Radiohead | Artist
Radiohead is an English rock band formed 1985 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, by Thom Yorke (vocals, guitar, piano), Jonny Greenwood (guitar, synthesizer, orchestration), Colin Greenwood (bass, synthesizer), Ed O'Brien (guitar, vocals) and Philip Selway (drums, vocals). The members met while students at the prestigious Abingdon school, and formed a band called On a Friday. That band stayed together when the members went on to attend the University of Exeter. In 1991, on the strength of a demo tape, the band signed a six album deal with EMI and changed their name to Radiohead, inspired by a Talking Heads song. Their electronic sound was inspired by Yorke's admiration for Warp Records artists such as Aphex Twin. Other band influences include the jazz of Charles Mingus, Alice Coltrane and Miles Davis, plus the 1970s Krautrock bands such as Can and Neu! The band's sound was also shaped by Jonny Greenwood's interest in 20th Century classical music, in particular the composers Krzysztof Penderecki and Olivier Messiaen. Since the recording of Kid A, Greenwood has played the ondes Martenot, an early electronic instrument popularised by Messiaen. Radiohead's brand of electronic influenced Art-Rock has seen them become one of the world's most successful alternative rock bands and their experimental approach is credited with expanding the boundaries of alternative rock. Between 1995-2007 they released six masterpiece albums: The Bends (1995), OK Computer (1997), Kid A (2000), Amnesiac (2001), Hail to the Thief (2003), and In Rainbows (2007). Nine years later they delivered another masterpiece with A Moon Shaped Pool (2016). Both Yorke and Greenwood have also released numerous excellent solo works, and together with drummer Tom Skinner, formed the band The Smile, who have several excellent albums to their credit. Radiohead are cited as one of the foremost rock bands of the 21st century who, By 2011, had sold more than 30 million albums. Their 90s albums The Bends and OK Computer influenced a generation of British acts including Coldplay, Keane, James Blunt and Travis. Radiohead’s lyrics often touch on social and political issues, tackling themes such as alienation, consumerism, and the impact of technology on society. They are also known for their activism and dedication to environmental conservation. Their thought-provoking songs have resonated with audiences worldwide.
Artist Website: radiohead.com
Featured Albums: Radiohead
Related Artists: Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood
