Sanatana

COURTS BIOGRAPHY

"Grooving funk feel, which makes them even more addictive." (Artrocker)

"Rhythmic funk blended with rap-esque lyrics contributing to a truly unique sound." (Mahogany Blog)

"This band make hip-hop bangers that you can't help but dance to." (This Kid Is A Problem)

"Courts make guitar music with a difference. It's heavily influenced by jazz and hip hop creating a sound that makes the use of the work 'funky' acceptable again." (BBC - T in the Park)

Courts are a five-piece band from Basildon, Essex made up of Chris Moody (vocals and guitar), Dan Baker (bass), Joe Choppen (drums), Luke Baker (guitar and keyboard) and Reece Baker (guitar). The band draw influences from a diverse spectrum of genres (funk, disco, hip-hop, jazz) and describe what they do as 'guitar-based funk & hip-hop influenced music'.

To date the band have self-released two EP's. The first, 'No Knowledge, No Heart' was released as a free download serving as an introduction to the band for the world. The EP was well received by blogs and tastemakers including Uche Uchendu- This Kid Is A Problem) Mahogany Blog and SoulCulture due to the bands "ability to fuse different genres and styles of instrumentation so effortlessly" (AAA Music). Local radio station BBC Essex also got behind the band and supported the EP, leading to a coveted slot at T in the Park and Tom Robinson at 6music requesting Courts to play a live session on his show.

The lead track 'Refresh' from sophomore release 'The Game Is Long' was premiered on key A&R blog TKIAP and received over 2000 downloads within four days. As a result, the bands Soundcloud had a flurry of hits leading to the EP recording 5000 plays in 2 days. Courts second offering highlighted the growth of the band and a real understanding of their ever-developing sound. The support across the BBC Radio network further increased with the band clocking plays from Huw Stephens, Tom Robinson and BBC Introducing. Amazing Radio's Chris Martin made the release his 'record of the week'.

Courts have cemented themselves as a group of musicians who've worked hard to find an individual sound, rather than imitating the cliche benchmarks, that so many arena fillers have set over the last decade. The live show is as equally an energetic and boundary crossing experience as the recorded music, having played for amazed music fans at festivals such as 'T in the Park', '1234 Shoreditch' and 'Brownstock', as well as venues 'BarFly', 'The Old Blue Last' and 'The Nest'.

With two releases under their belt, Courts continue to pave the way as an up and coming act to watch out for.