Berklee’s Company Spotlight Returns for 2026, Welcoming MN2S Label Services Among a Record Roster of Industry Partners
4 months ago
United Kingdom Soft Play, initially recognized as Slaves, delivers high-energy punk rock performances and has achieved three UK top 10 albums and a Mercury Prize nomination.
Exclusive Booking Agency for Soft Play. Re-established partnership after the band's hiatus, now with a new name and sound.
Soft Play signed with IAG after changing their name from Slaves due to the unwanted connotations of their previous moniker.
Soft Play collaborated with BMG for the launch of their fourth album, HEAVY JELLY, aiming to revitalize their presence and reconnect with their audience.
Soft Play, then known as Slaves, was signed by Virgin EMI and released several records, including their first three studio albums: Are You Satisfied?, Take Control, and Acts of Fear and Love, and the EP The Velvet Ditch.
Released their first EP, 'Sugar Coated Bitter Truth,' under this label as Slaves.
Released their first single, 'Where's Your Car Debbie?', under this label as Slaves.
Released the EP 'Sugar Coated Bitter Truth' under this label.
Soft Play, an English punk rock duo, was formed in Royal Tunbridge Wells in 2012 by Isaac Holman (lead vocals, drums) and Laurie Vincent (backing vocals, guitar, bass). They initially operated under the name Slaves. The band’s formation stemmed from their inability to find additional musicians for their punk band, leading them to share songwriting duties. This two-person setup unexpectedly facilitated easy and economical touring, requiring minimal equipment for their small van.
As Slaves, the duo released their first EP, ‘Sugar Coated Bitter Truth,’ in 2012 through Boss Tuneage Records. Their debut single, ‘Where’s Your Car Debbie?’, followed in early 2014 via Fonthill Records. Subsequently, they signed with Virgin EMI. Their first single under Virgin, ‘Hey,’ was released in November 2014, quickly followed by ‘The Hunter’ later that same month. The band gained significant exposure in late 2015 when ‘The Hunter’ was featured on the Sky One series ‘You, Me and the Apocalypse.’ They also appeared on ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ and received a nomination for the BBC’s Sound of 2015. Their debut album, ‘Are You Satisfied?’, released on June 1, 2015, reached number 8 on the UK Albums Chart and was nominated for the 2015 Mercury Music Prize, eventually achieving Silver certification in the UK. Their second album, ‘Take Control,’ released on September 30, 2016, and produced by Beastie Boys member Mike D, climbed to number 6 on the UK Albums Chart. Their third album, ‘Acts of Fear and Love,’ released on August 17, 2018, also reached number 8 on the UK album charts. In July 2019, they released a four-track EP titled ‘The Velvet Ditch’ and headlined Truck Festival.
In December 2022, the band officially changed their name to Soft Play, citing that their original name “doesn’t represent who we are as people or what our music stands for any longer.” This decision followed earlier criticism concerning their previous name. Their fourth studio album, ‘Heavy Jelly,’ and their first under the Soft Play moniker, was released on July 19, 2024, reaching number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and number 1 on the Scottish Singles and Albums Charts.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
