Rotating Leslie

Rotating Leslie

Rotating Leslie is a London band. The group forms around three school friends, Greg, Adrian and Dan, who move from the East London squat and illegal rave scene into making music in the countryside, later joined by Greg’s brother Stuart on bass.

Early releases and recording

The band first releases Infrequent Mild Peril, a limited album made up of demos and sold in a run of 1,000 copies, which sells out within weeks. It then records its debut single, Fire!Fire!, as a self-funded, limited-edition signed 7-inch, with 500 copies pressed. The single is played on London radio stations including XFM, Virgin and BBC 6, and the group is named BBC London’s band of the week by Gary Crowley. The video for the track is filmed in the band’s front garden and is played on MTV2.

Live activity and recognition

Rotating Leslie builds a following through its annual free farm festival, known as Woodendstock, along with warehouse parties in London and extensive gigging. The band supports acts including The Paddingtons, Dogs, The Rifles, Queens of Noize, The Boxer Rebellion, 65 Days of Static and Goldie Lookin Chain. It also headlines the Isle of Wight Festival New Bands Stage and plays the Secret Garden Party, as well as performing with The Subways at a secret hometown gig and with The View at the launch of Skins on E4.

Style

The band’s sound is described as gritty, harmonic art pop, with influences ranging from 1980s metal to electro house. Its songs are presented as an alternative to standard indie styles, with an emphasis on dense energy and live crowd participation.