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alt-J

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Band Timeline

2007

Formation of alt-J at University of Leeds

alt-J was formed in 2007 when Joe Newman, Thom Sonny Green, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and Gwil Sainsbury met at the University of Leeds. They studied fine art and English and began making music together, developing a distinctive sound influenced by limited instruments and living in student accommodation. The band's name derives from the delta symbol (∆) entered by the Alt-J keyboard shortcut on Mac, symbolizing change.
2011

Signing with Infectious Music and debut EP release

In December 2011, after spending months honing their music in Cambridge, alt-J signed a record deal with Infectious Music. They recorded their self-titled four-track demo EP featuring songs like "Breezeblocks" and "Tessellate," which helped establish their presence in the indie rock scene. A 7" single with "Bloodflood" and "Tessellate" also released this year, setting the stage for their debut album.
2012

Release of debut album An Awesome Wave and Mercury Prize win

alt-J released their debut album An Awesome Wave in May 2012 in Europe and September 2012 in the US. The album featured an innovative style combining unique instrumentation and melodic vocals, and tracks such as "Breezeblocks" gained critical acclaim. This album won the prestigious British Mercury Prize in 2012, greatly boosting the band's profile internationally and marking a significant achievement early in their career.
2014

Lineup change and release of second album This Is All Yours

In early 2014, founding member Gwil Sainsbury departed from the band. Later that year, on 22 September, alt-J released their second studio album This Is All Yours. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, confirming the band's growing popularity and solidifying their standing in the British indie rock scene. The album featured new sonic explorations while maintaining the band's signature style.
2017

Release of third album Relaxer

alt-J released their third studio album Relaxer in June 2017. The album continued to showcase their experimental approach to indie rock, blending electronic and folk elements. Relaxer was noted for its creative production and diverse instrumentation, reinforcing the band's reputation as innovators willing to push musical boundaries while maintaining critical and fan acclaim.
2022

Release of fourth album The Dream

In February 2022, alt-J released their fourth studio album, The Dream. This album arrived after a five-year hiatus since their last record and continued to demonstrate the band's evolution and musical maturity. The Dream was met with interest from long-time fans and critics alike, highlighting alt-J's sustained relevance and ability to produce inventive music across different phases of their career.

Albums

alt-j_1st_album
An Awesome Wave
14 tracks
2012
alt-j_2nd_album
This Is All Yours
7 tracks
2014
alt-j_3rd_album
Relaxer
8 tracks
2017
alt-j_4th_album
The Dream
12 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Thom Green

N/A

Membranophone

Joe Newman

N/A

Guitar

Lead vocals

Gwil Sainsbury

N/A

Bass guitar

Guitar

Gus Unger-Hamilton

N/A

Keyboard

Story of alt-J

Alt-J: A Journey from Leeds to Global Recognition

Alt-J, the band known for their innovative blend of indie rock, experimental soundscapes, and introspective lyrics, is a force to be reckoned with. Formed in 2007 in Leeds, England, the band's core lineup consists of Joe Newman (guitar/lead vocals), Thom Sonny Green (drums), and Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards/vocals).

The band's name, stylized as "alt-J," is derived from the key sequence "Alt+J" used to generate the Δ (delta) symbol on an Apple Mac computer. Their actual name is simply "Δ," a symbol that holds a strong visual appeal for the band.

Breaking onto the Scene:

Alt-J burst onto the scene with their debut album "An Awesome Wave," released in 2012. The album's unique sound, incorporating elements of indie rock, folk, and electronic music, captivated audiences worldwide. "An Awesome Wave" went on to win the prestigious 2012 British Mercury Prize, solidifying their place as a major force in the music industry.

A Growing Legacy:

Following the departure of founding member Gwil Sainsbury in 2014, Alt-J continued their creative trajectory with the release of "This Is All Yours" in 2014. The album debuted at number one on the UK charts, further cementing their success.

The band's third album, "Relaxer," released in 2017, showcased a refined musical direction, building upon their signature sound and introducing new layers of electronic textures.

Their latest offering, "The Dream," released in February 2022, is a captivating journey through introspection and sonic experimentation.

A Visual Identity:

The band's fascination with triangles is evident throughout their work, from the Δ symbol representing their name to lyrical references and hand gestures during live performances. The album cover for "An Awesome Wave" features an aerial view of the Ganges River delta, a striking image that underscores their connection to visual art.

Alt-J's musical journey has been marked by constant evolution and a commitment to pushing boundaries. From their early days in Leeds to their current status as a globally recognized band, Alt-J continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of musicality and artistic vision.

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