Chvrches

Chvrches, stylized as CHVRCHΞS, formed in Glasgow, Scotland, in September 2011. The band consists of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty, with Jonny Scott joining unofficially as a touring drummer in 2018. Their musical style is primarily synth-pop, incorporating elements of indietronica, indie pop, and electronic dance music. The group emerged from a collaboration between Cook and Doherty, who had previously worked together in the band Aereogramme. Lauren Mayberry, initially brought in for backing vocals, became the lead vocalist after Cook and Doherty recognized her vocal talent. The band chose their unique spelling to distinguish themselves in online searches and established an equal partnership dynamic among its members from the outset.

After their formation, Chvrches gained rapid attention following the release of their debut song “Lies” in May 2012, which quickly topped online music charts and received airplay on BBC Radio 1. This initial success led to a recording contract with Glassnote Records in January 2013 and a debut North American performance at the South by Southwest festival, where they received the Grulke Prize for best non-American act. Their debut studio album, “The Bones of What You Believe,” released in September 2013, was critically acclaimed and marked a significant milestone for the band. They continued to solidify their presence with subsequent albums, “Every Open Eye” (2015), “Love Is Dead” (2018), and “Screen Violence” (2021). Throughout their career, Chvrches have maintained a consistent touring schedule, performing at major festivals such as Coachella, Glastonbury, and Lollapalooza, and have supported prominent acts like Depeche Mode and Coldplay.

The band’s career demonstrates a steady progression, evolving their sound while retaining their core synth-pop identity. Notable achievements include multiple award nominations and wins, including five nominations at the NME Awards 2022, securing the Best Song by a UK Artist for “How Not to Drown.” In 2022, Chvrches signed with Island Records and EMI Records, releasing their first single under the new deal, “Over,” in February 2023. While Lauren Mayberry pursued a solo tour in 2023, the band affirmed that the Chvrches story would continue, with discussions underway for their fifth studio album. They have also engaged in various collaborations and unique projects, such as contributing music to the video game “Death Stranding” and making a cameo appearance in “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.”