Years & Years was formed in 2010 when three guys from London, Olly Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy, and Emre Türkmen, came together to create music that has since received widespread attention across the UK. Here are some fun facts about the band:
- Mikey Goldsworthy discovered Olly Alexander’s singing talent after hearing him sing in the shower the morning after a house party.
- The band was initially made up of five members, but Noel Leeman and Olivier Subria left in 2013.
- Their first single, “I Wish I Knew,” was released in 2012 with all five members of the band participating in the song.
- The band was signed to Kitsuné Records in 2013.
- Olly Alexander has acted in the TV show Skins and the BBC drama ‘Great Expectations‘ in addition to his music career.
- Dylan Bell is a drummer who joins the band for their live performances.
- Years & Years won the BBC Sound of 2015 award and the Artist to Watch award from mtvU in 2014.
- Their cover of “Breathe” by Blu Cantrell was a hit with fans in 2014.
- The band has covered popular songs like Britney Spears’ “Toxic” during live performances.
- They have toured with Sam Smith, who won the BBC Sound of 2014 award.
- Their sixth single, “King,” made it to Number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 2015.
- Their first album, “Communion,” was released in July 2015 and debuted at Number 1 on the UK Album Chart.
It’s clear that Years & Years is a talented and successful music trio that has made a name for themselves in the UK music scene. From their unique formation story to their impressive accolades, there’s always something interesting to learn about this band.
The Glastonbury Festival in 2015 showcased a performance by Years & Years, which was so popular that security had to control the crowds, and some fans were unable to access the tent. The band has garnered a following that includes actor Aaron Paul and singer Katy Perry. Their famous “King” music video was choreographed by Ryan Heffington, who also choreographed videos for pop singer Sia’s songs “Elastic Heart” and “Chandelier.” The band went on tour at the beginning of 2015 and sold out most large venues, resulting in additional dates being arranged for fans.
Olly Alexander, the band’s lead vocalist, started a relationship with Neil Milan Amin-Smith, the violinist from Clean Bandit, while on tour in 2014. In the United States, their album “Communion” debuted at number 47, selling 8,841 copies in its first week. “King” was so well-received that both Nick Jonas and Carly Rae Jepsen performed covers of the single on BBC Radio 1. The band has made appearances on The Graham Norton Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Years & Years is a trio that originally played ukuleles before switching to bass guitar, synthesizer, and other instruments on their tracks. The band members are animal lovers, with Olly and Mikey owning cats, and Emre owning a dog. When asked about their bad habits, Alexander admitted to biting his nails and grinding his teeth, while Türkmen stated that he is prone to stressing out.
The band members grew up with a passion for music, with Goldsworthy’s father being a music teacher. Emre began writing his own music at the age of 13 and played the guitar in his youth. Before Olly started acting, he used to sing in a band while he was in high school. The music video for “Eyes Shut” was filmed in the outskirts of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, and was released on September 28, 2015.
Olly is the only member of the band who has lived in the UK all his life, while Mikey grew up in Australia, and Emre spent his childhood in the Netherlands and Turkey before moving to England. When not touring or working on their next single, Mikey and Emre enjoy playing video games or watching box sets, while Olly prefers socializing with friends. The band has received nominations for several awards, including MTV’s Brand New for 2015 and Best UK & Ireland Act.
Olly Alexander and his partner posted on Instagram to support the Irish gay marriage referendum in 2015, with a picture of themselves with the words “Vote Yes” written on their palms.
During a program about teen suicide, the members of the band revealed that they were all bullied while in school. Their songs are based on personal experiences. Years & Years are admirers of Ariana Grande. In 2015, Annie Mac, an Irish DJ, showcased their song “Shine” as the Hottest Record in the World on her radio show. Attitude magazine awarded Years & Years Album of the Year for their 2015 release “Communion”.
FAQ
1. What is Years & Years?
Years & Years is a British synth-pop band formed in London in 2010. The band consists of frontman and keyboardist Olly Alexander, bassist Mikey Goldsworthy and synth player Emre Turkmen. They rose to fame with their debut album “Communion” in 2015, and have since released two more albums, “Palo Santo” in 2018 and “Night Call” in 2021.
2. What is the backstory of Olly Alexander?
Olly Alexander, the lead singer of Years & Years, was born in 1990 in Yorkshire, England. Before forming the band, he was an actor and appeared in various TV shows and movies, including “Skins” and “God Help the Girl”. He later pursued a career in music and formed Years & Years with Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen.
3. What are some of Years & Years’ most popular songs?
Years & Years have several popular songs, including “King”, “Shine”, “Desire”, “If You’re Over Me”, and “Sanctify”. “King” was their first number-one single in the UK and has been certified platinum in several countries. “Shine” was also a big hit for the band, reaching the top ten in the UK charts.
4. What are some of the band’s major achievements?
Years & Years have won several awards and accolades over the years. They won the BBC Sound of 2015 poll and the MTV Brand New for 2015 award. They have also been nominated for several Brit Awards, including British Breakthrough Act and British Group. Their debut album “Communion” has been certified platinum in the UK.
5. What can fans expect from Years & Years in the future?
Years & Years are known for their energetic live performances and catchy synth-pop sound. Fans can expect more of the same from the band in the future, as they continue to make music and tour around the world. They have hinted at new music in the works, so fans will have to stay tuned for updates.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.