Unicorn Kid

Last updated

Unicorn Kid
Unicorn Kid Dundee Doghouse 2008.png
Unicorn Kid at The Doghouse in Dundee, Scotland, 16 November 2008
Background information
Birth nameOliver Sabin
Born (1991-11-05) 5 November 1991 (age 31)
Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Genres Chiptune, seapunk, bouncy techno, rave, tropical house
Instrument(s) Keyboards, synthesizer
Years active2007–2014
Labels Ultra, Ministry of Sound

Oliver Sabin (born 5 November 1991), formerly known as Unicorn Kid, is a Scottish electronic music/chip music composer and musician from Edinburgh, educated at Leith Academy. When asked about the name of the act, Sabin stated, "There's no real story behind the name, it just kind of came about and fitted in with the fun, magical nature of the music." [1] [2] Sabin has had a number of BBC Radio 1 appearances including an early live session on the Vic Galloway BBC Radio 1 show and a BBC Maida Vale Studios session for Rob da Bank. [3] In September 2014, he announced the end of Unicorn Kid to pursue a different alias. In 2017, Sabin released a DJ set on SoundCloud under the alias Plush.

Contents

History

Sabin first started writing electronic music when he was 15. By the time he was 16, Sabin started recording under the name "Unicorn Kid". Emerging in 2007, Unicorn Kid helped spark the brief revival of chiptune, a genre which involves making dance music using the sound chips from old game consoles. This was alongside such performers as Anamanaguchi, RushJet1 and Dubmood. [4]

Early years (2009–2010)

After two self-released EPs, 'Lion Hat' was released in early 2009 on Euphonios, a Scottish-based independent label, followed up by 'Wee Monsters'/'Animal City' (Euphonios 2009).

In mid-2009, Sabin remixed the Pet Shop Boys single "Did You See Me Coming?". [5] [6] The Unicorn Kid mix was released on the 12" vinyl version and as part of the digital bundle. In April 2010, Sabin provided the first remix of the Gorillaz track "Superfast Jellyfish". [7]

Dreamcatcher and Wild Life (2010–2011)

Unicorn Kid in Milwaukee, WI Unicornkid milwaukee owlcity.jpg
Unicorn Kid in Milwaukee, WI

Signed by EMI Music Publishing in 2009, Sabin initially released his material through the Euphonios label, but signed to Ministry of Sound in February 2010 [8] and Ultra Records [9] in the USA. His first release on Ministry of Sound was the track "Dreamcatcher", followed by Wild Life in October 2010.

In 2009, following an appearance at T in the Park [10] and support slots for Calvin Harris, played two official shows at In the City [11] and Sŵn Festival. Unicorn Kid has also supported Pet Shop Boys in Scotland, and in early 2010 supported Hadouken! on their UK tour before performing several shows at SXSW [12] [13] as one of the official Scottish Arts Council representatives. [14] He returned to SXSW in 2011, and featured in a BBC Scotland documentary. [15]

Tidal Rave and Brain Wash (2011–2014)

In August 2011, Unicorn Kid released the three track 'Tidal Rave' EP, with the final track "True Love Fantasy" featuring as 'Hottest Record in the World' on the 25 August 2011 Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1. [16] It was then featured on the BBC's 'In New Music We Trust' playlist and as 'Record of the Week' by both Nick Grimshaw and Huw Stephens. [17] The track includes vocals from Talk to Animals, with whom Sabin had collaborated on his first release.

Unicorn Kid was the support act for synth-pop musician Owl City on his rescheduled UK and European tour in September/October 2011. In December 2011, Unicorn Kid featured as part of BBC Radio 1's Festive Festival showcasing 2011's rising stars hotly tipped for big things in the New Year. [18]

In April 2012, Sabin released a new track "Pure Space" for free download just prior to a UK tour with Major Lazer. The track premiered online on The Fader. [19]

Despite no advertisement or announcement from either Sabin or 3Beat, he released his debut album Brain Wash on iTunes via 3Beat Records on 27 January 2014. It contained 11 tracks, many of which were previously released.

The End of Unicorn Kid (2014)

On 7 September, after being released from his contract with 3Beat, Sabin announced via Twitter that he had called it quits as Unicorn Kid because he was not enjoying the direction his music was going under the alias. [20] [21] He announced that he will be back later in 2014 with a brand new project. [22]

Plush (2017-Present)

On September 7, 2017, Sabin released a DJ set called birth of plush as Plush, featuring an original composition. On October 24, 2022, Doss released the single "Look (All Night Mix)" with production credits featuring Plush.

Personal life

In an interview with Teen Witch Magazine, Unicorn Kid explained that he has been openly gay since the age of 13. [23] [24] [25]

Discography

Albums

Singles

EPs

Remixes

Related Research Articles

<i>Gorillaz</i> (album) 2001 studio album by Gorillaz

Gorillaz is the debut studio album by English virtual band Gorillaz, released on 26 March 2001 in the United Kingdom by Parlophone and in the United States by Virgin Records. The album reached number three in the UK and number fourteen in the US, and the top ten in several other countries. Gorillaz has sold over seven million copies worldwide. The album's success earned the group an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Successful Virtual Band", and spawned the singles "Clint Eastwood", "19-2000", "Rock the House", and "Tomorrow Comes Today".

<i>Disco 3</i> 2003 remix album by Pet Shop Boys

Disco 3 is the third remix album by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 3 February 2003 by Parlophone. The album consists of five remixes of songs and B-sides from their previous album, Release, three new tracks, a new recording of "Positive Role Model" from their 2001 musical Closer to Heaven, and a cover version of "Try It ", originally by Oh Romeo, the band of former Pet Shop Boys producer Bobby Orlando. "Positive Role Model" also appeared on the Germany-only single "London" in 2002 as a B-side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High Contrast</span> Welsh musical artist (born 1979)

Lincoln Barrett, better known by the stage name High Contrast, is a Welsh electronic music producer, DJ and record producer. He produces drum and bass music, and his 2009 album Confidential reached BPI gold certification.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiga (musician)</span> Canadian DJ and musician

Tiga James Sontag, known simply as Tiga, is a Canadian musician, DJ and record producer of electronic dance music. He has released three albums, Sexor, Ciao!, and No Fantasy Required. Sexor won the 2007 Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year. Tiga released a selection of compilations in the early 2000s, featuring mixes such as American Gigolo, DJ-Kicks: Tiga and, Mixed Emotions, which put him on the map as one of "the world's best mixers". His compilation mix, Tiga Non-Stop, was released in November 2012, and premiered Tiga's latest single "Plush". The mix also features tracks from artists such as Kindness, Duke Dumont and Blawan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clint Eastwood (song)</span> 2001 single by Gorillaz featuring Del the Funky Homosapien

"Clint Eastwood" is a song by English virtual band Gorillaz, released as the first single from their self-titled debut album on 5 March 2001. The song is named after the actor of the same name due to its similarity to the theme music of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The song is a mix of electronic music, dub, hip hop and rock. The verses are rapped by Del the Funky Homosapien, portrayed as a blue phantom in the video, while the chorus is sung by Damon Albarn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Air Traffic</span>

Air Traffic are an English alternative rock band from Bournemouth signed to EMI Records. Formed in 2003, the band consists of Chris Wall, David Ryan Jordan (Drums), Tom Pritchard (guitar) and Jim Maddock.

Ed Keeley, better known by his stage name Friction, is a drum and bass producer and DJ from Brighton, England. He runs his own record labels, Shogun Audio & Elevate Records, and has formerly presented a regular overnight show on BBC Radio 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hadouken! (band)</span> British dance-punk band

Hadouken! were a British band formed in London in 2006 by singer, songwriter and producer James Smith and synth player Alice Spooner along with guitarist Daniel "Pilau" Rice, bassist Christopher Purcell and drummer Nick Rice. The band took its name from the special attack of the same name from the Street Fighter video game series. It was in Leeds that Hadouken! began their own record label, Surface Noise Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twin Atlantic</span> Scottish band

Twin Atlantic are a Scottish alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. The group currently consists of Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae (bass). Lead guitarist Barry McKenna departed from the band in 2019, but continues to perform with the band at their live shows. Craig Kneale (drums) "decided to step back" from the band in September 2021, just a day after the release of their song "One Man Party" from their most recent album Transparency. They have released six albums: Vivarium, Free, Great Divide, GLA, Power, and Transparency. Their highest-charting single is "Heart and Soul" from Great Divide, which peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. On 2 June 2016, Annie Mac premiered "No Sleep" as the Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1 and announced their album GLA, subsequently released on 9 September 2016.

<i>Duke Pandemonium</i> 2009 studio album by Marmaduke Duke

Duke Pandemonium is the second studio album by Scottish conceptual rock duo Marmaduke Duke, released on 11 May 2009 on 14th Floor Records. Band member JP Reid describes the album as "superfunky, supertight, superunique."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where Did All the Love Go?</span> 2009 single by Kasabian

"Where Did All the Love Go?" is a song by English rock band Kasabian and is the second official single from their third album, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. It was released on 10 August 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stylo (song)</span> 2010 single by Gorillaz featuring Bobby Womack and Mos Def

"Stylo" is the first single from British virtual band Gorillaz's third studio album Plastic Beach. The song features guest vocals from Bobby Womack and Mos Def. The single was released on 26 January 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superfast Jellyfish</span> 2010 single by Gorillaz featuring Gruff Rhys and De La Soul

"Superfast Jellyfish" is the second single released from British alternative band Gorillaz' third studio album, Plastic Beach. The single was released on 9 May 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolf Gang</span>

Wolf Gang was a British alternative and symphonic rock band with Max McElligott as lead vocalist. Having played with different musicians, McElligott settled on a live set up in late 2009 which included Lasse Petersen (drums) previously of The Rakes, Gavin Slater (guitar) and James Wood (bass). When playing live the band also toured with a keyboard player, at one time Beau Holland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nero (band)</span> British electronic trio

Nero are a British electronic music trio composed of members Dan Stephens, Joe Ray and Alana Watson. On 12 August 2011, they released their debut studio album, Welcome Reality, which reached number one in the UK Albums Chart. In August 2012, "Promises" received a Gold certification in the United States. On 10 February 2013, Nero won a Grammy Award for their collaborative remix of "Promises" with Skrillex. Their second studio album, Between II Worlds, was released on 11 September 2015.

Polarsets are a four-piece band from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. They have released an album, Parasols, an EP and a number of singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Need Me, I Don't Need You</span> 2011 single by Ed Sheeran

"You Need Me, I Don't Need You" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2011 as the second single from his debut studio album, + ("Plus").

Zulu Winter were a five piece indie rock band formed in London in 2011. The band consisted of Will Daunt, Iain Lock, Dom Millard (keyboards), Henry Walton (guitar) and Guy Henderson (drums).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Years & Years</span> British music project

Years & Years is a British band formed in London, United Kingdom in 2010. Their music has been described as electropop, mixing R&B and 1990s house elements. Since 2021, the band has operated as the solo project of frontman and sole remaining member Olly Alexander, and previously included Mikey Goldsworthy, Emre Türkmen, Noel Leeman and Olivier Subria. The band's debut studio album, Communion, debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart in July 2015 and was the fastest-selling debut album of the year from a UK signed band.

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

PAULi is a UK born drummer, recording artist, music director and model.

References

  1. ↑ "Myspace Trawl – Unicorn Kid". Hecklerspray.com. 1 August 2008. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  2. ↑ Pigeon (14 February 2010). "Unicorn Kid Interview: "The contract stated that I would be given a real taxidermied owl"". Robotpigeon.com. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Radio 1 – Vic Galloway – Tracklisting". BBC. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  4. ↑ Cragg, Michael (22 August 2011). "New music: Unicorn Kid – Chrome Lion | Music | guardian.co.uk". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  5. ↑ Mike Atkinson (10 July 2009). "Mike Atkinson on Unicorn Kid's remix of Pet Shop Boys single, Did You See Me Coming? | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  6. ↑ "Leith 17-year-old to remix Pet Shop Boys single – Top stories – Scotsman.com". News.scotsman.com. 25 April 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Listen: Gorillaz Remixed by Unicorn Kid". Pitchfork. 13 April 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Music Week" . Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "/ Ultra Music / Ultra Records / Ultra". Ultrarecords.com. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "T in the Park 2009 – Unicorn Kid". BBC. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  11. ↑ Archived 22 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ "Introducing blog: Bethan's SXSW Photo Diary – Day Zero". BBC. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  13. ↑ Archived 21 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ↑ "Scottish Arts Council – SxSW 2010". Sac.org.uk. 1 July 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  15. ↑ "BBC Two – ArtWorks Scotland, Scotland Rocks at South by Southwest". BBC. 5 July 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  16. ↑ Zane Lowe. "Zane Lowe's Hottest Records blog: Hottest Record – Unicorn Kid – True Love Fantasy". BBC. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  17. ↑ "Radio 1 – Playlist". BBC. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  18. ↑ "BBC Radio 1 – Zane Lowe, Radio 1's Festive Festival, Festive Festival – Unicorn Kid perform". BBC. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  19. ↑ Rob says (15 April 2012). "Unicorn Kid, "Pure Space" MP3 « The FADER". Thefader.com. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  20. ↑ "UNICORN KID on Twitter: "I've finally been released from my record contract, so I'm now able to let you guys know I'm calling it quits with Unicorn Kid"". Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  21. ↑ "UNICORN KID on Twitter: "Simply put I was unhappy with the direction Unicorn Kid was headed in, I stopped enjoying myself and was feeling exhausted."". Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  22. ↑ "UNICORN KID on Twitter: "I'm currently living in NY, really happy now, and will be launching a new project before the year is out."". Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  23. ↑ K., Aaron. "Unicorn Kid: Cartoon Boners and Cyber Crushes". Teen Witch Magazine. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  24. ↑ "Exclusive Unicorn Kid Interview | V-Rag Magazine". Blog.v-rag.com. 17 December 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  25. ↑ "Unicorn Kid Interview: SXSW 2010". Spinner. 16 March 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
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.