Clean Bandit

By Catherine May

Clean Bandit is a British pop electronic group founded

in Cambridge, England in 2009.

The group consists of Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson,

Grace Chatto, Milan Neil Amin-Smith.

Clean Bandit produces all of their own music and invite

guest artists to appear on their songs.

Initially, many record labels refused to sign them up as

they thought they were a "joke band.“

Band members Jack Patterson, Grace Chatto, and

Milan Neil Amin-Smith met while studying as

undergraduates at Jesus College, University of

Cambridge.

Clean Bandit as a name comes from the literal

meaning for the Russian translation of Total

Swine/Bastard.

When Jack and Grace were living in Moscow they're

landlady used to refer to a friend of theirs as a Clean

Bandit, though she meant it affectionately.

The name stuck and they decide to take it as a band

name.

Their 2013 single "Mozart's House", released

on Black Butter Records, reached number 17 on

the UK Singles Chart.

In January 2014, they had their first single that

topped the UK charts: "Rather Be", featuring

elements of classical music along with a dance

music beat.

The song remained at the top of the chart for four

weeks.

In 2014, they achieved their first US Top 20 single

with Rather Be reaching number 12 on

the Billboard Hot 100.

On 14 April 2014, the band appeared on the

BBC's Later... with Jools Holland.

In May 2014, they also announced a 14 date

headline tour of the UK.

In September 2014 they performed with the BBC

Philharmonic Orchestra at MediaCityUK.

In Clean Bandits earlier days, in order to get an

opportunity to play live they created their own club

night called National Rail Disco.

During this, they would play and DJ at the event and

would book lots DJs including James Blake.