Band

Plaid

Mapped through Tuning influences; 12 albums in the Staimusic archive.

Plaid
Biography

Plaid: history and sound

Plaid is a British electronic music duo from London, composed of Andy Turner and Ed Handley. They were founding members of The Black Dog and used many other names, such as Atypic (Andy Turner) and Balil (Ed Handley), before settling on Plaid.
From Underground to the Mainstream: The Musical Biography of Plaid
Plaid, consisting of Ed Handley and Andy Turner, is a British electronic music duo that has been in the music industry for more than 25 years. Created in the early 1990s, Plaid started with Handley and Turner as part of The Black Dog, a trio that broke away when Plaid decided to produce their distinct sound in electronic music.
Plaid has always been known for their unique mix of electronic rhythms and analogue melodies. They have seamlessly blended experimental and traditional in their music, creating tracks with infectious beats and unique soundscapes that have earned them a dedicated and loyal fan base. Plaid's sound stretches into various genres such as techno, IDM, and ambient music.
One of their most beloved tracks is Eyen, which was released on their album Not For Threes in 1997. The song highlights their ability to blend different electronic genres into one cohesive piece. The song creates a unique ambiance that is haunting, yet captivating. The vocal samples, paired with varying rhythms and sound effects, make the track a masterpiece. Additionally, their song Rakimou is a perfect example of their musical blend of genres. Many critics view it as one of their best tracks due to its complex yet danceable rhythm.
Plaid has been successful in presenting a diverse range of sounds in their live performances. Their live shows are an experience that is both emotional and thought-provoking. Despite the primarily electronic nature of their music, Plaid also uses live instruments such as guitar, bass, and percussion which is displayed in their performance of Tether, a song from their album Spokes. Their shows also include captivating visuals that elevate the music and create an unforgettable immersive experience.
Plaid's most renowned performance was in 2014 at the Barbican Centre in London. They collaborated with the London Sinfonietta Orchestra and performed a live rendition of their album Reachy Prints. It demonstrated their ability to bring together complex arrangements and diverse instruments in one exquisite performance. It was very well received, solidifying their reputation as one of the most fascinating electronic music artists.
In conclusion, Plaid has evolved from their underground roots to the mainstream, becoming a sought-after group for their unique sound and incorporation of various instruments and genres within their music. Their works have been renowned for being whimsical, hypnotic, and undeniably beautiful. Plaid has contributed significantly to the electronic music genre, and their legacy is set to continue in the foreseeable future. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering their sound for the first time, Plaid’s catalog of music is worth checking out. Their unique sound creates an unmissable listening experience that leaves a long-lasting impression on all those who hear it.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Dancers
Plaid Dancers
Wen
Plaid Wen
Seph
Plaid Seph
Myopia
Plaid Myopia
Ladyburst
Plaid Ladyburst
Marry
Plaid Marry
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides