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Alt-J (stylised as alt-J, real name Δ)[5][6][7] are an English indie rock band formed in 2007 in Leeds. Their lineup includes Joe Newman (guitar/bass/lead vocals), Thom Sonny Green (drums), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards/vocals), and formerly Gwil Sainsbury (guitar/bass).

Key Information

Their debut album An Awesome Wave was released in May 2012 in Europe, and in September 2012 in the United States, and won the 2012 British Mercury Prize.[8] Sainsbury left the band in early 2014. Their second album, This Is All Yours, was released on 22 September 2014 and went straight to number one in the United Kingdom.[9] In June 2017 the band released their third studio album Relaxer, followed in February 2022 by their fourth studio album The Dream.[10]

Name

[edit]

Alt-J started with the name "Daljit Dhaliwal", after the BBC newsreader and television presenter, who the band grew up watching in the 90s.[11] The band then renamed itself to "FILMS",[12] but were later forced to change their name because an American band called "The Films" already existed.[13]

The band's "actual" name is the triangle-shaped symbol ∆, the capital Greek letter delta which is used in mathematics to mean "change".[5] On Mac computers, that symbol can be typed by pressing the keys Alt-J, hence the name Alt-J.[6]

Then-member Gwil Sainsbury explained this by relating the meaning of "change" to the renaming happening "at a turning point in their lives."[14]

The band often makes references to triangles[15][16] (for example, the song "Tesselate" mentions "triangles are my favourite shape",[17] and they make triangle symbols with their fingers during concerts[18]), which they say is just due to it being a visually appealing shape.[17]

The cover art of the band's debut album An Awesome Wave shows an overhead view of the Ganges Delta, in reference to the Alt-J's "delta" name.

History

[edit]

2007–2010: Formation and early years

[edit]

Alt-J (∆) were formed when Gwilym (Gwil) Sainsbury (guitar/bass), Joe Newman (guitar/lead vocals), Augustus (Gus) Unger-Hamilton[19] (keyboards/vocals) and Thomas Stuart (Thom Sonny) Green[19] (drums) met at University of Leeds in 2007.[20] Unger-Hamilton (younger brother of Ferdy, head of A&R for Polydor Records) studied English, the other three Fine Art. According to Newman, "I basically went to art school to start a band."[21]

In their second year of studies, Newman showed Sainsbury some of his own songs and the pair began recording on GarageBand in their hall rooms with Sainsbury acting as producer.[22] The band's sound arose in part from living in student accommodation, where noise had to be kept to a minimum, as well as limited access to instruments. At the time, Green used a very limited drum kit, Unger-Hamilton a cheap keyboard, and Newman an acoustic guitar.[23][24]

2011–2012: An Awesome Wave and touring

[edit]
Joe Newman with Alt-J at The Empty Bottle, Chicago, in October 2012

After graduating, the band moved to Cambridge where they spent several months working on their music before signing a deal with Infectious Music in December 2011.[22][25] Their self-titled 4-track demo EP, ∆, was recorded with producer Charlie Andrew in London and featured the tracks "Breezeblocks", "Hand-Made", "Matilda", and "Tessellate".[26] A 7" single containing "Bloodflood" and "Tessellate" was released by Loud and Quiet in October 2011.[27] Their first 2012 release for Infectious Music was the triangle-shaped 10" "Matilda" / "Fitzpleasure".[28] It was followed by "Breezeblocks" which preceded their first album.[29] An Awesome Wave was also produced by Charlie Andrew and compiled at Iguana Studios, Brixton, where the band recorded tracks during the studio's spare time.[30]

Andrew said that the band's sound was heavily influenced by unusual instrument choices, including drummer Thom Green's decision not to use cymbals. Andrew told Sound on Sound, "The only slightly cymbal-like thing he uses is the back end of a saucepan, which he uses for the hi-hat". The album's drums were recorded first, followed by bass guitar and other instruments. Green's drumming was always recorded to a click track because Andrew wanted it to have the precision of electronic drums.[24]

Their debut album was released on 28 May 2012 in the UK, Europe, and Australia, and on 18 September 2012 in North America via Canvasback Music.[31] The album received some favourable reviews and was described as a "captivating blend of insatiable grooves and profound poignancy".[32]

Alt-J supported Wild Beasts in April 2012 and played a minor headlining tour around the United Kingdom and Ireland in October of that year.[33] The band have featured regularly on summer festivals, including Latitude, Bestival, Reading and Leeds, T in the Park, Green Man, Pukkelpop, and Lowlands.[32] They also did concert tour in the United States in December 2012 and performed at the Laneway Festival tour in Australia.[34][35] In November 2012 the band were announced as the winners of the Mercury Prize for their album.[36] Besides the prize-money, the band saw an increase in their profile resulting in An Awesome Wave reaching number 13 on the UK Albums Chart.[9] The band would later describe the event as "life-changing, there was a sense of [being] imposters, that the band had somehow got this far without not being a real band, we're just guys from Leeds who muddled through it and magicked a Mercury award".[37]

The title "An Awesome Wave" was taken from the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis novel American Psycho.

2013–2016: Departure of Sainsbury and This Is All Yours

[edit]

On 11 January 2014, the band announced that Sainsbury had decided to leave the group, and that they remained friends.[38] In early June 2014, Alt-J announced a 2014 tour to take place in North America over October and November.[39] The 23-day tour started in Vancouver, B.C., on 14 October and ended in Washington, D.C., on 19 November.[40] On 9 June 2014, they announced their second album This Is All Yours, that was released on 22 September 2014. This Is All Yours went straight to number 1 on the UK's Official Albums Chart.[41] Alt-J headlined the September 2015 edition of Boston Calling Music Festival.[42][43] As a replacement for Sainsbury, Cameron Knight became a supporting member for Alt-J's live shows.

2017–2020: Relaxer

[edit]
Alt-J performing at the Positivus Festival 2017 during the Relaxer Tour

On 3 March 2017 Alt-J began teasing their third studio album on their social media accounts with an audio clip captioned "00110011 01110111 01110111" (Binary code for "3ww").[44] Stereogum reported later that day that the band's third album would be titled Relaxer and was scheduled for release on 2 June 2017.[45] On 6 March 2017 Alt-J released "3WW", which features lead singer Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice, as a digital single and announced dates for the Relaxer Tour in support of the album. Three weeks later, on 29 March, they released "In Cold Blood", the second single from Relaxer.[46] In anticipation of their third album, the band released an online video game,[47] whose soundtrack was their single "3WW,"[48] as well as announcing in May 2017 that they would be playing a five-date UK tour at seaside venues, starting on 4 September 2017.[49][50]

Alt-J performing during the Relaxer Tour, at Positivus Festival 2017 in Zvejnieku Parks, Salacgrīva, Latvia.

On 24 May 2017 Alt-J released "Adeline", the third single from Relaxer.[51] The album was released shortly afterwards, on 2 June 2017. "Deadcrush", the fourth single from the album, was released on 12 July and was featured as a soundtrack in the FIFA 18 game.[52][53] Fifth single "Pleader" arrived on 15 September 2017. Several tracks from Relaxer have since been remixed by a diverse array of artists.

Relaxer was nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize.[citation needed]

On 28 September 2018 an alternative version of Relaxer was released. The album, titled Reduxer, is a "rap heavy do-over" of the previous year's record.[54]

Since 2021: The Dream

[edit]

On 16 September 2021, the band announced their first single since 2018, titled "U&ME", would be released 22 September 2021.[55] The single's release coincided with the announcement of their fourth album, The Dream, which was released 11 February 2022.[56]

[edit]

Alt-J performed "Buffalo" along with Mountain Man for the 2011 film Silver Linings Playbook.[57]

In February 2013 the band announced they would be composing the soundtrack for Toby Jones' new film Leave to Remain.[58]

On 7 August 2008, "Fitzpleasure" was featured in the closing credits of Weeds, episode 6, season 8.

Their song "Every Other Freckle" was featured on the Netflix show Lovesick, in the season 1 episode "Cressida", in 2014.

In 2014, their song "Tessellate" was featured on Sons of Anarchy, episode 5, season 6.

The song "Hunger of the Pine" is used to begin and end the first season of Unreal released in 2015.

"Fitzpleasure" was featured in the background of the 2015 film Sisters and in the main trailer for the video game Battleborn released in 2016.

In 2015, their song "Something Good" was featured in the second episode of Life Is Strange.[59]

In 2016, their song "Left Hand Free" was featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Captain America: Civil War.[60]

In 2018, their songs "Tessellate" and "In Cold Blood" are the opening and ending respectively of the anime Ingress, based on the AR game created for Niantic: Ingress.

In 2019, their songs "Breezeblocks" and "In Cold Blood" were featured on the Netflix series Daybreak, episodes 5 and 10 respectively.

In 2020, their song "Left Hand Free" was featured in the Netflix series Outer Banks.

Also in 2020, "In Cold Blood" was in the Netflix film, Extraction.[61]

In 2022, their song "Breezeblocks" was featured in the pilot episode, "Lightning Strikes", of Hulu series Tell Me Lies.[62]

In 2023, a portion of their song "Hunger of the Pine" was featured in the announcement trailer for Hello Games's video game Light No Fire.[63]

In December 2023, an instrumental version of their song "Adeline" was featured in the trailer for the Netflix film Society of the Snow.[64]

Lyrics

[edit]

Alt-J has been noted for their post-modern lyrics in their songs that highlight historic events and pop-culture subjects.[65] The song "Taro" is written in reference to Gerda Taro and her role as a war photographer during the Spanish Civil War as well as her relationship to Robert Capa. The song describes the details of Capa's death ("A violent wrench grips mass / Rips light, tears limbs like rags") and imagines Taro's complementary emotions. The visuals in a fan made music video by YouTube user David Dean Burkhart are taken from Godfrey Reggio's experimental film Powaqqatsi.

"Matilda" is a reference to Natalie Portman's character in the film Léon: The Professional.[66] "Fitzpleasure" is the retelling of Hubert Selby Jr.'s short story "Tralala", published in Last Exit to Brooklyn. The story follows a prostitute named Tralala who dies after being gang-raped and raped with a broom, as in the lyrics "dead in the middle / of a c-o-double-m-o-n" and "in your snatch fits pleasure / broom shaped pleasure."

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Alt-J

In 2012, Alt-J's debut album won the British Mercury Prize.[67] Alt-J were also nominated for three Brit Awards (British Breakthrough Act, British Album of the Year and British Group of the Year).[68] An Awesome Wave was announced as BBC Radio 6 Music Album of the Year 2012. Three of the tracks from this album gained entry into the Australian 2012 Triple J Hottest 100, with "Something Good" at number 81, "Tessellate" at number 64, and "Breezeblocks" coming third overall.[69] In 2013, An Awesome Wave won Album of the year at the Ivor Novello Awards. This Is All Yours received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, and for IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award.[70]

Personnel

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Alt-J discography

Studio albums

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alt-J

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alt-J (stylised as alt-J or ∆) is an English band formed in 2007 in by university students Joe Newman (guitar and lead vocals), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards and backing vocals), Gwil Sainsbury (guitar and bass), and (drums). Originally named , the group changed its name to alt-J—pronounced "alt-J" or "delta"—after the Mac for the Greek letter ∆, reflecting their experimental and unconventional approach to music. The band rose to prominence with their debut album (2012), which won the and has sold over one million copies worldwide, establishing their signature sound of intricate rhythms, layered harmonies, and genre-blending elements drawn from folk, electronic, and influences. Following the success of their debut, Sainsbury left the band in 2014 for personal reasons, reducing alt-J to a trio that has continued without replacing him, with Newman and Unger-Hamilton handling bass duties. The group released their sophomore album later that year, which debuted at number one on the and earned Grammy and BRIT Award nominations. Subsequent releases include the Mercury Prize-nominated (2017), featuring hits like "," and (2022), a lush, reflective collection exploring themes of love, loss, and , which further showcased their evolution toward more open and mature songwriting. Alt-J has sold over two million albums globally, amassed over four billion streams as of 2025, and performed at major venues like London's and festivals including , while members have pursued solo projects in recent years, solidifying their status as one of the UK's most innovative indie acts of the .

Overview

Name origin

The band's name originated from the Greek letter delta (∆), selected for its mathematical significance as a symbol denoting change or difference. Guitarist Gwil Sainsbury discovered the Mac keyboard shortcut "Alt + J," which produces the ∆ symbol, inspiring the group to adopt it as their moniker after initially operating under the name Films. This shift from Films to ∆ occurred around 2007 to avoid confusion with the American punk band The Films. In 2012, coinciding with the release of their debut album , the band began prominently using "alt-J" as a stylized, pronounceable equivalent to facilitate easier communication in media and digital platforms. Gus Unger-Hamilton explained that while the official name remained the delta , "We chose to pronounce it Alt-J, because we knew being played on the radio, you need to really give your band a name that is spoken and not just written." This practical adaptation addressed potential challenges with the non-alphanumeric in searches and announcements, as highlighted in a June 2012 feature in FAN THE FIRE magazine, which detailed the rebranding from Films and emphasized the delta's on-screen generation via the shortcut. Early branding heavily incorporated the stylized ∆, often rendered as a simple triangle in promotional materials and album artwork. For instance, the cover of depicts a photographic image of the River delta, visually reinforcing the name's thematic connection to transformation and natural shifts. The evolution toward "alt-J" in logos maintained the triangular motif but adapted it for legibility across print and digital formats, minimizing confusion in fan interactions and media coverage during the band's rising prominence.

Formation and lineup

Alt-J was formed in 2007 at the in by four students who met while pursuing their degrees: Joe Newman, Gwil Sainsbury, , and Gus Unger-Hamilton. Initially known by the Greek letter ∆ (delta), pronounced "alt-J," the band drew its name from a used to type the symbol, reflecting their interest in unconventional and symbolic elements. The group's early collaboration stemmed from shared living spaces and late-night jamming sessions in student accommodations, fostering a creative environment unhindered by professional pressures. Newman took on lead vocals and guitar, Green handled drums, Unger-Hamilton contributed keyboards and backing vocals, and Sainsbury played bass and guitar. Newman, Sainsbury, and Green studied , while Unger-Hamilton pursued English literature; this artistic and literary background influenced their experimental songwriting and layered, interdisciplinary approach to music composition. The focus in particular encouraged a visual and conceptual mindset in their creative process, emphasizing and over traditional structures. In January 2014, founding member Sainsbury announced his departure from the band to pursue a career in , a personal decision supported by his bandmates. Alt-J has continued as a core trio of Newman, , and Unger-Hamilton, occasionally incorporating session musicians for recordings and live performances to expand their sound.

Musical style

Genre and instrumentation

Alt-J's music is primarily classified as , incorporating elements of art pop, indietronica, and , with influences from folk, electronic, and genres that create a distinctive experimental sound. The band's style eschews conventional rock structures in favor of intricate, methodically constructed compositions that blend organic and synthetic textures, often resulting in airy, genre-bending arrangements with tribal rhythms and angular beats. Central to their sonic identity is a core instrumentation featuring Joe Newman's layered, falsetto-heavy vocals, Gus Unger-Hamilton's keyboards—including vintage home models and a polysynth—and Thom Sonny Green's unconventional drum setups, such as using a saucepan for effects, alongside traditional guitar, bass, and electronic elements like synthesized tones from a Casio Casiotone 405. These components are augmented by electronic beats and occasional field-inspired sounds, contributing to a hybrid rock-electronica aesthetic evident from their debut. Newman often employs Telecaster guitars through a Fender amp for clean, detailed tones, emphasizing the band's focus on precise, interwoven sonic layers over straightforward rock riffing. Production techniques have evolved across their discography, starting with innovative sampling and electronic integration on to produce one of the era's notable rock-electronica fusions, then shifting toward more organic instrumentation and atmospheric arrangements in later works like and . Specific methods include onomatopoeic vocal patterns, as in the puzzle-like delivery of "Tessellate," and rhythmic complexities inspired by mathematical concepts, which lend their tracks a skittering, unpredictable quality derived from patterned repetitions and shifts. This approach, handled by longtime producer Charlie Andrew, prioritizes sonic experimentation while maintaining pop sensibility.

Lyrics and themes

Joe Newman's songwriting for Alt-J is characterized by a poetic, abstract, and narrative-driven approach, often drawing from literary allusions and personal experiences to create layered, enigmatic texts. Having studied English literature at university, Newman infuses his lyrics with esoteric references and folk traditions, as seen in the band's exploration of cinematic and historical narratives. His style emphasizes ambiguity, allowing listeners to interpret surreal and emotional undercurrents, while avoiding overt exposition. Recurring themes in Alt-J's lyrics include intertwined with , historical reflections, and surreal motifs that blend the mundane with the macabre. Love often manifests in tense, obsessive forms, such as the abusive relationship culminating in murder depicted in "Breezeblocks," where abstract phrases like "do you know where the wild things go?" evoke both tenderness and peril. recurs as a device, evident in "Matilda," which retells the story from the film Léon (), focusing on a young girl's vengeful bond with a through lines like "this is from Matilda," symbolizing sacrificial . Historical and surreal elements appear in tracks like "," inspired by war photographers and , who died while covering conflicts, blending romantic with wartime horror in poetic vignettes of loss and legacy. Ambiguity is central to critical interpretations, as in "," where the band's ironic adoption of American tropes—complete with a "joke riff" written in 20 minutes—serves as a satirical jab at commercial expectations, contrasting their usual introspection with feigned bravado about infidelity and confrontation. The evolution of Alt-J's lyrics reflects a shift from early storytelling to more introspective and darker tones post-2017. On debut album (2012), narratives dominate, crafting vignette-like tales drawn from film and history to explore surreal connections. Subsequent works like (2017) and (2022) delve into personal trauma and emotional processing, with Newman incorporating harrowing real-life events. For instance, "Losing My Mind" from examines a serial killer's psyche, inspired by a friend's sister's and Newman's teenage encounters with loss, while "Get Better" grapples with grief over a partner's death amid the . This progression marks a "doomy, dramatic" turn, prioritizing raw vulnerability over abstract tales, though persists to heighten thematic depth. often integrate with the band's eclectic to amplify ambiguity, such as harmonies underscoring violent imagery for a disorienting effect.

Career history

2007–2012: Formation and An Awesome Wave

Alt-J formed in 2007 when Joe Newman, Gwil Sainsbury, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and met as students at the . The group, initially known as , began collaborating on music during their university years, recording early demos in dorm rooms and developing their distinctive sound through shared artistic influences. Over the next few years, they refined their material while completing their studies, with the band changing their name to Alt-J in reference to the Mac for the delta symbol (∆), reflecting their interest in and symbolism. Following graduation, the members relocated to to focus on songwriting and . In December 2011, Alt-J signed a record deal with Infectious Music, enabling professional recording sessions. The debut album, , was recorded between 2009 and 2011 at Iguana Studio in , produced and mixed by Charlie Andrew, who emphasized a collaborative process blending live band recordings with electronic elements in a converted live space. An Awesome Wave was released on 25 May 2012 in the United Kingdom via Infectious Music, debuting at number two on the and achieving gold certification within months. The album's lead singles included "Matilda" (April 2012), "Breezeblocks" (May 2012), and "Tessellate" (October 2012), with "Breezeblocks" becoming a standout track for its dynamic structure and viral appeal. In September 2012, the album saw its US release through Canvasback/Atlantic Records. On 2 November 2012, An Awesome Wave won the for Album of the Year, propelling the band to wider recognition and boosting sales to over 100,000 copies in the UK by year's end. The album's success fueled Alt-J's early touring schedule, including headline shows and support slots across the in 2011–2012, followed by appearances at major festivals such as Reading and in August 2012. Their breakthrough in the United States came with a summer 2012 tour supporting acts like , featuring sold-out dates in New York and , and a subsequent fall run that expanded their international fanbase post-Mercury win.

2013–2016: Lineup change and This Is All Yours

In January 2014, founding member and bassist Gwil Sainsbury announced his departure from Alt-J for personal reasons, citing a dislike for the music industry's touring demands and lifestyle. The band, now reduced to a trio consisting of Joe Newman, , and Gus Unger-Hamilton, chose not to replace him with a permanent member, instead adapting by embracing a more multi-instrumental approach in both recording and live performances, utilizing sampling, looping, and expanded roles for each musician to maintain their layered sound. The trio began work on their second album, , shortly after Sainsbury's exit, recording primarily at Iguana Studio in with producer Charlie Andrew, the same team behind their debut. The album's lyrics explored intimate themes of love, sensuality, and domestic life, often drawing on personal relationships and subtle references to and , while retaining elements of the band's signature style from . Released on 22 September 2014 through Infectious Music, debuted at number one on the , marking Alt-J's first chart-topping release. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album at the , with the single "Every Other Freckle" highlighting its blend of evocative lyrics and intricate production. Following the album's release, Alt-J embarked on extensive world tours to promote it, adjusting their live setup to accommodate the trio format through enhanced multi-instrumentalism and electronic elements. Key performances included headlining slots at the 2015 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they showcased tracks from the new album alongside fan favorites, navigating the lineup change with renewed energy amid sold-out arenas across North America, Europe, and beyond.

2017–2020: Relaxer and touring

In early 2017, Alt-J recorded their third studio album, , across multiple studios in London, including , working once again with producer Charlie Andrew, who had helmed their previous two albums. The sessions incorporated diverse elements, such as a boys' choir and organ recorded at in for the track "Pleader," contributing to the album's atmospheric and hymn-like qualities. The record drew from folk traditions and literary sources, with the band describing songs as akin to short films through their use of sound effects and narrative structures. No, can't cite Reddit. Relaxer was released on 2 June 2017 through Infectious Music and Canvasback Music Group, following the lead single "3WW" featuring Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice, which premiered on 6 March. The second single, "In Cold Blood," followed on 2 May, showcasing the band's signature blend of indie rock and electronic elements with its rhythmic, diving-board-inspired percussion. The album debuted at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, marking their third consecutive top-10 entry, and received a nomination for the Mercury Prize later that year. To support Relaxer, Alt-J launched the Relaxer Tour in June 2017, beginning with high-profile festival appearances at in the UK and in Chicago. The tour expanded into headline arena shows across and , including a at London's in June 2017 and a fall run of US dates in October, featuring venues like the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in . In 2018, they continued with an extensive European leg, playing larger venues such as the AccorHotels Arena in Paris and the in Brussels, alongside North American stops at places like the . By 2019, touring scaled back to select festival dates in , including sets at the and . The momentum of the Relaxer era was halted in 2020 by the , which canceled planned shows and prompted to enter an extended break for reflection and recovery after years of intensive touring. Drummer , who is clinically vulnerable, later described the period as one of shielding and adjustment, with the global disruptions reinforcing the need for a hiatus before resuming activities.

2021–present: The Dream and solo projects

In response to the challenges of the , Alt-J began recording their fourth studio album, , in the summer of 2020 during the first lockdown, continuing through to 2021. The album was released on 11 February 2022 via Infectious Music and Canvasback Music, marking a return to the band's experimental sound while incorporating influences shaped by isolation and global uncertainty. Lyrically, explores dark and introspective themes, including nightmares, harrowing personal experiences, addiction, murder, love, and societal vices like and indulgence, often blending whimsy with unease to evoke a dreamlike yet nightmarish quality. Preceding the full release, Alt-J issued two singles from the album: "U&ME" in September 2021, which captures a nostalgic reflection on relationships, and "Hard Drive " in January 2022, a track delving into themes of and through upbeat, electronic-infused . Both singles highlighted the album's eclectic production, with "Hard Drive Gold" featuring a video directed by frontman Joe Newman. Following the album's launch, the band supported it with live performances, including a North American tour in early 2022. In 2023, Alt-J celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut album with a , performing the record in full across select dates in the and , starting with shows in and in March, and extending to additional cities like Austin and Portland later that year. The period from 2024 onward has seen the band members pursue individual creative endeavors amid a quieter phase for group activities. Frontman Joe Newman announced in May 2024 that he was developing his debut solo album, drawing from influences in Americana, , and , though no release date has been confirmed as of 2025. Gus Unger-Hamilton launched the collaborative project in late 2024, teaming up with musicians Nat Jenkins, Henry Danowski, and Max Dunn to release their debut single "No Change" on 27 , followed by "Fool" in January 2025; the group describes their sound as London-based indie explorations. Drummer Thom Sonny Green has continued his work in electronic production and composition, building on prior solo efforts like his 2016 album , though specific new side gigs in 2024 remain under the radar. In 2025, Unger-Hamilton contributed a remix of "The Fun of It" to Broadcasting's Night Flight (The Last Flight Remixes), released in , showcasing his production versatility outside Alt-J. As of 2025, no new Alt-J studio album has been announced, with the band maintaining a low-key presence focused on these personal projects.

Reception and legacy

Awards and nominations

Alt-J has received numerous accolades throughout their career, particularly for their debut album , which garnered significant recognition in the UK music industry. The band won the prestigious in 2012 for , marking a breakthrough moment that boosted their international profile. They were subsequently nominated for the in 2014 for and again in 2017 for . The band also earned nominations at the , including Best Alternative Music Album for at the in 2015. In the UK, Alt-J received three nominations at the 2013 for British Breakthrough Act, British Group, and British Album of the Year (for ), though they did not win any. They were nominated again at the 2015 for British Group. At the , which honor songwriting excellence, Alt-J won the Album Award in 2013 for An Awesome Wave. Additionally, they were nominated for Best New Act at the 2012 . In 2018, Alt-J won Best British Band (supported by Zig-Zag) at the , recognizing their sustained impact in the scene.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2012Album of the YearAn Awesome WaveWon
2012Best New ActAlt-JNominated
2013Album AwardAn Awesome WaveWon
2013British Breakthrough ActAlt-JNominated
2013[Brit Awards](/page/Brit Awards)British GroupAlt-JNominated
2013Mastercard British Album of the YearAn Awesome WaveNominated
2014Album of the YearThis Is All YoursNominated
2015Best Alternative Music AlbumThis Is All YoursNominated
2015British GroupAlt-JNominated
2017Album of the YearRelaxerNominated
2018Best British Band (supported by Zig-Zag)Alt-JWon

Cultural impact

Alt-J has exerted significant influence on the indie and scenes, particularly during the indie revival, where their debut album (2012) helped reshape through its innovative fusion of genres. The band's unique blend of , folk, and art-rock elements positioned them as a prominent force, inspiring subsequent acts in the indie landscape and contributing to a wave of genre experimentation that defined the era. For instance, Paramore's cited Alt-J as a key influence on their 2013 self-titled album, highlighting the band's role in broadening indie rock's sonic boundaries. Their music has permeated media beyond live performances, with tracks like "Breezeblocks" featuring prominently in soundtracks for television series such as Private Practice (episode "Aftershock"), (episode "Bad Mother"), and Tell Me Lies (episode "Lightning Strikes"), as well as video games including Watch Dogs: Legion (2020, featuring "Breezeblocks") and Life is Strange: True Colors (Wavelengths DLC, 2021, featuring "The Gospel of John "). Alt-J's festival headlining appearances, such as topping the Other Stage at in 2017 and leading in 2017, amplified their reach, drawing large crowds and solidifying their status as a live draw that elevated indie acts on global stages. The band's enigmatic lyrics have fostered dedicated online fan communities, where enthusiasts dissect the often cryptic and puzzling wordplay, such as in "Breezeblocks" and "Tessellate," leading to widespread discussions on their layered meanings and unconventional phrasing. This engagement has spawned memes and interpretive content that highlight the joy of unraveling Alt-J's "hybrid alien hipster language," enhancing their cult appeal among listeners who appreciate the intellectual challenge. In 2023, to mark the 10th anniversary of , Alt-J embarked on a performing the album in full, which resonated culturally by reigniting fan nostalgia and underscoring the enduring relevance of their breakthrough work amid evolving indie trends; the tour extended into 2024. Alt-J's broader legacy lies in their pioneering genre-blending, creating one of the decade's most innovative rock-electronica hybrids that challenged traditional indie structures and influenced production techniques in alternative music. As of 2025, this impact continues through members' solo endeavors, notably frontman Joe Newman's forthcoming debut solo album, in development and drawing on Americana, , and influences to expand the band's experimental ethos into new territories.

Band members

Current members

Alt-J has operated as a trio since 2014, with Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and Thom Sonny Green sharing songwriting and production duties while adapting their live performances to incorporate layered electronics and multi-instrumental roles to maintain the band's intricate sound. Joe Newman, born 6 October 1991 in England, serves as the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, as well as its primary songwriter. He studied fine art at the University of Leeds, where the band formed in 2007. Since the lineup change, Newman has often switched to bass during live shows to cover the departed member's parts, contributing to the trio's fluid stage dynamic. In 2024, Newman began work on his debut solo album, drawing influences from Americana, Motown, and soul genres. Gus Unger-Hamilton, born 20 August 1989 in England, handles keyboards and backing vocals, adding harmonic depth and textural layers to Alt-J's music. He also studied at the University of Leeds, focusing on English literature. Unger-Hamilton has supported independent music initiatives, including investments in craft brewing ventures like Signature Brew. In 2024, he launched a side project involving new music collaborations, GRAPE, which released the charity single "It's All Right (It's Christmas)" on November 14, 2025, in aid of the homeless charity St Mungo's. , born 5 November 1985 in , , , plays drums and emphasizes electronic production in the band's recordings and live sets. Green, who lives with —a genetic condition affecting hearing and kidneys—brings a focus on percussive innovation and ambient electronics to Alt-J's sound. His solo work includes the 2016 electronic album , composed during the band's tours and featuring 21 tracks of instrumentals.

Former members

Gwil Sainsbury (born April 1988) served as the bassist and guitarist for Alt-J from the band's formation until early 2014. He met Joe Newman while studying at the in 2007, becoming the second member of the group and contributing to its initial lineup alongside Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and . As a founding member, Sainsbury played a pivotal role in the band's early development, handling guitar and bass duties while also acting as their original producer, where he mixed and recorded much of their initial material. Sainsbury's instrumental work was integral to Alt-J's debut album, (2012), providing the rhythmic foundation for tracks that blended folk, electronic, and indie elements, which helped earn the band the that year. He also participated in the band's early live performances, including promotional tours across the and international festivals like in 2012, where Alt-J gained early critical acclaim. In January 2014, Sainsbury departed Alt-J amicably, announcing the decision as a personal choice driven by exhaustion from the relentless touring schedule and a desire to explore other paths beyond the music industry's demands; the band expressed full support, emphasizing their close friendship with no reported ill feelings. His exit marked a significant lineup change, leading the remaining trio to adapt their sound and continue without a permanent replacement during the promotion of their second album, (2014). Since leaving, Sainsbury has focused on independent creative endeavors, notably launching the electronic music project LOOR in 2019, while maintaining limited public references to his Alt-J tenure.

Discography

Studio albums

Alt-J's debut studio album, , was released on 25 May 2012 through Infectious Music in and Atlantic Records in . The album comprises 11 tracks, blending with electronic and folk elements, featuring singles such as "Breezeblocks" and "Matilda". It achieved strong commercial performance, selling over 1.48 million copies worldwide, including more than 300,000 in the UK, and certified in the by the RIAA on 18 February 2016 for 500,000 units. The band's second studio album, , followed on 22 September 2014 via Canvasback Music and Infectious Music. Consisting of 10 tracks, it includes standout singles like "Left Hand Free" and "Every Other Freckle", exploring themes of love and introspection through layered vocals and instrumentation. Commercially, the album sold over 695,000 copies globally, with certifications including in by for 40,000 units and in the UK by the BPI for 100,000 units. Relaxer, Alt-J's third studio album, was released on 2 June 2017 by Infectious Music. The record features 8 tracks, including "In Cold Blood" and "3WW", characterized by its experimental production and cover of "House of the Rising Sun". It marked a self-directed approach in production while under the Infectious label, achieving sales of approximately 60,000 copies worldwide and notable streaming success, with individual tracks amassing tens of millions of plays on platforms like . The fourth studio album, , arrived on 11 2022 through Infectious . Spanning 12 tracks, such as "Get Better" and "U&ME", it delves into themes of loss and relationships with orchestral and electronic influences. A deluxe edition was released in 2022, and a remix edition titled in 2023. The album saw renewed chart activity in 2023, re-entering positions on the Official Albums Chart amid extensive touring, including the 10th anniversary celebrations of .

Singles and EPs

Alt-J's early releases included a debut 7-inch single, "Bloodflood / Tessellate", issued in October 2011 via the independent label Loud and Quiet Cassettes, marking their first physical output before signing with Infectious Records. This double A-side featured raw demos that showcased the band's emerging experimental indie rock sound, with no B-sides but serving as a precursor to their full-length debut. In 2012, prior to the album An Awesome Wave, Alt-J issued additional singles like "Matilda / Fitzpleasure", released in February as a 7-inch vinyl with no accompanying B-side, helping build anticipation through radio play and live performances. These early non-album tracks highlighted the band's lyrical eccentricity and rhythmic complexity, laying groundwork for their Mercury Prize-winning album. The band's breakthrough single, "Breezeblocks", arrived on 18 May 2012 as a digital and 7-inch release backed by a remix on the B-side. It achieved modest mainstream success, peaking at number 75 on the UK Singles Chart but reaching number 4 on the UK Indie Singles Chart and number 10 on the US Alternative Airplay chart, bolstered by its viral music video and festival airplay. Certifications included silver status in the UK for over 200,000 units sold by 2018. "", released on 7 July 2014 as the lead single from , featured a garage rock-inspired shift and peaked at number 85 on the UK Singles Chart while topping the US chart at number 1 for one week in November 2014. The 7-inch edition included an B-side, and it earned gold certification in the US for 500,000 units. This track's commercial peak underscored Alt-J's transatlantic appeal. "3WW", the opening single from Relaxer issued on 6 March 2017, explored themes of intimacy with a folk-infused arrangement and reached number 99 on the UK Singles Chart. Its digital release had no traditional B-side but was accompanied by acoustic versions in promotional bundles, contributing to the album's chart momentum without major solo certifications. In the post-Relaxer era, Alt-J released the non-album remix EP Summer on 25 November 2013 as a limited 12-inch vinyl, featuring remixes of the track "Summer" alongside alternate mixes, emphasizing their interest in electronic reinterpretations without chart impact. Another remix-focused EP, Something Good (Remixes), followed in , compiling club-oriented versions of the track with contributions from producers like , but it remained a niche release outside mainstream charts. More recent singles include "U&ME", a buoyant lead from dropped on 22 September 2021, which evoked festival camaraderie and charted at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart with a single edit version for radio. No B-sides were issued, but it marked Alt-J's return after a four-year gap. In , keyboardist Gus Unger-Hamilton contributed remixes under his Alt-J affiliation, including "The Fun Of It (Gus alt-J Remix)" for Public Service Broadcasting's album Night Flight (The Last Flight Remixes) and "Cover (Gus alt-J Remix)" for Tom Vek's We Have Sound Remixed, both released as digital singles showcasing his production style in electronic reworkings without individual chart entries.
SingleRelease DateUK PeakUS Alternative PeakCertifications
Breezeblocks18 May 20127510UK Silver
Left Hand Free7 July 2014851
3WW6 March 201799--
U&ME22 September 202188--

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