London Grammar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids London Grammar
London Grammar performing at New Holland Island in Saint Petersburg in July 2017
Background information
Origin	Nottingham, England
Genres	Indie pop dream pop trip hop electronica art rock art pop
Years active	2009–present
Labels	Metal & Dust Ministry of Sound Columbia Dew Process
Members	Hannah Reid Dominic "Dot" Major Dan Rothman

London Grammar is an English indie pop band. They formed in Nottingham, England, in 2009. The band has three members: Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman, and Dominic “Dot” Major.

Their first collection of songs, called Metal & Dust, came out in February 2013. A few months later, their first album, If You Wait, was released. This album became very popular. It reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It also sold enough copies to be certified Double Platinum.

The band's second album, Truth Is a Beautiful Thing, was released in June 2017. This album went straight to number 1 in the UK. Their most recent album, Californian Soil, came out on April 16, 2021. It was their second album in a row to reach number 1 in the United Kingdom.

History

Early Career (2009–2012)

Hannah Reid (singer) and Dan Rothman (guitarist) are both from London. They met in 2009 at the University of Nottingham. Dan saw Hannah playing guitar and asked her to make music together.

About a year later, Dominic “Dot” Major joined them. He plays keyboard, djembe, and drums. He started playing music with Dan. They picked the name "London Grammar" because it showed where they were from. They also felt London was a very international city.

After finishing their studies in 2010, the band moved to London. They wanted to focus on music. They started playing small shows in local bars. This helped them practice their songs. Soon, different music companies noticed them.

They signed with Ministry of Sound. In 2012, they put their song "Hey Now" on YouTube. It quickly became very popular.

First Album Success (2013–2016)

Their first collection of songs, Metal & Dust, was released in February 2013. It reached the top five on the iTunes chart in Australia. Many radio stations started playing their music.

In June 2013, they released the song "Wasting My Young Years". It reached number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. London Grammar also worked with the band Disclosure on their song "Help Me Lose My Mind".

The band played at 10 music festivals in Europe during the summer of 2013. In September 2013, their song "Strong" was released. It reached number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. This song was later used in the American TV show Reckless.

On September 9, 2013, their first album, If You Wait, came out. It reached number 2 in the UK and Australia. It also did well in France, Ireland, and New Zealand.

In January 2014, London Grammar performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. This was their first time playing on American TV. Their songs "Strong," "Hey Now," and "Wasting My Young Years" were very popular in Australia.

In April 2014, If You Wait was one of the top-selling albums in the UK. London Grammar won an Ivor Novello Award for "Strong." They also won two awards at the AIM Independent Music Awards. These awards were for "Independent Breakthrough of the Year" and "Most Played New Independent Act."

In September 2014, the fashion company Dior used "Hey Now" in an advertisement.

Second Album (2017–2019)

On January 1, 2017, London Grammar released a new song called "Rooting for You". This was their first new music since 2013. A month later, they shared another song, "Big Picture." They also performed it on Later with Jools Holland.

Their second album, Truth Is a Beautiful Thing, was released on June 9, 2017. It was recorded with producers Paul Epworth and Greg Kurstin. This album reached number 1 in the UK.

Later in 2017, their cover of "Wicked Game" was used in the trailer for the BBC show Peaky Blinders. In June 2019, London Grammar was featured on the song "Let You Know" by Australian musician Flume.

Third Album (2020–2023)

On August 19, 2020, London Grammar released "Baby It's You". This was their first new song since 2017. Then, on October 1, they released "Californian Soil."

Their third album, also called Californian Soil, came out on April 16, 2021. The song "America" was one of the first songs written for this album. It is about letting go of the past. The band also did a live performance on YouTube when the album launched. London Grammar was nominated for "Best Group" at the Brit Awards in 2022.

New Music (2024–present)

On March 19, 2024, London Grammar hinted about their fourth album on Instagram. Hannah Reid, the lead singer, confirmed it the next day. She posted about "album 4 era" on her personal Instagram.

On April 5, 2024, they released the first song from the new album, called "House." They also announced that their fourth album, "The Greatest Love," would be released later in 2024.

Musical Style

London Grammar's music is often described as a mix of calm, dreamy, and classic sounds. It features sad-sounding guitar, powerful singing, and thoughtful lyrics. Their music also has influences from trip-hop and dance music.

Hannah Reid's strong and memorable voice is a key part of their sound. People often compare her voice to singers like Judie Tzuke and Florence Welch.

The band works together to create their songs. Hannah Reid writes the lyrics and main melodies. Dot Major creates piano parts or other musical scores. Dan Rothman then adds guitar parts. Hannah describes their songs as "emotionally affected." She writes about people who come and go in her life.

Discography

Studio albums

• If You Wait (2013)
• Truth Is a Beautiful Thing (2017)
• Californian Soil (2021)
• The Greatest Love (2024)

Awards and nominations

See also

In Spanish: London Grammar para niños