Band Of Skulls

Band of Skulls formed in 2008 in Southampton, Hampshire, England, comprising Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). Initially named Fleeing New York, the band recorded a demo in 2008, leading to their debut full-length album, “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey,” released in 2009. The album’s track “I Know What I Am” was featured as iTunes’ free Single of the Week, and another track, “Friends,” appeared on “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” soundtrack in November 2009. The band toured internationally following their debut, supporting artists such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Dead Weather, and performing at festivals like SXSW. Their work during this period, including the release of “Friends EP” in 2010 and the live album “Live on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic” in 2010, solidified their presence in the indie rock scene.

Band of Skulls continued to release new music, including their second studio album, “Sweet Sour,” in February 2012, which featured the single “The Devil Takes Care of His Own.” This album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales with producer Ian Davenport. In 2014, they released “Himalayan,” produced by Nick Launay, which gained them broader international attention. The band’s career progressed with a major-label contract with BMG, leading to the release of their fourth studio album, “By Default,” in May 2016. Following this, Matt Hayward departed from the band in early 2017. Marsden and Richardson continued as a duo, utilizing session drummers for live performances. They collaborated with producer Richard X to record their fifth album, “Love Is All You Love,” released in April 2019, showcasing their adaptability and continued focus on musical output. The band’s consistent activity from the 2000s to the 2020s demonstrates a sustained career in the music industry.

Band of Skulls has been recognized for their distinct sound, characterized as blues rock, indie rock, and garage rock. Their music has been described as drawing from contemporary acts like The Kills and The Black Keys. Key achievements include charting albums such as “Sweet Sour” (UK Albums Chart #14, ARIA Charts #35, Irish Albums Chart #53, Dutch Album Top 100 #60, Billboard 200 #138) and “Himalayan” (UK Albums Chart #21, ARIA Charts #24, Dutch Album Top 100 #84, Billboard 200 #55). Their artistic contributions were further acknowledged with an Independent Music Award in 2013 for “Sweet Sour” in the Best Rock/Hard Rock Song category. These milestones reflect their consistent creative output and commercial reach within the music industry.