Beth Jeans Houghton

Last updated

Du Blonde
Born (1990-01-03) 3 January 1990 (age 34)
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Genres Psychedelic rock, [1] garage rock, punk rock, [2] pop [3]
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, animator, artist
Labels Mute, Static Caravan, Moshi Moshi

Beth Jeans Houghton (a.k.a. Du Blonde) (born 3 January 1990) is an English multi-disciplinary musician, composer, artist, animator and video director. Their influences range from psychedelic rock, punk, blues, 1960s garage rock and soul. [4] They create art under their birth name, Beth Jeans Houghton, using photography, illustration, animation, video, sculpture and embroidery. They have directed and animated music videos for multiple artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ezra Furman, and Laura Marling's band LUMP. They write, perform and produce music under the name Du Blonde.

Contents

Biography

Beth Jeans Houghton was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Houghton started writing songs in their teens. At sixteen they left school and bought a Fender Stratocaster, which they taught themselves to play. [5]

Houghton first appeared in front of an audience in 2006; their debut release, titled EP (a limited-edition 7-inch), was on Bird Records in 2008. They signed then with Static Caravan Recordings, which released the single "Golden"/"Nightswimmer", produced by Adem, and their second EP, Hot Toast, Vol. 1 (produced by Mike Lindsay of the band Tunng), both of which earned acclaim from the UK press. [5] Houghton signed in early 2011 with Mute Records, releasing their debut long-player, Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose in early 2012. [6] The album was recorded with Ben Hillier whose previous production credits include Blur, Depeche Mode and Elbow. [5] [7]

Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose by Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny was released on 6 February 2012, and reached number 83 in the UK Albums Chart. [8]

Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny toured the UK and Europe extensively during 2011 and 2012, appearing at multiple festivals including Glastonbury, The Great Escape, Latitude and Bestival. In April 2012, the band performed on Later... with Jools Holland alongside Paul Weller and Willis Earl Beal.

After touring supporting Welcome Back To Milk , Houghton began work on issue 1 of their comic books series 'Butt Hurt', focusing on bringing to life their vivid dreams and uncomfortable social situations. Having been a lifelong sufferer of anxiety, Houghton's work often touches upon discomfort, using humour to help ease their symptoms and dispel stigma surrounding mental health.

During November 2016, Houghton directed and illustrated the animated music video for "Sick Love" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Houghton had previously dated the band's singer Anthony Kiedis. The video was released on 4 December 2016. [9]

On 27 March 2018, Houghton's music video for Ezra Furman's "Suck The Blood From My Wound" was released via the Bella Union label. Houghton directed, illustrated and animated the clip.

On 20 November 2018, LUMP released the video for their single "May I Be The Light", also directed, illustrated and animated by Houghton.

Du Blonde

During 2014, Houghton began writing and recording music under the name Du Blonde.

Welcome Back To Milk , the debut album for Houghton as Du Blonde, recorded in London and Los Angeles with producer Jim Sclavunos, was released on 19 May 2015 by Mute Records. It garnered favourable reviews, with 75/100 rating at Metacritic. [10]

Du Blonde's second album, Lung Bread for Daddy , was released on 22 February 2019 via Moshi Moshi. The album is the first to be produced by Houghton, taking a journey into relationships and mental health of the musician.

Du Blonde's third album, titled Homecoming, was released in early 2021. [11] The album, self-produced by Houghton, will feature guest artists including Shirley Manson, Andy Bell, Ezra Furman, and members of Tunng. Lead single "Medicated", featuring Manson, was released in November 2020, [12] and follow-up "I'm Glad That We Broke Up", with Furman, came out on 4 February 2021. [11]

Personal life

In 2013, Houghton suffered from anxiety. Of their practice of Transcendental Meditation, begun at this time, they said, "To now know confidently I can deal with my anxiety is such a good place to be." [13] Houghton is non-binary and transgender. [14]

Artists supported

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers</span> American rock band

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Their eclectic range has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the top-selling bands of all time. They hold the records for most number-one singles (15), most cumulative weeks at number one (91) and most top-ten songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2022 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Frusciante</span> American guitarist (born 1970)

John Anthony Frusciante is an American musician and the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has released 11 solo albums and 7 EPs, ranging in style from acoustic guitar to electronic music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012. Rolling Stone named Frusciante among the greatest guitarists of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Kiedis</span> American musician (born 1962)

Anthony Kiedis is an American musician, singer, songwriter and rapper, best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kiedis and his fellow band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Smith</span> American drummer

Chad Smith is an American musician who has been the drummer of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Smith is also the drummer of the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot, formed in 2008, and of the all-instrumental outfit Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats, formed in 2007. He worked with the Chicks on Taking the Long Way, an album that won five Grammy Awards in 2007.

<i>What Hits!?</i> 1992 compilation album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

What Hits!? is a greatest hits album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers released on September 29, 1992, by EMI. The album contains tracks from the band's first four albums as well as "Under the Bridge" from their fifth album, 1991's hit Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and the Pretty Woman soundtrack contribution/single B-side "Show Me Your Soul". "Behind the Sun" was released as a single and music video to accompany the release of this compilation. The song originally appeared on the band's 1987 album The Uplift Mofo Party Plan. The compilation is the only full-length release of the band to feature "Show Me Your Soul".

<i>Greatest Hits</i> (Red Hot Chili Peppers album) 2003 greatest hits album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Greatest Hits is the second greatest hits album and second compilation album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on Nov. 18, 2003, by Warner Bros. Records. Aside from their cover of "Higher Ground", all songs on the album are from the band's tenure on Warner Bros. Records from 1991 to 2002, in addition to two newly recorded songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give It Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers song)</span> 1991 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Give It Away" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from the group's fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released as the lead single from their album in September 1991 by Warner Bros. Records. The music was written by guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea during a jam session months prior to the album recording sessions. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the song's most prevalent lyrical refrain in response to an experience he shared with former girlfriend Nina Hagen regarding altruistic behavior and the value of selflessness.

Michael Beinhorn is a North American record producer, composer, author, and musician. He has produced albums for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Hole, Korn, and Marilyn Manson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Me Your Soul</span> 1990 promotional single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Show Me Your Soul" is a song by the funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers that was recorded in 1989 and produced by John Norwood Fisher of Fishbone and features Billy Preston on keyboard. It was not, as is commonly believed, recorded during the Mother's Milk sessions. However, it was recorded during the first part of the Mother's Milk tour. "Show Me Your Soul" was recorded for the soundtrack of the film Pretty Woman, and was shortly after released as the B-side to "Taste the Pain" in the US and UK. In Australia, it appeared as the B-side to the belated 1990 release of "Knock Me Down". Both singles credit the song as coming from the Pretty Woman soundtrack. A promo only single was released to promote the soundtrack and it is thought that it was meant to be a full single until a last minute change of plan. This peaked at number ten on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The track was later included as the sole exclusive track on the 1992 compilation album What Hits!?.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hot Chili Peppers discography</span>

Since 1983, the American funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, 12 compilation albums, 11 video albums, five extended plays, 66 singles, and 53 music videos. To date, the band has sold over 120 million records worldwide. According to the RIAA the Chili Peppers have 6× Multi-Platinum, 2× Platinum and 3× Gold albums in the US, totalling 27.5m. They also have 9× Multi-Platinum, 3× Platinum and 4× Gold singles too, totalling 40m. They have been nominated for 19 Grammy Awards, of which they have won 6. They have the most no.1 singles (15), the most cumulative weeks at no.1 (91) and most top-10 songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

<i>Off the Map</i> (video) 2001 video by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Off the Map is a VHS and DVD released by the American alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2001, two years following the release of their seventh studio album, Californication. The video runs as a full concert but is edited to include parts from various concerts from the band's 2000s North American tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Frusciante discography</span>

The discography of John Frusciante, who is best known as the guitarist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, consists of eleven solo albums, two internet only release albums, seven EPs, as well as two albums with collaborators Joe Lally and Josh Klinghoffer under the name Ataxia and two EPs and three studio albums under the alias of Trickfinger. After recording Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Frusciante left the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992 when he got tired of the growing success of the band. He released his first solo album, Niandra LaDes and Usually Just a T-Shirt, in 1994 on American Recordings. His second record, Smile From the Streets You Hold, was released in 1997 and later taken off the market at his request in 1999. After returning to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1998, Frusciante recorded Californication with the band and subsequently released his third solo album, To Record Only Water for Ten Days, in February 2001 on Warner Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Californication Tour</span> 1999–2000 concert tour by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Californication Tour was a worldwide concert tour by Red Hot Chili Peppers to support their seventh studio album Californication which saw the return of guitarist John Frusciante who rejoined the band in 1998 after quitting six years earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flea (musician)</span> American musician (born 1962)

Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea, is an American musician and actor. He is a founding member and bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and, along with vocalist Anthony Kiedis, one of the only two members to appear on every one of the band's albums.

<i>Welcome Back to Milk</i> 2015 studio album by Du Blonde

Welcome Back To Milk is the second studio album by Beth Jeans Houghton and the first for her as Du Blonde, to be released in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2015, by Mute Records. The album was written, composed, and performed by Du Blonde and produced by Bad Seed and Grinderman member Jim Sclavunos.

<i>Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose</i> 2012 studio album by Beth Jeans Houghton

Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose is the debut studio album by Beth Jeans Houghton recorded with the Hooves of Destiny and released in the United Kingdom on 6 February 2012, by Mute Records. The album was produced by Ben Hillier, noted for his works with Blur, Elbow and Depeche Mode, among many others.

<i>The Getaway</i> (Red Hot Chili Peppers album) 2016 studio album by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Getaway is the eleventh studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released through Warner Bros. on June 17, 2016. The band's first studio album since 2011's I'm with You, it was produced by Danger Mouse, who replaced Rick Rubin after 25 years and six albums as the band's producer. This is the band's second and final album with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer before the return of John Frusciante in 2019, with Rubin also returning soon thereafter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sick Love</span> 2016 single by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Sick Love" is the third single from The Getaway, an album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Elton John performs on the song which was also co-written by John and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin.

<i>Lung Bread for Daddy</i> 2019 studio album by Du Blonde

Lung Bread for Daddy is the third studio album by English musician Beth Jeans Houghton and the second under their musical project Du Blonde. It was released on 22 February 2019 through Moshi Moshi Records.

References

  1. ↑ Tilden, Imogen (27 March 2009). "First Sight: Beth Jeans Houghton'". The Guardian . London.
  2. ↑ "Mute Records • & the Hooves of Destiny set album release date". Mute.com. 31 August 2011.
  3. ↑ MacKay, Emily (16 March 2012). "Beth Jeans Houghton – Freak folk's weird sister finally hits the charts". The Independent. London.
  4. ↑ Fox, Killian (2015). "Du Blonde: 'It was the scariest thing. I don't know how I made it through'". The Observer. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 Ferrier, Morwenna (6 November 2011). "Beth Jeans Houghton: 'There's more to me than wigs'". The Observer. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  6. ↑ "Mute – Beth Jeans Houghton". Mute. 27 April 2011. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  7. ↑ Newbury, David (13 February 2012). "Beth Jeans Houghton interview: "I hate London"". The Independent. Archived from the original on 21 May 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Yours Truly Cellophane Nose". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 1 June 2011.
  9. ↑ "Red Hot Chili Peppers – Sick Love [OFFICIAL VIDEO]". YouTube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  10. ↑ "Welcome Back to Milk by Du Blonde reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 Daly, Rhian (4 February 2021). "Du Blonde announces new album 'Homecoming', featuring Garbage's Shirley Manson, Ezra Furman and more". NME. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  12. ↑ Richards, Will (24 November 2020). "Du Blonde shares Shirley Manson collaboration 'Medicated' from new album". NME. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  13. ↑ Williams, Holly (5 June 2015). "Beth Jeans Houghton interview on Du Blonde, their nervous breakdown and industry sexism". The Independent. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  14. ↑ Loftin, Steven (18 February 2019). "As they release their third album as Du Blonde, Beth Jeans Houghton feels it's finally time to share their truest self with the world". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Beth Jeans Houghton". Woodwork Music. Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Tilden, Imogen (26 March 2009). "First sight: Beth Jeans Houghton". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Beth Jeans Houghton". The Daily Growl. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Beth Jeans Houghton". Crack. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  19. 1 2 3 "Beth Jeans Houghton". Moseley Folk Festival. Archived from the original on 15 June 2009. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  20. ↑ "Future Islands / Dope Body / Du Blonde @ Glasgow Barrowlands, 9 September". The Skinny. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  21. ↑ Alexander, Phil (1 June 2009). "Phosphorescent Burn Bright In London!". Mojo. Archived from the original on 28 December 2010. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  22. ↑ Awbi, Anita (26 June 2008). "Beth Jeans Houghton: EP (Bird)". Music Week. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.