Modestep

Modestep is a UK electronic act from London, originally formed in North London in 2010. The project begins as a band and later continues as a solo project led by Josh Friend. Over time, the act works across a bass-heavy style that draws on dubstep, drum and bass, electro, UK garage, metal and rock, and is also associated with alternative rock, electronic rock, trap and trap EDM.

Line-up and members

The original line-up includes Josh Friend on vocals, production and keys; Tony Friend on turntables, production and guitar; Matthew Curtis on drums and percussion; and Nick Tsang on guitar. Curtis and Tsang leave the band in 2014 to pursue other careers in music. Tony Friend leaves in 2017, and Pat Lundy joins on drums. Lundy later departs in 2022. The group’s listed members also include Kyle Deek and Josh Friend.

Releases and chart success

Modestep’s second single, Sunlight, becomes a breakthrough track. Its video reaches more than a million views within four days of appearing online, and the Polydor Records release enters the UK singles chart at number 16. The group later releases material through labels including UMAD?, Disciple and Monstercat.

Later activity

Josh Friend and Pat Lundy continue to release tracks for labels such as Disciple and Monstercat after the earlier changes in the line-up. The Modestep live show returns in 2024 with a new masked live band, debuting at PolandRock 2024.