Elizabeth Stokes and Jonathan Pearce originally met in high school, and they met both Benjamin Sinclair and Ivan Luketina-Johnston when all four attended classes at the University of Auckland, studying jazz. Prior to the Beths, Luketina-Johnston was performing swing under the moniker of Sal Valentine. Stokes, Pearce and Sinclair were all a part of his backing band, The Babyshakes, for various tenures.[7][8]
The Beths were formed in late 2014 and released their first single "Idea/Intent" via SoundCloud in July 2015.[9] Stokes said that she named the band using her own name, after being inspired by Gilmore Girls character Lorelai Gilmore naming her daughter after herself.[1] In March 2016, the band independently released their debut EP, Warm Blood. The EP spawned a single, "Whatever," which was released with an accompanying music video in May 2016.[10]
The Beths have received financial support from the NZ on Air and NZ Music Commission.[11] In September 2015, the band received money to make the single and video for "Whatever" from NZ on Air.[12] In May 2016, NZ on Air funded a video for "Lying in the Sun".[13] Through their Outward Sound program, the NZ Music Commission funded three tours as part of their international music market development grants.[14][15][16]
A new single, "Great No One," was released in October 2017.[17] The song was the first to be lifted from the band's debut album, Future Me Hates Me. Prior to the album's release in 2018, the band announced their signing to Carpark Records in the US (who also reissued Warm Blood internationally)[18] and to Dew Process in Australia.[19] The album was released globally on 10 August 2018, followed by an international tour supporting the release.[6] The title track was nominated as one of five finalists for the 2018 Silver Scroll award in New Zealand.[20][21]
In 2018, Luketina-Johnston permanently departed from the band to focus on Sal Valentine.[citation needed]
In November 2018, the band announced the forthcoming release of a new seven-inch, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The vinyl features the band's cover of the traditional title track, as well as a demo version of their song "Happy Unhappy."[22] "Happy Unhappy" was named 2018 Rolling Stone magazine song of the summer.[5]
Label art for Jump Rope Gazers
In early 2019, the band undertook a tour of the UK and Europe supporting Death Cab for Cutie.[2]
On 13 June 2022, the single "Silence Is Golden" was released with the announcement of their third album, Expert in a Dying Field, which was released on 16 September 2022. One year later, The Beths released a deluxe edition of their 2022 LP which included 2 previously released singles; "A Real Thing" originally released on 9 February 2022, and "Watching The Credits" released on 28 March 2023.[25]
Their 2023 single "Watching The Credits" reached greater audiences, one of whom was former U.S. president Barack Obama, who featured the song on his 2023 summer playlist.[26]
Musical style and influences
The Beths are noted for their use of vocal harmony, utilizing the voices of all four band members.[23] Members of the band have cited Alvvays, Rilo Kiley, and Bully as inspirations for their work.[27]
For "Expert In a Dying Field", "When You Know You Know", "Your Side", & "I Want To Listen": "NZ Artist Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 26 September 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
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