| Unicorn Kid | |
|---|---|
Unicorn Kid in Milwaukee, WI |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Oliver Sabin |
| Born | 5 November 1991 |
| Origin | Leith, Edinburgh |
| Genres | 8-bit, bouncy techno, rave |
| Instruments | Keyboards, synthesizer |
| Years active | 2007-present |
| Labels | Ultra, Ministry of Sound |
| Website | unicornkidmusic.com |
Oliver Sabin, also known as Unicorn Kid is an electronic music/chip music composer and musician from Edinburgh[1], educated at Leith Academy. Sabin has had a number of BBC Radio 1 appearances including an early live session on the Vic Galloway BBC Radio 1 show[2] and a BBC Maida Vale Studios session for Rob da Bank[3].
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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]
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), both singles picked up favourable reviews and mainstream radio plays.[5]
In mid 2009, Sabin remixed the Pet Shop Boys single "Did You See Me Coming?".[6][7] 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"[8].
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[9] and Ultra Records [10] in the USA. His first release on Ministry of Sound was the track "Dream Catcher", followed by Wild Life in October 2010. The song ‘Dreamcatcher’ has since escalated into a singles-chart hit, capturing the airwaves in multiple countries.[11]
In 2009, following an appearance at T in the Park[12] and support slots for Calvin Harris, played two official shows at In the City[13] 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[14] [15] as one of the official Scottish Arts Council representatives[16]. He returned to SXSW in 2011, and featured in a BBC Scotland documentary [17].
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 25/08/11 Zane Lowe show on BBC Radio 1[18]. 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[19]. 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 [20].
When asked about the name of the act, Sabin states "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."[21]