Clean Bandit: We were told to stop making pop music

Clean Bandit is a British music group that has made a name for themselves by blending classical music with modern pop and dance beats. The group consists of three talented individuals: Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, and Luke Patterson. Their journey began at university, where Grace, a cellist, and Jack, an architecture student, started experimenting with music. Jack would take samples from Grace's string quartet and mix them into his electronic beats. This innovative approach led to the creation of their signature sound, which has garnered them numerous accolades, including four UK number one singles and a Grammy award. However, as their popularity grew, so did the pressure from their record label. They were advised to abandon their unique sound and focus on producing more mainstream dance music. This directive left Grace and Jack feeling frustrated and disheartened. They felt that their identity as artists was being compromised. Despite their efforts to adapt, their new music failed to resonate with audiences, and they found themselves struggling to achieve the same level of success they once had. Realizing that they were losing touch with their true selves, the band made the bold decision to part ways with their record label. This allowed them to regain control over their music and creative direction. They signed with a new label, Sony Music, which encouraged them to return to their roots. Their first release under the new label was 'Cry Baby', a collaboration with Anne-Marie and David Guetta. The song marked a triumphant return to their original sound, featuring Grace's signature string arrangements and catchy lyrics. The band also took the opportunity to direct and produce their own music videos again, something they had not done in years. For 'Cry Baby', they crafted an engaging storyline that showcased their creativity and passion for storytelling. Grace's father even helped build the sets for the video, adding a personal touch to the project. Clean Bandit is now looking forward to the future, with plans to release new music and collaborate with artists from around the world. They have been inspired by their experiences and are eager to explore new creative avenues. The band believes that by staying true to themselves and focusing on quality music, they can continue to connect with their fans and make a lasting impact in the music industry.