Editors

Editors are a British alternative rock, indie rock, pop rock, post-punk revival and synth-pop group formed in 2002 in Stafford and Birmingham. The core line-up consists of Tom Smith, Russell Leetch, Ed Lay and Chris Urbanowicz. The group is active from 2002 to the present, and its later line-up also includes Justin Lockey and Elliott Williams.

Formation and early names

The members meet while studying at Staffordshire University in Stafford, England. Before adopting the name Editors, the group performs as (The) Pride and then Snowfield. Under the Snowfield name, they build a following as an unsigned band. They sign to Kitchenware Records in September 2004.

First releases and breakthrough

The debut single, Bullets, appears as a limited edition release of 500 copies on Kitchenware Records in January 2005. It receives radio support from stations including Xfm and BBC 6 Music, where it is named single of the week. The debut album, The Back Room, follows in 2005 and is met with critical acclaim. After touring widely through 2005, including two support runs with We Are Scientists, the band gains wider recognition following a support slot on Franz Ferdinand’s arena tour at the end of the year. A re-release of Munich in 2006 brings the band into the UK top 10 singles chart. The following May, the group plays three sold-out shows at London’s Brixton Academy. The Back Room goes on to sell more than 500,000 units.

Second and third albums

In 2007, Editors release their second album, An End Has A Start. The album includes Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors, An End Has A Start and The Racing Rats. It reaches number 1 in the UK album chart after the band appears on The Other Stage at Glastonbury. The third album, In This Light and On This Evening, arrives in 2009 and marks a shift towards a heavier synthesiser-led and more industrial sound. The album is inspired by London in both lyrics and music and also reaches number 1 in the UK album chart. Its singles include Papillon, You Don’t Know Love and Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool.

Line-up changes and later work

Chris Urbanowicz leaves the band in April 2012 while the fourth album is being recorded with producer Flood. The decision is made on the basis of the band’s future musical direction. Justin Lockey and Elliott Williams join the group for live work and take part in the recording of the fourth studio album, The Weight of Your Love, which is released in 2013. The album is preceded by the single A Ton of Love. It is recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville with producer Jacquire King and mixed by Craig Silvey.