Bandit, an English electronic music group, was formed in Cambridge in 2008. The original members included Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, and Neil Amin-Smith, who met while studying at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. The band’s name, derived from a Russian phrase meaning “complete bastard,” reflects a playful twist on an affectionate term. Initially, Clean Bandit began as a classical music group, but they soon transitioned into electronic music, incorporating their classical influences into a unique blend of dance-pop.

Clean Bandit released their debut single, “A+E,” in December 2012, which achieved a modest peak at number 100 on the UK Singles Chart. Their second single, “Mozart’s House,” released in March 2013, marked their first significant chart success, reaching number 17 in the UK. The group gained broader recognition with their 2014 hit “Rather Be,” featuring Jess Glynne. The track soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the fastest-selling singles of the year and earning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2015. Clean Bandit’s debut album, New Eyes, released in June 2014, was certified gold and showcased their signature mix of classical and electronic elements.

The band’s success continued with the release of “Rockabye” in October 2016, featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie. This song became Clean Bandit’s second UK number one, holding the top spot for nine weeks and becoming the Christmas number one for 2016. It also charted globally, including a number nine position on the US Billboard Hot 100. In March 2017, Clean Bandit achieved their third UK number one with “Symphony,” a collaboration with Zara Larsson. This period marked the departure of violinist and pianist Neil Amin-Smith, leading the group to continue as a trio.

In 2018, Clean Bandit released their second album, What Is Love?, which included collaborations with artists such as Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, and Charli XCX. The album featured several successful singles, including “Solo” with Demi Lovato, which topped the UK charts and received platinum certification. Their 2018 single “Baby,” featuring Marina and Luis Fonsi, further cemented their position in the music industry.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Clean Bandit adapted by producing virtual house party events, including a notable “Houseparty Against Hunger” to raise funds for charity. They continued to release new music, including the 2020 single “Tick Tock” with Mabel and 24kGoldn, and “Higher” featuring Iann Dior in early 2021. Their post-pandemic releases included “Drive” with Topic and Wes Nelson, and a remix of Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know.”

In 2022, Clean Bandit released singles such as “Everything but You” with A7S and “Sad Girls” featuring French the Kid and Rema. They parted ways with Atlantic Records and signed with B1 Recordings. In July 2024, they announced a collaboration with Anne-Marie and David Guetta titled “Cry Baby,” which was released in August.

Clean Bandit’s musical style is characterized by a distinctive fusion of electronic dance music with classical influences. Their innovative approach has led to numerous chart-topping hits and a significant impact on the global music scene. The band’s ongoing success and their ability to blend classical and contemporary sounds have solidified their reputation as pioneers in the electronic music genre.