Run Toto Run

Run Toto Run

Run Toto Run are a Manchester, United Kingdom electropop group active from 2008 to 2011. The line-up is Rachael Kichenside on songwriter duties, front woman duties, lead vocals, drum pads and melodica; Mike Kelly on keyboards and backing vocals; and Matt Farthing on samples, drum pads and backing vocals, also known as Kid Farthing.

Formation and early activity

The group forms in late 2008 and quickly attracts attention. By the time they play their third gig, they appear at Glastonbury. They also receive national radio play before their first live performance and are selected for the In The City 2008 showcase and conference while still only a few months old.

Releases and media exposure

Their first single appears in June 2009. The band receives coverage from the Guardian and NME, radio play from BBC 6 Music, Radio 1 and XFM, and playlist support from XFM. They are also XFM’s artist in residence and receive live reviews from NME and the News of the World.

Tracks, remixes and later work

Run Toto Run gain attention online through Hypemachine with various remixes and with their cover of Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead”, which reaches number one there and also receives national radio play. Their second single, “Catch My Breath”, appears in 2010 and again receives XFM playlisting, along with airplay from Radio 1, Radio 2, BBC 6, Galaxy and Absolute Radio, plus Topshop playlisting. They are also named on XFM’s list of artists to watch in 2010. The band later announces its split in 2011.