Example

Example is the performing name of Elliot Gleave, a British singer, songwriter, rapper and producer from Fulham in West London. He is active as a solo artist in electronic and rap-oriented music, and his work moves between hip hop, dance and electro. His stage name comes from his schooldays, when he rapped in the playground and was given the nickname from his initials, E.G.

Early releases and label work

Example first appears with the mixtape We Didn’t Invent The Remix, which comes out in February 2007 and uses samples from a wide range of artists, including Lily Allen, The Rolling Stones, José González and Britney Spears. He follows this with his official debut album What We Made in September 2007, released on The Beats, the label run by Mike Skinner of The Streets. The album is produced by Rusher. After The Beats disbands, he releases What We Almost Made in May 2008 on All The Chats, collecting tracks that did not make it onto What We Made alongside new material.

Shift towards dance and electro

After What We Almost Made, Example develops a more flexible style and begins working more closely with dance music and electro producers. Toward the end of 2008 he works with Don Diablo, and in 2009 he releases the free mixtape The Credit Munch and its Redux package. That year he also supports Calvin Harris on tour in the UK and headlines his own Wonky Pop tour with Flamboyant Bella.

Singles and albums

Example and Don Diablo release the single Hooligans, which combines dancefloor and moshpit energy and receives regular radio play. He then releases Watch The Sun Come Up, which reaches the Top 20, followed by Won’t Go Quietly in January 2010. His album Playing in the Shadows is released through Ministry of Sound and continues his move into dance and electro. Singles from the album include Changed the Way You Kiss Me, Stay Awake and Midnight Run.

Other act with the same name

Another act using the name Example is a Houston, Texas underground hip hop duo made up of rapper Kay and producer Cipher. They form in 1996, sign to Beat Farm and release the Impulse EP in 1997. They also issue two vinyl singles in 2000, We Write The Songs / That Is... and The Price You Gotta' Pay... (Pt. 2) / Them From "Id Est". No debut album is released by the duo.