Lindy Layton

Lindy Layton

Lindy Layton, born Belinda Kimberly Layton in the United Kingdom in 1970, is a British singer and recording artist. She is a founding member and vocalist of Beats International and also works with Hardknox.

Beats International and solo work

Following the success of Beats International singles in 1990, Layton signs to Arista and releases her version of Janet Kay’s “Silly Games”. The single becomes a notable hit and leads to her debut solo album, Pressure, released in 1991. The album is mostly produced by Norman Cook and the dance-soul-funk group Driza Bone. From the album, “Echo My Heart” narrowly misses the UK Top 40 in January 1991, while “Wait For Love”, also produced by Norman Cook, does not reach the UK Singles Chart. Later in 1991 she releases “Without You (One and One)”, produced by Driza Bone, which sells better than her previous single but still does not reach the Top 40.

In 1992 she releases the one-off single “I’ll Be a Freak for You” on Debut Records. In 1993 she signs to PWL and releases the singles “We Got the Love” and “Show Me”, both of which achieve minor UK chart success. After leaving PWL, she releases the pop-reggae album No Other Star in Japan in 1996.

Hardknox and later collaborations

In 1996 Layton begins working with DJ Steve Proctor as Hardknox. The duo signs to Skint Records and releases the debut single “Coz I Can”, which receives NME’s “Single of the Week” honour. Their follow-up, the Psychopath EP, receives the same recognition. Hardknox also remixes artists including Orgy, The Crystal Method and Faith No More, appears on various compilations and mixes, and releases a self-titled album on Jive Electro in 1999.

Layton later appears on three tracks on the 2009 Groove Diggerz album Money for Good Times: “Weirdness”, “Just Be Good to Me”, and “Body Flow”, on which she also shares a writing credit. She also performs with Dub Pistols in 2009, including a performance of “Dub Be Good to Me” at the O2 Academy, Brixton, a set at Rock the River in Conwy, and an appearance at the final Glade Festival.