Bastille

The British band named itself after the national holiday on July 14th, which all of France celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. It also happens to be singer and bandleader Dan Smith's birthday, hence the name. The band formed around 2010, although Dan Smith initially intended it as a solo project. Bastille eventually evolved into a quartet, featuring keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood. Bastille initially made a name for themselves through singles—both physical and digital. The band also performed extensively, earning the quartet early invitations to respected festivals like Glastonbury, Refest, the Isle of Wight, and Reading.

In 2013, their debut album, "Bad Blood," was released, featuring the UK top 10 single "Pompeii." It was nominated for Best British Album of the Year at the 2014 BRIT Awards. Their accessible blend of pop and rock, combined with Dan Smith's clear vocals, was enthusiastically received by both the press and the public. Bastille's sound drew comparisons with Coldplay, A-ha, Tears for Fears, Arcade Fire, and Ed Sheeran, among others. Bastille further developed their sound on subsequent albums: "Wild World" (2016), "Doom Days" (2019), and "Doom Days."  Give Me The Future (2022) – a powerful album in which the band reflects on the COVID-19 crisis and its profound consequences for humanity. It is followed in 2024 by the equally successful "&".

Bastille owes its international success in part to its numerous appearances on talk shows around the world. The quartet's songs have also proven to be a favorite with game, film, and TV show creators. They can be heard in TV series like Hollyoaks, Made In Chelsea, Tick, and How To Get Away With Murder. Bastille's songs can be found on the soundtracks of Drive, Kill Your Friends, and All My Life, among others. Their breakthrough hit "Pompeii" can be heard in the racing game DiRT 4. The band's songs are even regularly used in major advertising campaigns. Bastille's music consistently proves to have boundless appeal.