AlunaGeorge#Aluna Francis
{{short description|British pop music duo}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = AlunaGeorge
| image = AlunaGeorge in Scala, London (3) (cropped).jpg
| landscape = yes
| caption = Aluna Francis of AlunaGeorge performing in June 2016 at Scala in London
| origin = London, England
| genre = {{hlist|Electropop|synth-pop|alternative R&B|R&B|UK garage}}
| years_active = 2011–2020{{efn|Indefinite hiatus}}
| label = {{hlist|Tri Angle|Island|Interscope}}
| website = {{URL|alunageorge.com}}
| current_members = * Aluna Francis
- George Reid
}}
AlunaGeorge are an English electronic music duo from London, consisting of singer-songwriter Aluna Francis and producer George Reid.{{cite web |last=Lester |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Lester |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/mar/02/new-band-alunageorge |title=New band of the day – No 977: AlunaGeorge |work=The Guardian |date=8 March 2011 |access-date=2 September 2016}} Since 2020, the duo has been on indefinite hiatus, allowing both members to pursue solo projects.{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=2020-06-05 |title=Aluna on making music without George: "I felt self-conscious trying to drag him through my own self-discovery" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/aluna-on-making-music-without-george-alunageorge-self-discovery-2682820 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}
Career
=2009: Formation=
The duo first met in June 2009, when Reid remixed Francis' band My Toys Like Me's track "Sweetheart".{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/arts/music/dynamic-duo-introducing-alunageorge-8189282.html |title=Dynamic duo... introducing AlunaGeorge |work=London Evening Standard |date=28 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004040012/http://www.standard.co.uk/arts/music/dynamic-duo-introducing-alunageorge-8189282.html |archive-date=4 October 2012 |access-date=10 December 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.myspace.com/tallgeorgemyspace/music/songs/my-toys-like-me-sweetheart-rmx-50044335 |title=My toys like me Sweetheart RMX |publisher=Myspace |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=10 December 2012}}
=2012–2016: Breakthrough and ''Body Music''=
AlunaGeorge released the single "You Know You Like It" as a digital download on 20 April 2012, followed by a vinyl release on 11 June 2012. The duo's first commercial single, "Your Drums, Your Love", was released on 10 September 2012, debuting at number 50 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/your-drums-your-love-remixes/558243578 |title=Your Drums, Your Love (Remixes) – EP by AlunaGeorge |publisher=iTunes Store (GB) |date=10 September 2012 |access-date=10 December 2012}}Peak chart positions in the United Kingdom:
- All except noted: {{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/7677/alunageorge/ |title=AlunaGeorge |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=28 February 2016}}
- "You Know You Like It" (with DJ Snake): {{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/47836/dj-snake-and-alunageorge/ |title=DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge |publisher=Official Charts Company}}
- "After Light": {{cite web |url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/120818cluk.txt |title=CHART: CLUK Update 18.08.2012 (wk32) |publisher=Zobbel |date=18 August 2012}}
- "I Remember": {{cite web|title=CHART: CLUK Update 16.04.2016 (wk15)|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/160416cluk.txt|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=30 April 2016}} During a visit to BBC Radio 1 on 3 January 2013, AlunaGeorge announced that their debut album would be titled Body Music and released in June 2013, along with the premiere of the full-length version of the song "Diver".{{cite web |last=Williott |first=Carl |url=http://idolator.com/7365852/alunageorge-debut-album-body-music-diver-full-stream |title=AlunaGeorge Unveil Debut Album Title 'Body Music' & Full Version Of "Diver" |publisher=Idolator |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.popjustice.com/songs/alunageorge-diver/ |title=AlunaGeorge – 'Diver' |publisher=Popjustice |date=3 January 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013}} On 4 June 2013, the duo unveiled the cover art and track listing for Body Music, and confirmed the album would be released on 29 July 2013.{{cite web |last1=Minsker |first1=Evan |last2=Phillips |first2=Amy |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/51007-alunageorge-reveal-body-music-cover-art-tracklist-new-release-date/ |title=AlunaGeorge Reveal Body Music Cover Art, Tracklist, New Release Date |publisher=Pitchfork |date=4 June 2013 |access-date=4 June 2013}}
It was announced in December 2012 that AlunaGeorge had been shortlisted for the 2013 BRIT Award of Critics' Choice. Then, later in December, the BBC announced that the duo had also been nominated for the Sound of 2013 poll, in which they finished in second place.
In February 2013, AlunaGeorge scored their first top-40 entry, a collaboration with Disclosure on "White Noise". The single reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. Huw Stephens also premiered a track from the group on his BBC Radio 1 show titled "Attracting Flies", which was eventually included on their debut album.{{cite web |last=Battan |first=Carrie |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/49704-listen-new-alunageorge-track-attracting-flies/ |title=Listen: New AlunaGeorge Track "Attracting Flies" |publisher=Pitchfork |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=26 February 2013}} The duo performed at the Evolution Festival in Newcastle upon Tyne on 27 May 2013.
A collection of previously released and brand new remixes, Body Music Remixed, was released on 16 June 2014.{{cite web |last=Soundcloud |first=Cosmo's Midnight (DJ) |url=https://soundcloud.com/cosmosmidnight/alunageorge-superstar-cosmos-midnight-x-lido-remix |title=AlunaGeorge - Superstar (Cosmo's Midnight x Lido Remix), taken from the upcoming AlunaGeorge album 'Body Music Remixed' which was released on June 16th, 2014 |publisher=Soundcloud |date=3 June 2014 |access-date=3 June 2014}} On 3 October 2014 AlunaGeorge released a single called "Supernatural".{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Jeremy |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/56960-alunageorge-share-new-track-supernatural/ |title=AlunaGeorge Share New Track "Supernatural" |publisher=Pitchfork |date=3 October 2014 |access-date=28 February 2016}}
On 14 July 2015, it was announced that AlunaGeorge had signed with the American record label Interscope Records.{{cite web |last=Geslani |first=Michelle |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2015/07/alunageorge-signs-with-interscope-announces-north-american-tour/ |title=AlunaGeorge signs with Interscope, announces North American tour |publisher=Consequence of Sound |date=14 July 2015 |access-date=13 August 2015}}
The duo released the single "I'm in Control", featuring Jamaican artist Popcaan, on 20 January 2016.{{cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/62979-alunageorge-release-popcaan-featuring-single-im-in-control/ |title=AlunaGeorge Release Popcaan-Featuring Single "I'm In Control" |publisher=Pitchfork |date=20 January 2016 |access-date=28 February 2016}} That same day, Francis revealed in an interview with BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac that the duo's second studio album was titled I Remember, which was set to be released on 16 September 2016 via Island Records in the UK and Interscope Records in the US.{{cite web |last=Minsker |first=Evan |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/62980-alunageorge-detail-new-album-i-remember/ |title=AlunaGeorge Detail New Album I Remember |publisher=Pitchfork |date=13 July 2016 |access-date=2 September 2016}} AlunaGeorge was an opening act with Miguel for the North American Arena tour of Australian star Sia.{{cite web|last1=Josephs|first1=Brian|title=Sia Announces U.S. Tour With Miguel and AlunaGeorge|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/05/sia-miguel-alunageorge-tour-dates-tickets-united-states/|website=Spin.com|date=16 May 2016|access-date=1 October 2016}} The Nostalgic for the Present Tour ran through November 2016.
= 2017–present: Indefinite hiatus and solo careers =
In 2017, AlunaGeorge was the main opening act for the European leg of A Head Full of Dreams Tour of the band Coldplay.{{Cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/coldplay_alunageorge_izzy_bizu-rogers_centre_toronto_on_august_22|title=Coldplay / AlunaGeorge / Izzy Bizu Rogers Centre, Toronto ON, August 22|website=exclaim.ca|language=en|access-date=31 December 2017}}
In 2020, AlunaGeorge was put on an indefinite hiatus, as Francis announced that she would be releasing music as a solo artist.{{Cite web |last=Méndez |first=Chris Malone |title=Aluna's Musical Renaissance Is Complete |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/cmalone/2021/10/13/alunas-musical-renaissance-is-complete/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Francis stated that AlunaGeorge was "definitely still going" and is "on hiatus rather than being over". Her first single, "Body Pump", was released on 30 April 2020.{{Cite web |date=2020-04-30 |title=Aluna Shares Debut Solo Song "Body Pump" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/aluna-shares-debut-solo-song-body-pump-listen/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}} This was followed by her debut solo album Renaissance, which released on 28 August 2020.{{Cite web |title=Aluna: Renaissance |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/aluna-renaissance/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}
In 2023, Francis featured on the Skrillex track "Inhale Exhale" alongside Kito.{{Citation |title=Skrillex, Aluna & Kito – Inhale Exhale |url=https://genius.com/Skrillex-aluna-and-kito-inhale-exhale-lyrics |access-date=2023-02-17}} Later that year, on 7 July, Francis released her second album MYCELiUM. The big promotional track from the album "Running Blind" featuring Tchami and Kareen Lomax counts as her first solo number one on Billboard's Dance Mix/Show Airplay chart as of the week charted October 14, 2023. {{Cite web |last=Méndez |first=Chris Malone |title=Aluna Returns With Sophomore Album Mycelium |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/cmalone/2023/07/07/aluna-returns-with-sophomore-album-mycelium/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-dance-airplay/2023-10-14/ | title=Dance/Mix Show Airplay | magazine=Billboard }}
Artistry
Aluna's vocals have been described as "almost child-like" as well as being called "sugar sweet" and "emotionally soulful and heartwarming too". George's production combines sounds from bass, garage and dubstep.{{cite web |last=Davies |first=Howell |url=http://www.theedgesusu.co.uk/features/2012/12/13/introducing-alunageorge/ |title=Introducing: AlunaGeorge |publisher=The Edge |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=6 August 2013}}
The band use techniques of R&B and use "futuristic pop". The musical style has been described as "advanced minimalistic polyrhythmic beats" as well as "bashment, experimental hip-hop, '90's R&B and house". The duo cite inspiration from artists including Flying Lotus, Chris Clark, Hudson Mohawke, Destiny's Child and Mariah Carey; the band also cite James Taylor, Van Morrison, Aaliyah, PJ Harvey, CocoRosie as references.{{cite web|url=http://alunageorge.amazingtunes.com/biography#.UPAqpW9g-So |title=AlunaGeorge's biography at amazingtunes.com |publisher=Alunageorge.amazingtunes.com |access-date=6 August 2013}}
Members
=Aluna Francis=
Aluna Francis was born in Wales in July 1988 to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. After her parents separated, she was raised in New Jersey and London.{{Cite web|last=Gracie|first=Bianca|date=2020-09-01|title=Aluna Doesn't Want to Be the Exception to Any Rule|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/aluna-francis-interview-renaissance.html|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Vulture|language=en-us}}{{cite web |last1=Hess |first1=Liam |title=How Aluna Found Her Renaissance in Dance Music's Queer Black History |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/aluna-francis-renaissance-documentary-premiere-profile |website=Vogue |date=8 February 2021 |access-date=25 February 2021}} Her name “Aluna” means “come here” in the Mwera dialect of Tanzania, “pupil” in Portuguese and “Mother Earth” in Mayan.{{Cite web|url=https://scala.co.uk/events/alunageorge/|title=AlunaGeorge|date=18 May 2016}} Before working in the music industry, Francis worked as a reflexologist.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/8nHY4Zpc0pGxKQrG3h8RL0/2-alunageorge|title=BBC Music - BBC Music Sound Of, 2013 - 2. AlunaGeorge|website=BBC|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-03-21}} Francis' first venture into the music industry came when she sang in a group called My Toys Like Me. In 2013, Francis appeared as a panellist on the BBC music game show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03bx9wp|title=BBC Two - Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Series 27, Episode 1}} In July 2019, Francis announced that she was expecting a child by the end of the year. Francis announced on 17 November 2019 via Instagram that she had given birth to a girl named Amaya.
Francis released a solo album, Renaissance on 28 August 2020 through Mad Decent.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/aluna-renaissance-debut-album-get-paid-song-1029589/ |title=Aluna Previews 'Renaissance' LP with New Song 'Get Paid' |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=15 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |author=Legaspi, Althea}} In January 2022, Francis teamed up with Diplo, Kelli-Leigh, and Italian producer Durante{{Cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/857312/new-music-friday-avril-lavigne-bastille-years-years-more/|title=New Music Friday: Avril Lavigne, Bastille, Years & Years & More!|date=14 January 2022|access-date=14 January 2022|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114170553/https://etcanada.com/news/857312/new-music-friday-avril-lavigne-bastille-years-years-more/|url-status=dead}} for an indie-dance single called “Forget About Me”, which was nominated for a Grammy.https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/im-grammy-nominated-singer-work-34041632https://soundplate.com/kelli-leigh-interview/https://mysohotimes.co.uk/2024/12/11/in-conversation-with-kelli-leigh-the-grammy-nominated-singers-journey-though-music-and-why-soho-remains-the-ultimate-night-out-destination-my-soho-times/{{Cite web|url=https://acidstag.com/2022/01/aluna-diplo-durante-forget-about-me/|title = Aluna, Diplo & Durante - 'Forget About Me'|date = 14 January 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://readdork.com/news/aluna-single-forget-about-me/|title = Aluna has dropped a new collab with Diplo and Durante, 'Forget About Me' | Dork|date = 14 January 2022}} In 2023, Francis featured on the Skrillex track "Inhale Exhale" alongside Kito. Later that year, on 7 July, Francis released her sophomore album, titled MYCELiUM, featuring collaborations with producers such as Route 94, MNEK, Tchami, MK, and Chris Lake.
=George Reid=
George Reid was born in 1989. Reid was previously a guitarist in indie-math rock band Colour. He has cited minimal American hip hop by The Neptunes, as well as Lil Wayne, as inspirations. Reid has said his approach to music-making stems from it being "so easy to get lost in software, you get to a point where so many noises might be carrying the song, rather than the song carrying everything else. So that’s my excuse for having nothing in there."
Discography
{{main|AlunaGeorge discography}}
- Body Music (2013)
- I Remember (2016)
Awards
{{See also|K/DA#Awards and nominations}}
| class="wikitable" | ||||
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="6"| 2013
| Critics' Choice{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20607500 |title=Brits Critics' Choice tips three new acts for 2013 |publisher=BBC News Online |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=10 December 2012}} |rowspan="2"| |{{Nom}} | ||||
| BBC
| {{nom|Second}} | ||||
| rowspan="2"|MOBO Awards
|Best Video in association with SBTV |{{Nom}} | ||||
| Best Song in Association with PRS for Music
|rowspan="6"|White Noise |{{Nom}} | ||||
| Popjustice £20 Music Prize
|Best British Pop Single |{{Nom}} | ||||
| UK Festival Awards
|Anthem of the Summer |{{Nom}} | ||||
| rowspan="2"| 2014
| {{Nom}} | ||||
| World Music Awards
|{{Nom}} | ||||
| 2015
| Best Track | {{Won}} | ||||
| 2016
| {{Nom}} |
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|www.alunageorge.com}}
{{AlunaGeorge}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:AlunaGeorge}}
Category:2012 establishments in England
Category:English pop music duos
Category:English electronic music duos
Category:Island Records artists
Category:Male–female musical duos
Category:Musical groups established in 2012
Category:Musical groups from London