Biography
Bastille is a British indie pop band that first burst onto the music scene in 2010. The band initially gained attention after releasing a limited single in 2010 and the Laura Palmer EP in 2011. Following this, they were signed to Virgin Records, where they would go on to release their debut album, Bad Blood, in March 2013.
Before the release of Bad Blood, Bastille released two mixtapes for free – Other People’s Heartache and Other People’s Heartache Pt. 2 – showcasing their unique sound and style. Lead singer Dan Smith discussed the mixtapes in an interview, revealing that the label was initially against the idea due to the illegal sampling and stealing of music.
The band found commercial success with singles like “Overjoyed”, “Bad Blood”, and “Flaws”, but it was their fourth single, “Pompeii”, that truly catapulted them into the charts. The song became a massive hit, going 5x Platinum worldwide and becoming the most streamed song in the United Kingdom at the time.
In November 2013, Bastille reissued Bad Blood as All This Bad Blood, including bonus tracks and the mixtapes that had gained them attention in the first place. Following this, the band released their second mixtape, VS. (Other People’s Heartache Pt. III), in 2014.
In September 2016, Bastille released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Wild World, further solidifying their place in the music industry. In June 2019, the band released their third studio album, Doom Days, described by Dan as an “apocalyptic party album.” An extended version of the album was later released in December 2019.
Bastille consists of lead singer Dan Smith, keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris “Woody” Wood. With their unique sound and captivating performances, Bastille continues to captivate audiences around the world with their infectious indie pop tunes.
