The Vamps (British band)

The Vamps

The Vamps performing at the O2 Arena in London during their Wake Up World Tour, in April 2016.
(L-R: James McVey, Tristan Evans, Connor Ball and Brad Simpson)
Background information
Origin England, United Kingdom
Genres Pop rock, pop[1]
Years active 2012–present
Labels
Website thevamps.net
Members
  • Connor Ball
  • Tristan Evans
  • James McVey
  • Brad Simpson

The Vamps are a British pop rock band consisting of Brad Simpson (lead vocals and guitar), James McVey (lead guitar and vocals), Connor Ball (bass guitar and vocals) and Tristan Evans (drums and vocals).[2] They first gained fame in late 2012 with cover songs uploaded to YouTube, leading to comparisons with One Direction and being labelled as a boy band.[3][4] They were signed to Mercury Records in November 2012.[5] They supported McFly on their Memory Lane Tour in early 2013, and also performed at festivals around the UK as support acts for artists such as Demi Lovato, The Wanted, JLS, Little Mix and Lawson.[6][7]

On 29 September 2013, the Vamps released their debut single "Can We Dance", which debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart.[8] Their second single "Wild Heart" was released on 18 January 2014 and peaked at number three. Their third single "Last Night" was released on UK radio on 24 February 2014 and digital download on 6 April 2014. Their debut album Meet the Vamps was released on 14 April 2014.[9] In February 2014, the Vamps released "Wild Heart" as their debut single in the US and Canada.

The Vamps have launched their own record label Steady Records and they are working in partnership with EMI/Universal on the offshoot, and the first act signed was the American band The Tide.[10] The Vamps released their second studio album Wake Up on 27 November 2015. The lead single from the album, "Wake Up", was released on 2 October 2015.

History

2011–12: Formation

James McVey was already managed by Richard Rashman and Joe O'Neill of Prestige Management. Deciding he wanted to form a band, McVey subsequently discovered Bradley Simpson in 2011 through YouTube.[2] Together, the pair wrote songs towards the later months of 2011, with Simpson later becoming lead singer.[2] In 2012, Simpson and McVey met Tristan Evans through Facebook. The trio then met Connor Ball via a mutual friend.[2][11] In mid-2012, the band started uploading cover songs to their YouTube channel. By October they were being described as a new boy band, with special attention given to their YouTube performance of One Direction's song "Live While We're Young".[3] Strong fan support helped bring them wide notice.[4]

2013–14: Meet the Vamps, Somebody to You and breakthrough

On 22 July 2013, the band uploaded their first original song, "Wildheart" (later re-titled "Wild Heart"), onto their YouTube account; the video received over 46,000 views within the first two days.[12][13] On 6 August 2013, they released the music video for their debut single "Can We Dance", which received over 1 million views within two weeks.[14] "Can We Dance" was released on 29 September 2013 and debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart on 6 October 2013; beaten to number one by OneRepublic's "Counting Stars",[8] which sold 1,250 copies more.[15] On 19 November 2013 the band announced they would release their debut album around Easter.[16] On 22 November 2013, the Vamps announced that their second single would be "Wild Heart".[17] The song received its first airplay three days later[18] and was released on 19 January 2014, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart the following week.

On 13 March 2014, the Vamps announced that their debut album would be released on 14 April 2014. On 22 March, it was revealed the album would be titled Meet the Vamps.[9] On 6 April, they released "Last Night" as the third single from the album. It debuted at number two in the UK. On 17 April, Meet the Vamps debuted at number two on the Irish Albums Chart, kept off the top spot by Paolo Nutini's Caustic Love. The same album beat the Vamps to number one on the UK Albums Chart.

In May 2014, it was announced that the Vamps would be making a cameo appearance in soap opera, Hollyoaks on 14 May 2014.[19] Hollyoaks released a teaser clip about the Vamps' appearance on YouTube. They were seen getting a picture with Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) as she goes to their concert with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey).[19][20]

On 18 May 2014, a new version of "Somebody to You" featuring American singer Demi Lovato was released as the fourth single from Meet the Vamps as well as their debut single in the United States followed by an EP of the same title in August 2014. The collaboration also served as the lead single from the US version of the Vamps' debut album. Its accompanying music video has since accumulated over 108 million views on YouTube.[21]

On 12 October 2014, The Vamps released "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)" as the fifth and last single from their album, in a new version fearuring canadian singer Shawn Mendes. It debuted and peaked at 9 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming their fifth consecutive top 10 single. It was released with the b-side track "Hurricane", from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day soundtrack.[22] The music videos for both tracks were released one month earlier.

On 4 November 2014, Meet the Vamps was officially released in North America[23] and on 1 December 2014, the album was re-released as Meet the Vamps (Christmas Edition) including 8 Christmas bonus tracks and the single version of "Somebody to You", being available worldwide apart from the United States and Mexico.[24]

2015-2016: Steady Records and Wake Up

In February 2015, The Vamps announced they had launched their own record label along with Universal Music and EMI Records, having signed the American pop rock band The Tide as their first act, but the label didn't have a name yet.[25] Only in October it was revealed it would be called Steady Records.[26]

On 15 September 2015, the band announced their new single "Wake Up"[27], released on 2 October 2015, their second studio album "Wake Up"[27], which was released on 27 November 2015, fanfests in Europe to promote the album [28] and a world tour called Wake Up World Tour[29] which started in January 2016. The song debuted and peaked at number 12 in the UK Singles Chart and the album debuted at 10 in the UK Albums Chart, selling over 27 thousand copies in the country in its first week. The second single of the album, "Rest Your Love", was released in the same day as the album but didn't chart.[30][31]

In December 2015, The Vamps announced they had signed the British band New Hope Club and that they would be one of the opening acts in the UK leg of their Wake Up World Tour.[32]

On 1 April 2016, I Found a Girl was released as the third and last single of the album, in a new version featuring Jamaican rapper Omi. The song debuted at number 30 in the UK Singles Chart.[33]

In January 2016 The Vamps released their version of "Kung Fu Fighting" for the animated film Kung Fu Panda 3, which was accompanied by a music video. On 16 August 2016, The Vamps were featured on Vishal Dadlani & Shekhar Ravjiani song "Beliya" a Bollywood-pop song.[34][35]

2016-present: The Vamps: Our Story 100% Official, All Night and Night & Day

On 7 October 2016, The Vamps announced in a livestream via Facebook that the first single of their third studio album, both with no names revealed at the time, would be released in 14 October 2016, with a exclusive release on Capital FM on the previous day.[36] In the same day, hints of the name and lyrics of the single started being posted on the band's social medias and Spotify, following the same style as the hits for "Wake Up" single and album in September 2015. It was also announced that the album would be out in Summer 2017. On 12 October 2016, the band announced via livestream that the single would be called "All Night" and would be a collaboration with Norwegian DJ Matoma.[37] The song peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Charts, number 6 on IRMA, number 13 on VG-Lista, number 12 on RMNZ and guaranteed their first entry on Canadian Hot 100, peaking at number 72. It became the most charted and certified single of the band and their most streamed song on Spotify.

On 20 October 2016, The Vamps released their autobiography, called The Vamps: Our Story 100% Official, which had been announced months earlier.[38]

"Middle of the Night", a collaboration with Danish DJ Martin Jensen was announced as the second single of the album on 21 April 2017 and was released on 28 April 2017,[39] the same day their Middle of the Night Tour started. During the first show of the tour, it was announced that the name of their third album is Night & Day and will be released in two parts. The first one, Night Edition, will be released on 14 July 2017[40] and the second one, Day Edition, in December 2017. On 3 May 2017, a video explaining more about the album was uploaded on their social media.[41] On 19 May 2017, Swedish DJ Mike Perry released "Hands", a collaboration between himself, The Vamps and American singer Sabrina Carpenter that will be included on the album.[42]

Style

The group have been compared to One Direction and labelled a boy band since their first fame in late 2012,[3][4] a label which continued to be applied in 2014.[43][44] The band disagree with the stereotyping, pointing to the fact that they formed by themselves—they are not the product of a record producer—and they play their own instruments.[45][46]

Members

Bradley Will "Brad" Simpson (born 28 July 1995)[47] is from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, England. He sings lead vocals and plays guitar. Simpson met James McVey via YouTube in 2012 (McVey's profile says 2011) and began working on their debut album soon after.[48]

James Daniel McVey (born 30 April 1994)[47] is from Bournemouth, Dorset, England. He is the lead guitarist and sings backing vocals. McVey met Brad Simpson via YouTube in 2011 (Simpson's profile says 2012) and began working on their debut album soon after.[48]

Connor Samuel John Ball (née Stephen, born 15 March 1996 in Aberdeen, Scotland)[49][47] is from Hatton, Warwickshire, England. He plays bass guitar and sings backing vocals. He was the last to join the band.[2]

Tristan Oliver Vance Evans (born 15 August 1994)[47] is from Exeter, Devon, England. He plays drums and sings backing vocals. Evans also acts as a producer for the band, particularly with their covers.[2]

Discography

Awards and nominations

Award Year Category Work Result
4Music Video Honours 2013 Your Best Breakthrough The Vamps Won
The Hot Hits Awards Favourite New Artist
Best Group
BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards 2014 Friday Download's Best Breakthrough Award
Best British Group
Best British Single "Last Night"
Melty Future Awards Prix Spécial International The Vamps
UK Favourite Breakthrough
Radio Disney Music Awards The Freshest-Best New Artist Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Love Song "Somebody to You" (featuring Demi Lovato)
Breakout Group The Vamps
World Music Awards World's Best Song "Can We Dance"
"Wild Heart"
World's Best Video "Can We Dance"
"Wild Heart"
World's Best Album Meet the Vamps
World's Best Group The Vamps
World's Best Live Act
Scottish Awards 2015 Scottish Fashion Icon of the Year Connor Ball Won
BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards 2016 Best British Group The Vamps Won
Teen Choice Awards 2016 Choice Song Group "Wake Up" Nominated
Teen Choice Awards 2017 Choice Music Group The Vamps TBA

Tours

The Vamps supported McFly on their Memory Lane Tour in April and May 2013, and Selena Gomez at London's Hammersmith Apollo on 7 and 8 September 2013.[6][50] In October, it was announced that The Vamps would support Taylor Swift on the London leg of her Red Tour in February 2014,[51] and The Wanted on the UK and Ireland leg of their Word of Mouth World Tour from 14 March to 1 April.[52] On 12 February 2014, the band announced that they will be headlining their own UK tour in September and October 2014.[53]

Headlining

Supporting

References

  1. ↑ "The Vamps: Wake Up review". The Guardian.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Vincent, Alice (4 September 2013). "The Vamps - New Music". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Meet the Vamps, the UK's New Upcoming Boy Band". Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 "The Vamps meet social superfans who are propelling them to the top". Daily Mail.
  5. ↑ "The Vamps Fansite - Big Announcement". The Vamps Fansite. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  6. 1 2 White, Claire (5 March 2013). "The Vamps to support McFly headline UK 2013 tour". Love Music; Love Life. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  7. ↑ "Metro Radio Live with Little Mix, James Arthur and The Vamps". Sky. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  8. 1 2 Lloyd, James (7 October 2013). "Former Stratford busker shoots to number two in the UK singles chart". Stratford Herald. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  9. 1 2 Lamont, Martin (14 March 2014). "The Vamps talk about their debut album and FINALLY confirm its release date". Unreality TV. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  10. ↑ "The Vamps Have Launched Their Own Record Label – And Already Signed Up A Boyband!".
  11. ↑ Dix, Samuel (26 September 2013). "'We don't mind being chased by girls!' Sutton Coldfield singer of new boy band The Vamps". Birmingham Mail. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  12. ↑ "The Vamps Live Music Video - Wildheart (Original Song)". YouTube. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  13. ↑ Dix, James (29 January 2014). "Introducing – The Vamps". Vada Magazine. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "The Vamps - Can We Dance (Official Video)". YouTube. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  15. ↑ "OneRepublic beat The Vamps to UK number one after heated chart battle". clickmusic.com. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  16. ↑ Wood, Lucy (19 November 2013). "The Vamps tease exciting debut album news: 'We're releasing it around Easter’". sugarscape.com. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  17. ↑ McGrath, Rachel (22 November 2013). "Watch Out One Direction! The Vamps Announce 'Wild Heart' As Second Single". EntertainmentWise. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  18. ↑ "The Vamps Fans Hail New Song 'Wild Heart' As "Incredible" After Capital First Play - Listen". Capital FM. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  19. 1 2 Blay, Zeba (7 May 2014). "The Vamps to make Hollyoaks cameo". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  20. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (7 May 2014). "Hollyoaks: Sienna Blake plans Peri kidnap? - spoiler pictures". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  21. ↑ TheVampsVEVO (June 9, 2014). "The Vamps - Somebody To You ft. Demi Lovato". YouTube. Google Inc. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
  22. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) - Single by The Vamps". Apple iTunes UK.
  23. ↑ "Meet The Vamps (Deluxe) by The Vamps". iTunes. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  24. ↑ "Meet The Vamps (Christmas Edition) by The Vamps". iTunes. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  25. ↑ "The Vamps Have Launched Their Own Record Label – And Already Signed Up A Boyband!". Capital FM. Retrieved 27 February 2015.
  26. ↑ "The Vamps interview: "This album is completely different"". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  27. 1 2 "The Vamps announce new single and album Wake Up". Official Charts. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  28. ↑ "Fanfests - The Vamps". The Vamps Website. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  29. ↑ "Wake Up World Tour". The Vamps Website. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
  30. ↑ "The Vamps announces new single 'Rest Your Love' out this friday". Get Music Asia. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  31. ↑ "We can now announce that REST YOUR LOVE is our next single and video will be out the same day as the album👨👨👨". Twitter. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  32. ↑ "The Vamps have signed new band 'New Hope Club' to their record label". Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  33. ↑ "I Found A Girl (feat. Omi) - Single by The Vamps". iTunes UK. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  34. ↑ "It's called Beliya: Vishal-Shekhar to collaborate with British band The Vamps | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". 2016-08-09. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  35. ↑ "Beliya song: Vishal Shekhar team up with The Vamps for a song that you would listen on loop!". Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  36. ↑ "Meet The VampsVamps and hear the BRAND NEW single first". Capital FM. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  37. ↑ "The Vamps announce their new single is a collaboration with Matoma". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  38. ↑ "The Vamps: Our Story: 100% Official". Amazon. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  39. ↑ "The Vamps announce Middle Of The Night". CelebMix. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  40. ↑ "3rd album, "Night and Day" out 14th July". Twitter. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  41. ↑ "Night & Day - Pre Order from Friday". Twitter. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  42. ↑ "Hands - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  43. ↑ "Taylor Swift Invites U.K. Boy Band The Vamps to Her Home for Dinner and Private Concert". E! Online. 7 April 2014.
  44. ↑ Alicia Adejobi. "The Vamps Talk Boy Band Competition, Debut Album 'Meet The Vamps & Writing With McFly". EntertainmentWise.
  45. ↑ "The Vamps: "We’re Not Your Typical Boy Band!"". Tiger Beat. 2014-08-22. Retrieved 2015-11-27.
  46. ↑ Dawson, Amy. "The Vamps: Being compared to One Direction is no bad thing". Metro.
  47. 1 2 3 4 "What are The Vamps' birthdays?". Maximum Pop!. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  48. 1 2 London Newsdesk (24 January 2014). "The Vamps' Brad: 'I've been writing our debut album with James McVey for a couple of years'". Press Party. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  49. ↑ Scotland, Statutory Registers of Births
  50. ↑ Smith, Carl (17 September 2013). "The Vamps talk taking a bath with Selena Gomez: 'It was amazing'". sugarscape.com. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  51. ↑ Warwick, Charlotte (7 October 2013). "The Vamps announce they will support Taylor Swift on the UK leg of her Red tour". sugarscape.com. Retrieved 10 January 2014.
  52. ↑ "The Vamps don't support The Wanted On 2014 UK Arena Tour". Capital FM. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
  53. ↑ McGeorge, Alistair (12 February 2014). "The Vamps announce first ever UK headline tour for late 2014 - watch out Union J". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
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