Sleigh Bells (band)

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Sleigh Bells

Sleigh Bells at Sir Stewart Bovell Park in March 2011
Background information
Origin Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres Noise pop
Years active 2008–present
Labels Mom + Pop Music, N.E.E.T.
Associated acts Poison the Well, RubyBlue
Website www.bitterrivals.us
Members Derek E. Miller
Alexis Krauss

Sleigh Bells is an American noise pop musical duo based in Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2008. The duo consists of vocalist Alexis Krauss and guitarist Derek Edward Miller. After signing to N.E.E.T. Recordings and Mom+Pop,[1] Sleigh Bells released their debut album, Treats, on May 11, 2010. Their follow-up album, Reign of Terror, was released on February 21, 2012. On October 8, 2013, the band released their third album, Bitter Rivals.

History

Background and formation

Both members of Sleigh Bells had previous experience performing and touring in a musical ensemble. From age seventeen to twenty-two, Florida native Derek Miller was a guitarist in the hardcore band Poison the Well. He last performed on the band's 2003 major-label debut You Come Before You, leaving the following year due to creative differences. He wrote songs while working as a waiter or barback in various cities across the United States.[2][3] Alexis Krauss grew up in New Jersey and has a background in theater and television. As a young girl she appeared in a Nickelodeon Magazine commercial.[4] From age twelve to sixteen, Krauss performed in the teen pop group RubyBlue. After RubyBlue broke up, Krauss went to college (majoring in political science), taught Spanish to elementary school children in The Bronx and performed at weddings on the side for fun.[2][3]

In March 2008, Miller moved to Brooklyn to find a female vocalist for some song demos he was working on. In April 2008 he started working at Miss Favela—a Brazilian bistro in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—and in July 2008, Krauss and her mother dined at the restaurant. Miller expressed his interest in finding a female vocalist for his new project and Krauss was immediately volunteered by her mother. The two met in a park and listened to Miller's demos through headphones.[2][3] In a 2012 interview, Krauss remembered her first impressions, saying: "Derek's music sounded like a really interesting challenge, but I wasn't thinking he was somebody I wanted to develop a creative relationship with."[2] Krauss was pursuing a Rhodes Scholarship at the time, but decided to join forces with Miller instead.[3]

2009: Sleigh Bells EP

The duo performed at the CMJ Music Marathon in October 2009.[5] They signed to M.I.A.'s N.E.E.T. Recordings soon after and Mom + Pop Records.[1] The two quickly got in the studio and recorded a seven-track self-titled EP. Their EP soon gained attention from The Guardian, The New York Times, Pitchfork Media, ABC News's Amplified, and other sources. Stereogum named them a Band To Watch October 22, 2009.[6] The Guardian named them Band of the Day in December 2009.[7] Their song "Crown on the Ground" was named the fifty-seventh best track of 2009 by Pitchfork Media.[8] Miller recorded the track "Meds and Feds" with M.I.A. from the album Maya towards the end of 2009, and began recording Treats with Krauss in 2010. "Rill Rill" uses a sample from Funkadelic's "Can You Get to That".

2010–11: Treats

The group released "Tell 'Em", the first single from their debut album, Treats, as a free download in April 2010.[9] Treats was released on May 11, 2010 exclusively through the iTunes Store by Mom + Pop Music.[10] They performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2010 and 2011,[11] the Primavera Sound Festival in May 2010,[12] and the Pitchfork Music Festival in July 2010.

2011-2012: Reign of Terror

Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells performing at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on May 4, 2012

Sleigh Bells began tracking songs for their second studio album in June 2011. Describing the sound of the new album, Krauss said, "It sounds really huge, so there's going to still be tons of volume."[13]

On December 2, 2011, the band's website began to link to a Vimeo video.[14] It served as a teaser trailer for the upcoming album, revealing the title to be Reign of Terror. There was no release date or any other information attached to the trailer. The trailer features scenes of Krauss sitting at a vanity mirror, grooming herself, interspersed with various backstage and live concert footage, as well as footage depicting the band's touring. During the duration of the video, a riff plays in the background and serves as the only sound. This has not been featured on any songs yet.[15]

On December 7, 2011, the band announced via press release both the date of the album's release and the track listing. The band's publicist said of the upcoming release, "[The album features] songs that are as crushing and authoritative as their title suggests; they're effortlessly robust and heavier than any of the band's previous output ... the sonic equivalent of a beautiful shotgun to the head."[16] The album's promotional single, "Born to Lose", was released on December 15, 2011. In an interview with webzine Coup De Main, Krauss was quoted as saying that Reign of Terror is "a much more personal record".[17]

The album was originally set to be released on February 14, 2012, but was pushed back to February 21.[18]

Along with the announcement of the release date and track listing, Sleigh Bells also announced a tour of strictly Floridian venues.[19] This tour preceded the release of the album.

Sleigh Bells were the musical guest on the February 18, 2012 episode of Saturday Night Live, performing the songs "Comeback Kid" and "End of the Line".

In October 2012 Sleigh Bells kicked off their North American Tour with Araabmuzik at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York.[20]

2013: Bitter Rivals

Only a few months after the release of Reign of Terror, Sleigh Bells began writing a third studio album for a possible 2013 release.[21][22] Before the end of 2012, the album was said to feature more writing from Krauss and with a cleaner sound with more emphasis on melody.[23] The new album, titled Bitter Rivals, was released on October 8, 2013 through Mom + Pop Music. A music video directed by Sleigh Bells for the album's title track, "Bitter Rivals," was released in September 2013. The band will tour North America in October/November 2013 in support of Bitter Rivals with Doldrums and Danny Brown as support.[24]

Musical style

The band's music has been known for its juxtaposition of simple pop hooks with loud, rhythmic noise, electronic beats, harsh guitar riffs and dreamy vocals, which has been described mainly as "noise pop".[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] The band's music also has been described as noise rock,[29] indie rock,[31] dance-punk,[32] synthpunk,[33] digital hardcore,[34] experimental pop,[25] alternative rock,[35] and industrial rock.[36] While their debut album, Treats, was noted for its punk and heavy metal guitars, glam metal influences and mid-tempo beats from hip hop and electro, their second album, Reign of Terror, was also described as a mixture of "heavy metal shredding with R&B vocals".[37][38][39]

Use in other media

The track "Comeback Kid" was featured in the sixteenth episode of The Secret Circle. The track "Rill Rill" was featured on the fourth episode of the fourth season of Gossip Girl, titled "Touch of Eva".[40] The song "Kids" off of the album Treats was used in an advert for Koppaberg, a promo for MTV's North American adaption of the British series Skins and in the trailer for the 2011 action film Abduction. Music videos were shot for the songs "Infinity Guitars" and "Rill Rill". "Infinity Guitars" was used in the television shows Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and Girls,[41][42] as well as in commercials for Windows Phone.[43] The song "Kids" is featured in the preview for the film Pain & Gain.[44] Their song "Crown on the Ground" was featured in a commercial for Dr Pepper[45] and the trailer for the film The Bling Ring.[46]

The song "Riot Rhythm" from Treats was used in Season 3, Episode 5 of The Good Wife ("Marthas and Caitlins", Oct. 23, 2011).[47]

In 2012, Sleigh Bells appeared in the film Premium Rush, where they performed live the song "Crown on the Ground".[48]

Treats song "Crown on the Ground" appeared in the trailer for Sofia Coppola's 2013 crime film The Bling Ring, as well as being the opening song of the film.[49]

The song "Infinity Guitars" was used in the opening credits for the movie Bachelorette with Kirsten Dunst and Lizzy Caplan.

The song "Rill, Rill" was used in the closing credits to the 2012 skate video Pretty Sweet.[50]

In September 2013 the song "Rill, Rill" was used in Apple's iPhone 5C ad.[51]

In 2009 the song "Riot Rhythm" was used in a popular PC game Saints Row: The Third

The Song "Born to Lose" was mentioned in Uncanny X-Force #3

The song "Tell 'Em" was featured in X-games commercial and Saturday Night College Football

Members

  • Derek E. Miller – guitar, production (2008–present)
  • Alexis Krauss – vocals (2008–present)
Touring members

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[54]		 AUS
[55]		 CAN
[56]		 IRE
[57]		 UK
[58]
Treats 39 — — — —
Reign of Terror
  • Released: February 21, 2012
  • Label: Mom + Pop Music
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 12 33 35 64 48
Bitter Rivals
  • Released: October 8, 2013
  • Label: Mom + Pop Music
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 49 — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

Title Album details
Sleigh Bells
  • Released: December 6, 2009
  • Label: Self-released

Singles

Title Year Album
"Tell 'Em" 2010 Treats
"Infinity Guitars"
"Riot Rhythm" 2011
"Comeback Kid" 2012 Reign of Terror
"Bitter Rivals" 2013 Bitter Rivals

Music videos

Title Year Director(s)
"Infinity Guitars" 2010 Phil Pinto[59]
"Riot Rhythm" Bo Mirosseni[60]
"Rill Rill" 2011 Jon Watts[61]
"Comeback Kid" 2012 Derek Miller and Gregory Kohn[62][63][64]
"Demons"
"End of the Line"
"Bitter Rivals" 2013 Sleigh Bells[24]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wilhelm, Alex (March 16, 2010). "Sleigh Bells sign to N.E.E.T. and Mom + Pop". Crazed Hits. Retrieved May 16, 2010. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Marchese, David (March–April 2012). "Bringin' on the Heartbreak". Spin: 54–61, 108. ISSN 0886-3032. Retrieved March 29, 2012. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Ryzik, Melena (February 14, 2012). "Enjoying the Sweet Pains of Success". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). Retrieved March 29, 2012. 
  4. ↑ Dombal, Ryan (July 12, 2010). "Interviews: Sleigh Bells". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved July 22, 2010. 
  5. ↑ Dombal, Ryan (October 24, 2009). "CMJ: Friday [The xx, Sleigh Bells]". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved May 16, 2010. 
  6. ↑ Singh, Amrit (October 22, 2009). "Band To Watch: Sleigh Bells". Stereogum. Retrieved October 22, 2010. 
  7. ↑ Lester, Paul (December 1, 2009). "New band of the day – No 680: Sleigh Bells". The Guardian. guardian.co.uk. Retrieved October 22, 2010. 
  8. ↑ "The Top 100 Tracks of 2009". Pitchfork Media. December 14, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2010. 
  9. ↑ Saba, Michael (April 29, 2010). "Listen to Sleigh Bells' First Single "Tell 'Em"". Paste. Retrieved April 30, 2010. 
  10. ↑ "Sleigh Bells reveal debut album's tracklist". Fact. The Vinyl Factory. April 29, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2010. 
  11. ↑ Martens, Todd (March 31, 2010). "Coachella, beyond the main stage: Sleigh Bells can ring a racket". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved April 1, 2010. 
  12. ↑ "Ola's Kool Kitchen Sleigh Bells live set Primavera 2010". Internet Archive. Retrieved 2012-11-23. 
  13. ↑ Helton, Eric; Murphy, Matthew (May 13, 2011). "Sleigh Bells: Reveal details of their next album". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved May 14, 2011. 
  14. ↑ "Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror". Reignofterror.tv. Retrieved 2012-11-23. 
  15. ↑ Montgomery, James (December 2, 2011). "Sleigh Bells To Return With Reign Of Terror". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  16. ↑ Montgomery, James (December 8, 2011). "Sleigh Bells' Reign Of Terror Drops On Valentine's Day". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  17. ↑ Graves, Shahlin (February 24, 2012). "Interview: SLEIGH BELLS' ALEXIS KRAUSS on 'Reign Of Terror'.". Coup De Main. Retrieved March 5, 2012. 
  18. ↑ Pelly, Jenn (January 3, 2012). "New Sleigh Bells Album Pushed Back". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved January 7, 2012. 
  19. ↑ Corban (December 7, 2011). "Sleigh Bells Announce Tour, Reign Of Terror Tracklist". Stereogum. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  20. ↑ "Nymn". Nymn.com. October 8, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2012. 
  21. ↑ Carlick, Stephen (April 11, 2012). "Alexis Krauss Speaks Up About Sleigh Bells' Longevity and Their Third Album". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 8, 2012. 
  22. ↑ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (May 4, 2012). "Sleigh Bells Bring the Noise on Spring Tour". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved May 15, 2012. 
  23. ↑ Hogan, Marc (November 1, 2012). "Sleigh Bells Plan Cleaner, More Melodic Album for 2013". Spin. Buzz Media. Retrieved November 2, 2012. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Battan, Carrie; Minsker, Evan; Phillips, Amy (September 2, 2013). "Sleigh Bells Announce New Album 'Bitter Rivals,' Share Title Track, Plot Tour". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 3, 2013. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Leahey, Andrew. "Sleigh Bells". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 23, 2012. 
  26. ↑ "My Favorite Things: Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells". Spin. March 30, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  27. ↑ Wright, Matthew (March 26, 2012). "Q&A: Sleigh Bells’ Alexis Krauss on ‘noise pop’ and David Lynch". National Post. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  28. ↑ "Sleigh Bells prep new album for 2013 release". Fact. Nov 1, 2012. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Schwaller, Zachary (October 30, 2012). "Sleigh Bells bring noise pop jingles to Madison". The Badger Herald. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  30. ↑ "Live In NYC " Sleigh Bells". MTV. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Michaels, Sean (January 26, 2011). "Beyoncé chimes with Sleigh Bells on new track". The Guardian. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  32. ↑ Weiss, Sam (August 16, 2012). "Sleigh Bells & AraabMuzik Announce Joint Tour". Complex. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  33. ↑ Lewis, Luke (May 13, 2010). "10 Tracks You Have To Hear This Week – Sleigh Bells, Beyonce, Everything Everything". NME. IPC Media. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  34. ↑ Chen, Roselle (April 5, 2012). "Sleigh Bells – Fox Theater Pomona – 4/4/12 (With Photos)". LA Weekly. Voice Media Group. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  35. ↑ "Wake N' Watch: Sleigh Bells "Infinity Guitars" Music Video". Complex. October 1, 2010. Retrieved October 2, 2013. 
  36. ↑ "Sleigh Bells teaser for new album, Reign of Terror". Heavy.com. Retrieved October 2, 2013. 
  37. ↑ Richardson, Mark (May 14, 2010). "Sleigh Bells - Treats". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  38. ↑ Wragg, Stephen (February 27, 2012). "Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror". No Ripcord. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  39. ↑ Nicholson, Rebecca (February 25, 2012). "Sleigh Bells: we're drawn to inclusive things like pop. And pizza". The Guardian. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  40. ↑ "Gossip Girl – Season 4 – Episode 404". The CW. Archived from the original on October 16, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2013. 
  41. ↑ Beard, Lanford (April 20, 2012). "TV Jukebox: 'Don't Trust the B-- in Apartment 23,' 'Magic City,' 'Girls,' and more music-on-TV moments". Entertainment Weekly. Time. Retrieved June 29, 2013. 
  42. ↑ "Girls: S1 Ep. 5 Hard Being Easy: Music". HBO. Retrieved June 29, 2013. 
  43. ↑ Voerding, Brian (May 6, 2011). "What's that Song From the Windows Phone 'What If' Commercial?". Spinner. Retrieved December 23, 2012. 
  44. ↑ "SONGS". Songspub.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  45. ↑ "SONGS". Songspub.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  46. ↑ "The Bling Ring Teaser Trailer - Emma Watson, Leslie Mann". YouTube. 2013-06-14. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  47. ↑ "The Good Wife Music - Season 3: "Marthas and Caitlins" - TuneFind". tunefind. Retrieved 31 October 2013. 
  48. ↑ "‘Premium Rush’ review — Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon - Movieline". Retrieved 6 April 2013. 
  49. ↑ "Trailer Tunes: 'The Bling Ring' and Sleigh Bells' 'Crown on the Ground' | Tribeca". Tribecafilm.com. 2013-03-21. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  50. ↑ "Girl/Chocolate - Pretty Sweet skate video soundtrack - Video by Ty Evans | Skatevideosite". Skatevideosite.com. Retrieved 2 October 2013. 
  51. ↑ "Apple Releases New iPhone 5c 'Plastic Perfected' Ad - MacRumors Forums". Forums.macrumors.com. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Jurgensen, John (October 3, 2013). "Creating a Mosh Pit for 15-Year-Old Girls". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company. Retrieved November 7, 2013. 
  53. ↑ Murphy, Tom (April 12, 2012). "Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells: "I just wanted it to sound like a gang of ferocious women."". Westword. Retrieved June 22, 2013. 
  54. ↑ "Sleigh Bells – Chart history: Billboard 200". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 12, 2012. 
  55. ↑ "Discography Sleigh Bells". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  56. ↑ "Top 100 Albums in Canada". Jam! Canoe.ca. February 29, 2012. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  57. ↑ "Discography Sleigh Bells". irish-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  58. ↑ "SLEIGH BELLS". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 12, 2012. 
  59. ↑ Gottlieb, Steven (September 21, 2010). "WATCH IT: Sleigh Bells "Infinity Guitars" (Phil Pinto, dir.)". VideoStatic. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  60. ↑ Schnipper, Matthew (November 12, 2010). "Video: Sleigh Bells, "Riot Rhythm"". The Fader. Retrieved December 23, 2012. 
  61. ↑ Fitzmaurice, Larry (January 27, 2011). "Video: Sleigh Bells: "Rill Rill"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved September 13, 2012. 
  62. ↑ Phillips, Amy (January 24, 2012). "Video: Sleigh Bells: "Comeback Kid"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved May 28, 2013. 
  63. ↑ Hogan, Marc (May 22, 2012). "Sleigh Bells Unleash Explosive Diplo Remix, 'Demons' Video". Spin. Buzz Media. Retrieved September 11, 2012. 
  64. ↑ Minsker, Evan (August 27, 2012). "Video: Sleigh Bells: "End of the Line"". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved September 12, 2012. 

External links

Sleigh Bells
  • Alexis Krauss
  • Derek Miller
Studio albums
EP
  • Sleigh Bells
Singles
Related
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