ThisGirl

Last updated

ThisGirl
Origin Yorkshire, England
Genres Hard rock
Indie rock
Post-hardcore
Years active1999–2006
LabelsLockjaw Records
Fierce Panda Records
Hot Trump Records
Drowned In Sound
Past membersLiam Creamer
Matthew Westley
Chris Shepherd
Ryan Jenkinson
Website thisGIRL.co.uk

ThisGirl (stylised as thisGIRL) was a rock band from Rotherham and Sheffield, England. The band was formed in 1999, and has released seven albums/EPs. They were well known for their energetic performances and had a series of successful tours, most notably playing on the Barfly stage at Download in 2004. The band posted a message on its MySpace account on 13 November 2006 announcing its breakup after seven years. Drummer Ryan Jenkinson is currently a member of Reverend and the Makers.

Contents

History

The band started out in Rotherham when the members of the band, then in school met at a Skunk Anansie concert in Sheffield. [1] [2] Initially the band was called 'Gerl' but changed their name after discovering that audiences were confused about the pronunciation. The band's sound has been described as a unique blend of "jazz-stoner rock." [3]

The band then changed its name to ThisGirl and performed for the first time at the Wellington Boot public house in Rotherham. The band toured with Biffy Clyro, Glassjaw, Pitchshifter, My Deaf Audio Hell Is for Heroes and The Used before going into the recording studio to record their debut album, ...Short Strut to the Brassy Front in 2002. They played Brixton Academy with the Deftones and Finsbury Park with Limp Bizkit in front of 40,000 fans. This event was made infamous after ThisGirl actively encouraged the nu metal fans in the crowd to pelt them with bottles, with which they obliged.

By this time however the music industry were calling, but they decided to wait it out a little longer and continue to tour. [4]

"In the time you do that you can see all the hares," says Ryan. "We're the tortoise and there's all these hares that get massive and then they're gone. Were still doing it for the right reasons, toddling along, were happy, the people who come to our gigs are happy." "Its like one of them elastic band balls that you used to make at school," adds Chris. "It takes five years to build up but when you've built it, the satisfactions so much better."

ThisGirl signed a recording contract with Drowned in Sound who promised total autonomy for the band. Chris Tsangarides, producer for Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, was drafted in to help with the band's new album, Uno . [3] The album was supposed to be raw and unearthed and to ultimately be a real piece of music that avoided any computer trickery or industry trends that Tsangarides seemed to deem as being 'fake'. [4]

"Its awkward music for awkward people," says Liam "Its colourful, its got loads of colours and loads of emotions. We can make you cry or we can make you smile!" "Or we can vomit on your lap", grins Ryan. "We act on instinct, we do exactly what we want to do. There's something there to pick up on, but you've just got to be willing to look for it. We work on more than one level."

The band played at Brixton Academy, Donington Park, London Astoria and Finsbury Park whilst the single "Master Blaster" was released.

For the remainder of their career the band played at various venues up to February 2006. [5] It was announced on 13 November 2006 that the band would split, after seven years of touring. They played their final gig on 12 January 2007 at the Point in Cardiff supporting long time friends Douglas.

Post-ThisGirl

After the band split some of the members got involved with other projects. Liam started singing for Hey Sholay and Ryan played drums for the New 1920, but it wasn't until mid to late 2007 that a message was sent out across MySpace informing friends of ThisGirl about a new band which would reunite ThisGirl plus a new member and take on a new style and direction.

Originally the band were known as "skeletons" and in 2008 they headlined the BBC Introducing stage at the prestigious Reading and Leeds Festivals. In 2009 the name was changed to "Skeletons & The Empty Pockets" and the debut single was released through Too Pure Records. The single sold all 500 copies before the release date on 31 July.

Eventually Skeletons and the Empty Pockets also split up and in January 2012 it was announced that Ryan Jenkinson would be joining Reverend and the Makers [6]

Band members

Band RoleName
Lead vocalsLiam Creamer
GuitarChris Shepherd
BassMatt Westley
DrumsRyan Jenkinson

Discography

ThisGirl discography
Studio albums2
Music videos2
EPs2
Singles2

Albums

Studio albums

YearAlbum
2002...Short Strut to the Brassy Front
  • Released: April, 2002
  • Label: Lockjaw Records
  • Format: CD
2004 Uno

EPs

YearAlbum
2002This Girl... Has Fangs Too
  • Released: October, 2002
  • Label: Lockjaw Records
  • Format: CD
2003Demos for the Family
  • Released: September, 2003
  • Label: Fierce Panda Records
  • Format: CD

Singles

YearTitleAlbum
2004"Hallelujah" Uno
2004"Master Blaster" Uno

Two versions of "Hallelujah" were released, both contained the song "Hallelujah", but had different b-sides. CD2 was only available for purchase online, although purchasing CD1 yielded a code that could be used to download CD2 free.

Music videos

YearTitleRef.
2004"Hallelujah" [7]
"Master Blaster" [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pulp (band)</span> English rock band

Pulp are an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. Their best-known line-up from their heyday (1992–1997) consisted of Jarvis Cocker, Russell Senior, Candida Doyle (keyboards), Nick Banks, Steve Mackey (bass) and Mark Webber.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squarepusher</span> British musician

Thomas Russell Jenkinson, known professionally as Squarepusher, is an English electronic musician, record producer, bassist, multi-instrumentalist and DJ. His music spans several genres including drum and bass, IDM, acid techno, jazz fusion, and electroacoustic music. His recordings are often typified by a combination of complex drum programming, live instrumental playing, and digital signal processing. Since 1995, he has recorded for Warp Records as well as smaller labels, including Rephlex Records. He is the older brother of Ceephax Acid Crew.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Placebo (band)</span> British rock band

Placebo are a British alternative rock band, formed in London in 1994 by vocalist–guitarist Brian Molko and bassist–guitarist Stefan Olsdal. Drummer Robert Schultzberg joined in late 1994, but left in 1996 shortly after the release of the band's eponymous debut album due to conflicts with Molko, and was replaced the same year by Steve Hewitt. Molko was born in Belgium and Olsdal and Schultzberg in Sweden; remaining members Molko and Olsdal both grew up in Luxembourg before separately relocating to London and are both British citizens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">At the Drive-In</span> American post-hardcore band

At the Drive-In was an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 1994. The band's most recent line-up consisted of Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals), Omar Rodríguez-López, Paul Hinojos (bass), Tony Hajjar (drums) and Keeley Davis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turin Brakes</span> English rock band

Turin Brakes are an English band, comprising original duo of Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, and long-term collaborators Rob Allum and Eddie Myer. They had a UK top 5 hit in 2003 with their song "Painkiller ". Since starting out in 1999, the band have sold around one million records worldwide. They are currently signed to Cooking Vinyl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brixton Academy</span> Music venue in London, a former cinema

Brixton Academy (originally known as the Astoria Variety Cinema, previously known as Carling Academy Brixton, currently named O2 Academy Brixton as part of a sponsorship deal with the O2 brand) is a mid-sized concert venue located in South West London, in the Lambeth district of Brixton.

<i>Renegade</i> (Thin Lizzy album) 1981 studio album by Thin Lizzy

Renegade is the eleventh studio album by Irish band Thin Lizzy, released in 1981. Though not his first appearance, this was the first album in which keyboard player Darren Wharton was credited as a permanent member, becoming the fifth member of the line-up. As such, he made a contribution as a songwriter on the opening track "Angel of Death". However, even though he had officially joined the band, his picture was omitted from the album sleeve. Renegade was the second and final album to feature guitarist Snowy White. By his own admission, White was more suited to playing blues than heavy rock and he quit by mutual agreement the following year. He went on to have a hit single with "Bird of Paradise" in 1983.

<i>Pink Bubbles Go Ape</i> 1991 studio album by Helloween

Pink Bubbles Go Ape is the fourth studio album by German power metal band Helloween, released in 1991. It marked the departure of guitarist Kai Hansen, with Roland Grapow replacing him. It was also the first album released on EMI Records.

<i>My Body, the Hand Grenade</i> 1997 compilation album by Hole

My Body, the Hand Grenade is the first and only compilation album by American alternative rock band Hole, released on October 28, 1997, through the band's European label, City Slang Records. It was also imported for sale in the United States, where it was released on December 10, 1997. The album was compiled with the intent of tracking the band's progression from their noise rock beginnings to the more melodic songwriting that appeared on their second album, Live Through This (1994).

"The Guns of Brixton" is a song by the English punk rock band the Clash, originally released on their 1979 album London Calling. It was written and sung by bassist Paul Simonon, who grew up in Brixton, South London. The song has a strong reggae influence, reflecting the culture of the area and the reggae gangster film The Harder They Come.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Campesinos!</span> Welsh indie rock band

Los Campesinos! are a seven-piece indie pop band from Cardiff, Wales, formed in early 2006 at Cardiff University. The band has endured several lineup changes with Gareth Paisey, Neil Turner (guitar) and Tom Bromley (guitar) being the only original members remaining. Rob Taylor (guitar), Kim Paisey, Matt Fidler and Jason Adelinia (drums) are also currently rostered. All replace their surnames with "Campesinos!" as stage names.

<i>Uno</i> (ThisGirl album) 2004 studio album by ThisGirl

Uno is the second studio album from the Sheffield rockers ThisGirl, and is the follow-up to 2002's ...Short Strut to the Brassy Front. Uno was released on July 12, 2004 by the artist management company Drowned In Sound.

The discography of Reverend and the Makers, an English rock band, consists of seven studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album and one extended play.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Vaccines</span> British indie rock band

The Vaccines are an English indie rock band, formed in West London in 2010. The band currently consists of Justin Hayward-Young, Árni Árnason, Timothy Lanham and Yoann Intonti (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Drowning Men</span>

The Drowning Men is an American indie-rock quintet from Oceanside, California. The members are Nato Bardeen, James Smith, Todd Eisenkerch, Rory Dolan (percussion), and Gabelani Messer.

<i>@Reverend_Makers</i> 2012 studio album by Reverend and the Makers

@Reverend_Makers is the third studio album by English band Reverend and the Makers, released on 18 June 2012. The album's lead single was "Bassline" and was released on 13 February 2012, via free download from the band's Facebook page. The band toured the UK following the album release, after a stint supporting Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds in the second quarter of the year. The second single, 'The Wrestler', was released on 14 May. Upon release, the album debuted at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart, three places higher than the band's second album, while the third single "Out of the Shadows" was released in August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reverend and the Makers</span> English rock band

Reverend and the Makers are an English rock band from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The band is fronted by Jon McClure, nicknamed "The Reverend". Their debut album, The State of Things (2007), helped them gain success in Britain and spawned the UK top 10 single "Heavyweight Champion of the World". The band released their second album, A French Kiss in the Chaos (2009), which led to them being invited to support Oasis on their final tour, playing venues such as Wembley Stadium. The band's third studio album, @Reverend_Makers, was released in 2012, their fourth studio album, ThirtyTwo, was released in 2014 which had more electronic and dance music influences. These were followed by Mirrors in 2015 and The Death Of A King in 2017 which showcased a hard rock and folk influenced sound. Their seventh album, the soul and R&B inflected Heatwave In The Cold North was released in 2023 and became the band's first Top 10 album in the UK in 16 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hunna</span> English rock band

The Hunna is an English rock band from Watford, Hertfordshire, England, formed in 2015. The band members are singer/guitarist Ryan (Tino) Potter, lead guitarist Daniel Dorney and drummer Jack (IK) Metcalfe. The band takes inspiration from a wide range of sources, including bands like Kings Of Leon, Foals, The 1975, You Me at Six and Queen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SugarComa</span> English alternative metal band

Sugarcoma were a British alternative metal band from London, who were active between 1999 and 2004. They were founded by vocalist and lyricist Jessica Mayers, bassist Heidi Fisk, drummer James Cuthbert and guitarist Claire Simson. SugarComa released one studio album, Becoming Something Else, in August 2002. They reunited for a one-off reunion show in October 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inhaler (band)</span> Irish rock band

Inhaler is an Irish rock band originating from Dublin. Formed in 2012, the band consists of vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon. Their debut album, It Won't Always Be Like This, was released on 9 July 2021. It entered the Irish Albums Chart at number one, it also entered the top 10 and top 20 album charts in other European countries such as the Netherlands and Germany. It entered the UK Album Chart at number one. The band's second studio album, Cuts & Bruises, was released on 17 February 2023.

References

  1. "Arts Journal". Hi-arts.co.uk.
  2. "Thisgirl / Thisgirl // Drowned in Sound". Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2010. Drowned in Sound artist biography
  3. 1 2 "ThisGIRL - Uno | album reviews | musicOMH.com". Archived from the original on 20 October 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  4. 1 2 "ThisGirl". Thisgirl.co.uk.
  5. "ThisGirl announces breakup". ThisGirl official MySpace page. 13 November 2006. Retrieved 15 February 2007.
  6. Reverend&TheMakers [@Reverend_Makers] (23 January 2012). "meet our new drummer people @ryanplaysdrums . R8 bloke x" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  7. "Hallelujah Video on Youtube". YouTube . Archived from the original on 14 December 2021.
  8. "Master Blaster Video on Youtube". YouTube . Archived from the original on 14 December 2021.