My Luminaries

My Luminaries

My Luminaries are an indie rock group from the United Kingdom, active since 2004. The band forms at Kingston University, where Reading-born James Ewers and Manchester-born drummer Sam Stopford meet while studying music. Ewers meets twins Saul and Dylan Perryman at Reading College of Art, and the four form the group together. The name My Luminaries is chosen early on as a deliberate alternative to the conventional “The” band format.

Early releases and radio play

The group issues an EP, a live album and two singles early in its career. These include Jumping the Great White and The Outsider Steps Inside, both released on Grönland Records. Jumping the Great White receives radio support from Steve Lamacq and is named Record of the Week, while The Outsider Steps Inside is voted one of the songs of 2007 on several music websites.

Line-up changes and Order From The Chaos

In 2008 the band writes material with Simon Jones and plays a single show that year at Reading’s South St Arts Centre. Their local reception is strong, and contemporary press describe them as an alt-rock act that has developed from writing and performing strong songs into a more mature, perfectionist style. In January 2009 they enter Eastcote Studios to self-produce and record their debut album, Order From The Chaos. The sessions include string quartet and horn arrangements. The album is mixed by Paul Stacey, whose credits include Oasis and the Black Crowes, and mastered in New York by Greg Calbi, who has worked with artists including Springsteen and Dylan. After this period, the line-up changes: James Ewers and Sam Stopford recruit Mark Ferguson on bass, Michael Murray on guitar and Leila MacFie on keyboards, replacing the Perryman twins and Simon Jones.

Festivals and later activity

Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman votes for the band to play at T in the Park in Scotland. My Luminaries are also featured on episode 9 of the British indie podcast New Music Transmission.