Top 5 Bands from Essex
Essex. The birthplace of radio, home of Tiptree jam and Britain’s oldest recorded town (Colchester!). A county with a rich musical heritage and home to some fantastic small music venues including Chelmsford’s Bassment, The Colchester Art Centre and Chinnery’s in Southend. On top of this, many talented musicians call Essex home. Here are our top 5.
Blur
Brit-pop's golden boys Blur hail from Colchester in Essex. Some of there songs paid homage to Essex including Tracy Jacks who got the first train to the seaside town of Walton on the Naze. Front man Damon Albarn is considered to be one of the best songwriters of his generation and achieved universal acclaim for his 2nd project, Gorillaz. The town hold Blur very dear and you can always hear Parklife blaring out of the towns famous indie hotspot, Twisters every weekend.
The Horrors
One of the most exciting and successful indie bands over the last decade. They formed in Southend on Sea in 2005 and have recorded 5 albums including the seminal, shoe gaze classic Primary Colours in 2009. The band have experimented with a number of sounds and are continually making the Essex underground scene intrigued as to their next direction.
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode rose to prominence in the 1980s. Their electronic sound combined with dark lyrical themes ensured cult status for the Basildon band. Their song Personal Jesus was marketed by the band placing an advert in the personals columns of UK regional papers for “Your own Personal Jesus”. Anyone who called the number could then hear the song playing on the telephone. Genius.
Humble Pie
Steve Marriott founded Humble Pie in Essex following major success in The Small Faces. The band recorded 2 albums and had success accross the pond with Rock On. Truly one of the greatest vocalists of his time, Steve Marriott tragically died in a house fire in 1991.
Dr Feelgood
Canvey Islanders Dr Feelgood are famed for Wilko Johnson’s choppy guitar style and eccentric character. The band were formed in 1971 in Canvey and remain the pride of the small Essex Island.
And ones to watch…
Magic Seas
Chelmsford based singer- songwriter recently recorded with Mark Gardener from Ride and is creating a big buzz in Essex. Check out his debut single There’s a Feeling below…
