Jungle (band)

Jungle was formed in 2013 in London by childhood friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, who had previously collaborated under the name 'Born Blondes'.¹ They initially released music anonymously, with a series of cryptic videos and tracks on SoundCloud that generated buzz without revealing their identities. Their debut single 'The Heat' was released in December 2013, followed by 'Busy Earnin'' in early 2014, both of which received heavy airplay on BBC Radio 1 and international attention.

Their self-titled debut album, Jungle, was released in July 2014 on XL Recordings. It was recorded in a small studio in West London and featured contributions from a rotating cast of vocalists and musicians, including the distinctive voice of Georgia Ellery.² The album was praised for its nostalgic yet fresh sound, drawing comparisons to the soul and funk of the 1970s. It was shortlisted for the 2014 Mercury Prize and reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart. The music videos for 'Busy Earnin'' and 'Time' became viral hits, known for their choreographed dance routines.

Jungle's second album, For Ever (2018), marked a shift toward a more polished and introspective sound, with themes of love and loss. It debuted at number 10 in the UK. Their third album, Loving in Stereo (2021), embraced a more upbeat, disco-influenced direction, featuring collaborations with artists like Bas and Roots Manuva. In 2023, they released Volcano, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album, cementing their status as a leading act in modern electronic soul.

Jungle are known for their dynamic live shows, which feature a full band and a rotating cast of vocalists and dancers. Their performances often include synchronized choreography, reflecting the visual style of their music videos. They have headlined major festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella. The band's visual identity is closely tied to their music videos, which are directed by Lloyd-Watson and McFarland under the pseudonym 'Jungle'. Their videos often feature amateur dancers and everyday people, giving a sense of community and authenticity.

Beyond their mainstream success, Jungle have a number of lesser-known facets. They have a side project called 'The Last Artful, Dodgr'? Actually, that is a separate artist. Instead, note that they have collaborated with the London Contemporary Orchestra for a special performance. They also have a strong presence on social media, where they often share behind-the-scenes content and fan interactions. In 2020, they released a series of remixes of their tracks by artists like Kaytranada and Disclosure. Additionally, their song 'Heavy, California' was featured in the video game FIFA 19, expanding their reach to a gaming audience.³

Mercury Prize

Annual music prize awarded for the best album from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

XL Recordings

British independent record label known for artists like Radiohead and The Prodigy.

Disco

A genre of dance music that peaked in popularity in the 1970s, characterized by four-on-the-floor beats and orchestral arrangements.