Clean Bandit

Formation

Clean Bandit is an English electronic music group formed in 2008 in Cambridge, England. The original lineup consisted of Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, and his brother Luke Patterson, who were later joined by Neil Amin-Smith. Grace and Jack met while studying at Jesus College, where Jack became interested in Grace's classical string quartet, leading to the creation of samples from their performances. The band's name, Clean Bandit, is derived from a Russian phrase that translates to a term of endearment similar to "utter rascal".

Breakthrough

The group gained significant attention with their debut single "A+E" in December 2012, which peaked at number 100 on the UK Singles Chart. Their subsequent singles, including "Mozart's House" and "Dust Clears," helped establish their presence in the music scene. However, it was their fourth single, "Rather Be," featuring Jess Glynne, released in January 2014, that catapulted them to fame, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the fastest-selling song of the year. Clean Bandit is known for their unique blend of electronic music with classical elements, collaborating with various guest vocalists.

Legacy

Throughout their career, Clean Bandit has released several successful albums, including "New Eyes" and "What Is Love?" They have achieved four number-one singles and six additional top-ten hits on the UK Official Singles Chart. The group has also been recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording, solidifying their influence in the electropop genre. In addition to their musical achievements, Clean Bandit has been politically active, endorsing the Labour Party in multiple elections and supporting various social causes.