International music has been influenced by certain forward-thinking British artists from time to time. In recent years especially, British music is experiencing a peak of international and commercial popularity. British artists are crossing over into American charts and redefining the way we experience music today.
We’ve rounded up some of the best contemporary British bands in the global music scene here: while some have become household names, some others are promising new ones setting new blueprints and genres in music. See and hear them live, if possible, in their original ground, next time you’re in London. For accommodation, you can stay at The LaLiT London, a premium boutique hotel near London.
Queen
British rock band Queen are well-known all over the world today. Formed in London in 1970, their earliest works were influenced by hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal. Vocalist Freddie Mercury brought in an extraordinary energy and individuality to Queen. The band became one of the most popular in the world in the mid-’70s; in England, they were second only to the Beatles. Interestingly, Queen were never taken seriously by rock critics in spite of their enormous popularity.
Queen released their third album, Sheer Heart Attack, in 1974. This album’s “Killer Queen” propelled it to number two on the U.K. charts. It also set the stage for their breakthrough album A Night at the Opera in the following year. This album’s first single “Bohemian Rhapsody” became Queen’s distinctive song. Its bombastic, mock-operatic structure accented by heavy metal riffs, encapsulated their music. This iconic single stayed at number one for a whopping nine weeks in England, breaking the record for the longest run of a single at number one.
Coldplay
Four guys met at University College London between 1996 to 1998 and went on to form the internationally heralded British rock band Coldplay which we know today. formed in London in 1996. Featuring shimmering acoustic guitar crescendos and glossy vocals, Coldplay’s 2000 single “Yellow” became an almost inescapable phenomenon.
Coldplay typifies acoustically-driven post-Britpop, though they are shifting towards a more rousing pop-rock sound with each subsequent album. They have partnered with various other artistes including Brian Eno, Beyoncé, Noel Gallagher, and Tove Lo. Irrespective of whichever style they have chased, the music of Coldplay music has always succeeded at being uplifting and impassioned, which is perfect for stadium arena shows.
Iron Maiden
Pioneering English heavy metal band Iron Maiden was formed by bassist and main songwriter Steve Harris in Leyton, East London, in 1975. The band tasted its first success during the early 1980s. It saw a resurgence in popularity in 1999 with the return of lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith. Their 2010 studio offering, The Final Frontier, got widespread critical acclaim and peaked at No. 1 in 28 countries. The band’s sixteenth studio album, The Book of Souls, released in 2015, was also a success. Today, Iron Maiden’s discography has grown to thirty-eight albums.
Clean Bandit
English electronic music band Clean Bandit was formed in Cambridge in 2008. They have faced their share of doubters since the very beginning. Nonetheless, their unique fusion of classical compositions and electronic beats have made their works stand out over the years. They have collaborated with many guest artistes including Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Anne Marie, Sean Paul, Demi Lovato and the Diamonds.
In 2010, they gave their maiden hit “Mozart’s House”. Then came “Rather Be,” the unputdownable, violin-led single from the band’s 2014 album New Eyes and there’s no looking back from here. The group is carving a niche for itself in composing era-defying sound that is broadening the orbit of popular dance music. Their beautifully conceptualised videos are an integral part of the overall work. Playful at times, they are hyper-conceptual and classically trained. Experience, for instance, “Mama” or “Rather Be,” and you’ll know what we’re talking about here.
So next time you’re in London either for work or travel, unwind by catching a gig or two of these awesome bands in the city. For a warm and comfortable corporate gathering, opt for luxury meeting rooms in London, prominent among which is the perfectly located property of The LaLiT London.