Band

Saint Etienne

Mapped through Chillout, Dance pop influences; 11 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Saint Etienne
Biography

Saint Etienne: history and sound

Saint Etienne are an English indie dance-indie pop band from London, formed in 1990. The band consists of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs.
The Best of a British Pop Group: Saint Etienne
When we talk about British pop groups, we often think of legends like The Beatles, Queen, or Oasis. But today, we're going to talk about a group that may not be as well-known but has gained a loyal following and a distinct place in the world of pop music. We're talking about Saint Etienne. This British pop group was formed in 1990, and they've been making fantastic music ever since. In this post, we'll dive into their musical biography, the music genre they've mastered, some of their best songs, famous concerts, and critics.
Saint Etienne's music is a mix of indie pop, dance-pop, and synth-pop, and it's characterized by dreamy melodies, catchy choruses, and the use of samples. The group comprises of Sarah Cracknell as vocalist, Bob Stanley, and Pete Wiggs as songwriters. Their first album, Foxbase Alpha, was released in 1991 and is considered a masterpiece of the genre. It features samples from pop culture classics like the The Monkees, The Young Ones, and Man About The House.
One of the most famous Saint Etienne songs is Only Love Can Break Your Heart, a cover of the Neil Young classic. The song was released as a single and made it into the UK top ten, establishing the group's presence in the music scene. He's on the Phone, Hobart Paving, and Sylvie are other Saint Etienne classics that showcase the group's distinctive sound, combining 1960s dream-pop with electronic beats.
Saint Etienne's music is often associated with the chillout or lounge genre, music that's soothing and relaxing, yet undeniably catchy. The song Avenue, from their fourth album Good Humor, is a prime example of this. The song features the group's signature dream-pop style and combines it with jazzy elements and horns, creating a seductive atmosphere that transports us back to the golden age of 1960s pop.
Saint Etienne has been touring extensively for years, and they've played some remarkable concerts worldwide. Their performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2002 is regarded as one of the group's best. They played an exciting set full of hits like Join Our Club, You're In A Bad Way, and He's On The Phone.
Critics have praised Saint Etienne for their unique sound and impeccable taste in pop culture. They've been compared to legendary British groups like The Kinks and The Pet Shop Boys. In a review of their latest album I've Been Trying to Tell You, The Guardian's Alexis Petridis wrote: It's an album that manages to be evocative and inventive, pulling out all manner of textures and sounds, yet still, feel blissfully light.
Saint Etienne is a group that has rightfully earned a place in the pop music pantheon. Their music is a testimony to the enduring appeal of melodic, catchy pop, and the importance of honoring and reinterpreting the classics. If you're a music lover and haven't yet discovered the world of Saint Etienne, now is the perfect time to dive in and discover the dreamy soundscapes that this group has been creating for over 30 years.
Saint Etienne is a group that has rightfully earned a place in the pop music pantheon. Their music is a testimony to the enduring appeal of melodic, catchy pop, and the importance of honoring and reinterpreting the classics. If you're a music lover and haven't yet discovered the world of Saint Etienne, now is the perfect time to dive in and discover the dreamy soundscapes that this group has been creating for over 30 years.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Brand New Me
Saint Etienne Brand New Me
Only Love Can Break Your Heart (masters At Work Mix)
Saint Etienne Only Love Can Break Your Heart (masters At Work Mix)
Wood Cabin
Saint Etienne Wood Cabin
Been So Long
Saint Etienne Been So Long
Split Screen
Saint Etienne Split Screen
Pond House
Saint Etienne Pond House
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides

Future plans

Saint Etienne: next events

St Peter's Church, Parkstone Bournemouth, UK Buy the ticket!
O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire London, UK Buy the ticket!
O2 Institute Birmingham Birmingham, UK Buy the ticket!
New Century Hall Manchester, UK Buy the ticket!
Bristol Beacon Bristol, UK Buy the ticket!
Roundhouse London, UK Buy the ticket!
Electric Studios Sheffield, UK Buy the ticket!
Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow, UK Buy the ticket!
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK Buy the ticket!
Corn Exchange Cambridge, UK Buy the ticket!
Forum Melbourne Melbourne, Australia Buy the ticket!
Enmore Theatre Sydney, Australia Buy the ticket!