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Dubstar are an English indie-dance duo,[1] performing songs with hints of Britpop, dream pop and synth,[2][3] as well as the occasional pop ballad and guitar-laden rock with industrial twists. The group was formed in 1992 by Steve Hillier and Chris Wilkie in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sarah Blackwood joined in 1993 as vocalist.

Key Information

"Stars", the best-selling single by Dubstar, received a great deal of play time in clubs. Many remixes were also created of this song and it was covered by metal band Lacuna Coil on their 2000 EP Halflife.

Career

[edit]

Formerly known as The Joans, Dubstar were initially a two-piece band, with Chris Wilkie playing guitar and Steve Hillier singing and playing keyboards.[4] Gavin Lee joined The Joans in the autumn of 1992 and played drums and, later, bass guitar before leaving to pursue a career at British Airways the following year. Performance artist and musician Mark Greenwood[5] also played bass in The Joans for a number gigs in the summer of 1992.[citation needed] Sarah Blackwood was invited to join the band in August 1993,[4] after her boyfriend accidentally left a cassette tape of her singing in Steve Hillier's flat in Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.[6][7] Blackwood replaced Hillier on vocals in early 1994.

Dubstar appointed Darlington-based record producer and talent manager Graeme Robinson as their manager after Robinson had seen them play in a sparsely attended Newcastle club in March 1994. Robinson renamed the band and provided studio time and produced independent demos of seventeen songs which he brought to the attention of former Sounds journalist, Andy Ross, who promptly signed the band to his Camden-based label, Food Records.[4] Ross engaged the services of Pet Shop Boys and New Order producer Stephen Hague, to co-produce a number of tracks with Robinson for their critically acclaimed debut album, Disgraceful (1995), and commissioned an advertising campaign featuring Robert Steel's controversial "pencil case vulva" artwork. The album charted well on release in July 1995, and by January 1996 Dubstar had arrived in the Top 20 of the UK Singles Chart with "Not So Manic Now",[8] (originally written and recorded by Brick Supply), followed by a re-released "Stars", which marked Dubstar's UK chart zenith.[4]

In June 1997, Dubstar contributed a cover of "Everyday I Die" to the Gary Numan tribute album Random. In September, the band released their second UK album, Goodbye. The group's debut US album, also called Goodbye, was released on Polydor Records in 1998 and combined tracks from both the first and second albums. The third original Dubstar album, Make It Better, was released in 2000.[9] Hillier quit the band just before its release. EMI released a best-of compilation titled Stars: The Best of Dubstar in 2004.

In 2002, Blackwood was recruited by ex-Frazier Chorus member Kate Holmes to join her duo Technique, replacing singer Xan Tyler for a European tour with Depeche Mode. Shortly afterwards, Holmes and Blackwood decided to write together and formed a new pseudonymous electropop act, Client (stylised CLIEИT). The duo would not have their faces photographed in promotional photos, with Holmes and Blackwood being referred to Client A and Client B. Client would chart three singles in the UK, with their biggest, "Pornography", getting to No. 22 in 2005.[10]

Posts in 2008 on their official Myspace page stated that the recording of Dubstar's fourth album was underway.[11] However, in November 2008 they made a post to their Facebook group stating that Blackwood would not participate, and the future of the album was up in the air.[12] Blackwood and Wilkie have worked together in the interim, as Blackwood's first solo album, 2008's Acoustic at the Club Bar & Dining, features Wilkie on guitar; the seven-track live recording was released exclusively online, and consists of acoustic versions of Dubstar and Client songs, plus covers of tracks by The Smiths and New Order.

On 12 April 2010, the band released a cover of "I'm in Love with a German Film Star" for an Amnesty International project. Interviewed by Andrew Collins on BBC 6 Music that afternoon, Blackwood confirmed that the band were back together and would be going into studio to record tracks for a new Dubstar album, although she would continue to also record with Client. However, in December 2010, it was announced that Blackwood had left Client and a new member was being recruited to front that band.

Dubstar released a new single, "Waltz no.9", on 1 June 2018. Via their website, they revealed that it was taken from a new album titled One, due for release on 28 September 2018. The album was produced by Youth and published by the band's own label, Northern Writes.[13][14] The release date was 12 October 2018.

On 27 August 2020, Dubstar released a pandemic-inspired track titled "Hygiene Strip". A video for the new song was released on the same day. Later in 2020, the duo released the disco-pop track "I Can See You Outside", which was recorded during the United Kingdom's first COVID-19 lockdown and which was co-produced with Stephen Hague.[15][16][17] The album Two was released on 6 May 2022.

Personnel

[edit]

Former personnel

[edit]
  • Mark Greenwood – bassist
  • Steve Hillier – songwriting, keyboard programming (1992–2014)[18]
  • Gavin Lee – drummer, bassist

Additional live band members

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Dubstar discography
Studio albums5
EPs1
Compilation albums1
Singles13
Music videos13

The discography of Dubstar consists of five studio albums, a compilation album, an extended play, thirteen singles, and six songs exclusive to compilation and soundtrack albums. Prior to 2018, all of the group's work was released by Food Records with the exception of their compilation album which was released by EMI, due to the closure of Food Records in 2001. In 2018, the group started releasing records on their own label, Northern Writes. Their fifth album Two saw the duo re-enter the UK Albums Chart for the first time since Goodbye in 1997.

Studio albums

[edit]
  • Disgraceful (9 October 1995, Food Records) UK No. 30
  • Goodbye (22 September 1997, Food Records) UK No. 18
  • Make It Better (28 August 2000, Food Records) UK No. 112
  • One (12 October 2018, Northern Writes Records)
  • Two (6 May 2022, Northern Writes Records) UK No. 86

Compilation albums

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

The following singles were released in the UK:

Year Single UK
[8][19] 		Israel Album UK Certifications
1995 "Stars" 40 1 Disgraceful 30 UK: Gold
"Anywhere" 37
"Not So Manic Now" 19 2
1996 "Stars" (re-release) 15
"Elevator Song" 25
1997 "No More Talk" 20 15 Goodbye 18
"Cathedral Park" 41
1998 "I Will Be Your Girlfriend" 28
2000 "I (Friday Night)" 37 Make It Better 112
2018 "Waltz No.9" - One
"You Were Never in Love" -
"Love Comes Late" -
"Why Don't You Kiss Me" -
2020 "Hygiene Strip" - Two 86
"I Can See You Outside" -
2021 "Tectonic Plates" -
2022 "Token" -
"Tears" -

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Stars" (1995)
  • "Anywhere" (1995)
  • "Not So Manic Now" (1995)
  • "Stars" (new version (vacuum cleaner in the sky)) (1996)
  • "Stars" (USA version) (1996)
  • "Elevator Song" (1996)
  • "No More Talk" (1997)
  • "Cathedral Park" (1997)
  • "I Will Be Your Girlfriend" (1998)
  • "I (Friday Night)" (2000)
  • "The Self Same Thing" (2000)
  • "You Were Never In Love" (2018)
  • "Love Comes Late" (2018)
  • "Why Don't You Kiss Me" (2018)
  • "I Can See You Outside" (2020)
  • “Token” (2022)
  • "I Can See You Outside (new version)" (2022)

Extended plays

[edit]
  • The Self Same Thing (2000, Food/EMI)[8] (chart-ineligible EP)

Exclusive songs

[edit]

References

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

Dubstar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dubstar is a British electronic duo, originally formed in in , , by songwriter Hillier and Wilkie, with vocalist Blackwood joining in to form the original trio. The band blends dream pop, synth-pop, and indie-dance elements, drawing influences from trip-hop, , and jangle pop to create a distinctive hybrid sound. Initially named Perfect Tone Series and later The Joans, they adopted the name Dubstar in 1994 upon signing with Food Records, a subsidiary of EMI. The group's debut album, Disgraceful (1995), marked their breakthrough, achieving gold certification in the UK for sales exceeding 100,000 copies and spawning four Top 40 singles, including the hit "Stars," which peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. Follow-up releases Goodbye (1997) and Make It Better (2000) continued their success with additional Top 40 singles such as "No More Talk" and "I (Friday Night)," solidifying their place in the 1990s Britpop and electronic music scenes. After a hiatus, Dubstar reformed in 2006, recording material including sessions for an unreleased album titled United States of Being and its sequel, before a temporary split in 2014. In recent years, Blackwood and Wilkie have revived the as a duo—Steve Hillier, who had returned for the reformation, ceased performing with the band in —self-financing and releasing albums One (2018) and Two (2022), with ongoing activities including celebrations of their 30th in tied to Disgraceful's . Dubstar's has endured as a staple of 1990s alternative playlists, influencing subsequent indie pop acts through its emotive lyrics and atmospheric production.

History

Formation and early career (1992–1997)

Dubstar was formed in in 1991 by Hillier (keyboards, programming, vocals) and Wilkie (guitar), initially under the name Perfect Tone Series and later The Joans after the duo met at Walkers Nightclub the previous year. The pair had begun experimenting with music earlier, releasing a cassette album titled Gear locally, which included early versions of songs like "Disgraceful" and "Not So Fast." In the summer of 1993, Sarah Blackwood joined as lead vocalist following Hillier's discovery of her singing talent on a demo cassette, completing the core trio and marking their first live performance as a group later that August at a local pub. The band adopted the name Dubstar in 1994, a suggestion from their manager Graeme Robinson, and secured a recording contract with Food Records, an EMI subsidiary, by November of that year after submitting demos. The group's debut single, "Stars," was released in July 1995, initially peaking at number 40 on the UK Singles Chart before achieving greater success upon re-release in March 1996, reaching number 15 and topping the charts in Israel while charting across several European countries including Germany and Sweden. Follow-up singles "Anywhere" (September 1995, UK No. 37) and "Not So Manic Now" (January 1996, UK No. 19) built momentum, with the latter earning the band their first appearance on Top of the Pops. Their debut album, Disgraceful, arrived on 9 October 1995, produced primarily by the band alongside Stephen Hague and recorded at studios including RAK and Chappel. Featuring 11 tracks such as "Elevator Song" (released August 1996, UK No. 25), the album blended electronic elements with indie pop sensibilities, peaking at number 30 on the UK Albums Chart and spending 23 weeks in the Top 100; it was later certified gold in the UK for sales exceeding 100,000 copies and contributed to over one million worldwide sales. In 1996, Dubstar gained prominence through extensive touring, including their first European headline tour in the spring and supporting Erasure on a UK arena run, alongside headlining the NME stage at Reading Festival. They also released Disgraceful Remixed, a compilation of club-oriented versions of album tracks by producers like Way Out West and the Rapino Brothers. The band's second album, Goodbye, followed in September 1997, reaching number 18 on the UK Albums Chart during its two-week run. Produced again with Hague's involvement, it included singles "No More Talk" (July 1997, UK No. 20), "Cathedral Park" (September 1997, UK No. 41), and "I Will Be Your Girlfriend" (UK No. 28). By late 1997, after supporting the Lightning Seeds on tour, the group parted ways with their manager, signaling the end of their initial active phase.

Hiatus and solo endeavors (1998–2015)

Following the commercial success of their second album Goodbye (1997), Dubstar faced mounting challenges that led to the release of their , Make It Better, under strained circumstances. The album, recorded primarily in 1999, experienced due to internal label at , a of , which shifted the band from the EMI division to the wing, complicating promotion and distribution. Released on August 28, 2000, Make It Better peaked at No. 111 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant decline from the band's earlier top-20 entries and reflecting poor commercial performance amid shifting music industry trends toward nu-metal and garage rock. The lead single, "I (Friday Night)", reached No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart in July 2000, while the follow-up EP "The Self Same Thing"—featuring guest appearances by Gary Numan and Ian Broudie—charted at No. 49 in September, failing to recapture mainstream attention despite critical praise for its introspective lyrics and electronic textures. Tensions within the band escalated during this period, culminating in songwriter and programmer Steve Hillier's departure in July 2000, just before Make It Better's release. Hillier cited creative differences and an inability to collaborate effectively with vocalist Sarah Blackwood and guitarist Chris Wilkie, exacerbated by Blackwood's personal struggles and the pressures of label expectations. Despite his exit, Hillier had contributed key tracks to the album, but the group was dropped by EMI in November 2000 after the label declined to renew their contract, effectively disbanding Dubstar by early 2001. With no further group activity, the members pursued individual paths, marking the start of a 15-year hiatus. Reformation efforts began in 2006 when the original trio reunited to work on a fourth album, United States of Being, with sessions continuing until plans collapsed in late 2008 due to scheduling conflicts, Blackwood's commitments to Client, and unresolved creative tensions; updates had been posted on their MySpace page, but the project was shelved indefinitely. In 2009, Blackwood and Wilkie reformed as a duo, completing a second version of United States of Being (also unreleased) and performing live, including shows at The Lexington in London, The Cluny in Newcastle, and supporting the Human League in Tynemouth. However, Hillier declined full involvement, and the duo's activities waned; Hillier left the project entirely in January 2014, citing reluctance for 90s nostalgia tours and musical/financial differences, leading to another split. Sarah Blackwood channeled her energies into a prominent solo career, co-founding the electronic duo Client in 2003 alongside Kate Holmes (as Client A). Adopting anonymous personas in matching outfits, Client released three albums during Blackwood's tenure—Client (2003), City (2004), and Heartland (2007)—blending synth-pop with provocative themes of desire and urban life, which earned them a niche following in the electroclash scene. The band toured extensively, supporting acts like Depeche Mode on their 2005-2006 world tour and Erasure in 2007, while Blackwood made media appearances, including interviews on BBC Radio and features in The Guardian highlighting her transition from Dubstar's indie-dance sound to Client's more experimental edge. Client effectively ended Blackwood's involvement in 2010 when she left the band. Chris Wilkie maintained a low profile during the hiatus, retreating to to focus on behind-the-scenes work rather than public endeavors. He engaged in session guitar playing and production for independent artists, including contributions to local electronic projects, while deliberately avoiding the spotlight that had defined Dubstar's peak years. This period allowed Wilkie to refine his multi-instrumental skills in relative obscurity, prioritizing personal well-being over commercial pursuits. Steve Hillier, meanwhile, diversified into production and solo output, collaborating on tracks for artists such as Mark Owen (Take That), Keane, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, where his electronic sensibilities shaped mid-2000s pop arrangements. He released independent solo material, including ambient and piano-driven pieces under his own name, and contributed to soundtracks for British television series and films, such as incidental music for indie dramas. In the early 2010s, Hillier launched dubstar.com, a dedicated archive site sharing unreleased Dubstar demos, B-sides, and alternate mixes from the band's catalog, fostering ongoing fan engagement without a full reunion. Throughout the hiatus, Dubstar's legacy endured through the enduring popularity of "Stars" (1995), their biggest hit, which was licensed for numerous advertisements and television placements in the early 2000s, including European beer campaigns and episodes of shows like Queer as Folk and Skins. These sync deals introduced the track to new audiences, generating royalties and sustaining fan interest via compilations and online communities, even as the band remained inactive.

Reformation and recent developments (2016–present)

Dubstar reformed as a duo in the mid-2010s, comprising vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Wilkie, who assumed primary songwriting duties alongside his roles on guitar, keyboards, and programming. Original songwriter Steve Hillier contributes occasionally via archival material and unreleased sessions. This revival followed several false starts after earlier reunions with the full trio, allowing Blackwood and Wilkie to focus on independent production without major label involvement. The duo's fourth studio album, One, marked their return to original material after an 18-year gap, released on October 12, 2018, via their self-financed Northern Writes label. Produced by Youth (Martin Glover), the record delves into themes of emotional maturity, relationships, and introspection, blending electronic synthpop with guitar-driven arrangements reflective of the band's evolution. It peaked at number 61 on the UK Albums Chart, their first chart entry since 2000, and featured singles such as "You Were Never in Love" (June 2018) and "Love Comes Late" (July 2018), both emphasizing pulsating electronics and Blackwood's signature ethereal vocals. Two, the follow-up fifth album, arrived on May 6, 2022, also self-released on Northern Writes and peaking at number 86 on the . Drawing influences from the , the album explores isolation, societal shifts, and resilience through tracks like "Hygiene Strip" (a pandemic-inspired single released January 2021) and "I Can See You Outside" (March 2022), incorporating introspective over layered synths and rhythmic pulses. Other singles included "Tectonic Plates" and "Tears," highlighting the duo's to remote recording amid lockdowns. Amid the 2020 pandemic, Dubstar engaged in virtual performances and released timely material like "Hygiene Strip," which addressed mask-wearing and confinement with wry commentary. The band has sustained operations independently, distributing music, vinyl reissues, and merchandise directly via dubstarofficial.co, emphasizing direct fan engagement over traditional label structures. Live activities recommenced modestly post-reformation, including a 2019 UK promotional run for One and select 2022 European dates supporting Two, such as an in-store performance at Rough Trade East in London. The duo prioritizes intimate venues over extensive tours, reviving early hits like "Stars" in sets alongside new material. In 2025, Dubstar marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album Disgraceful (originally released October 9, 1995) with celebrations including social media tributes from Blackwood and Wilkie, expressing gratitude to fans and collaborators. Steve Hillier amplified the milestone through reflections on the album's creation and legacy, while continuing to share unreleased sessions from the band's archives on the Dubstar Archive YouTube channel, a project he initiated in 2023 featuring rare demos and alternate takes.

Band members

Current members

Dubstar's current members are vocalist Sarah Blackwood and multi-instrumentalist Chris Wilkie, who have continued the band as a duo since Steve Hillier's departure in 2014. This partnership has driven the release of two , One (2018) and Two (2022), emphasizing a streamlined creative collaboration built on their complementary strengths. In 2025, the duo marked the 30th anniversary of their debut album Disgraceful with special events and reflections. Sarah Blackwood, born 6 May 1971 in , , joined Dubstar in 1993 as the lead vocalist, bringing a distinctive emotive delivery to the group's sound. Her vocal style draws influences from mid-1990s trip-hop and pop, as evidenced by her suited interpretation of tracks like a slowed-down, beat-driven cover of Gary Numan's "Every Day I Die," which blended atmospheric grooves with accessible melodies. She rejoined Wilkie in 2014 following Hillier's departure, contributing poetry and vocals that maintain the band's intimate, narrative-driven aesthetic in their post-reformation work. Chris Wilkie, born 25 January 1973 in Gateshead, England, co-founded Dubstar in 1991 and serves as the primary guitarist, producer, and programmer. With a technical background in programming and modern production tools, he has shaped the band's electronic textures since inception, often incorporating live organic elements like counter-melody riffs over synthesized beds. In the duo era, Wilkie has assumed main songwriting duties, drawing from personal themes such as everyday observations to build tracks that prioritize immediacy and emotional resonance, as seen in the demo-heavy process for One. His arrangements provide a foundational electronic framework that complements Blackwood's voice, evolving the band's sound toward a more direct, technology-enhanced pop sensibility. The duo's dynamic hinges on Blackwood's fragile yet intimate vocal phrasing—often recorded naturally to preserve lyrical clarity—and Wilkie's production approach, which favors efficient, organic electronic builds over elaborate effects. This interplay allows for fewer creative compromises than in their earlier trio configuration, enabling a focused process of refining ideas through demos and external input, such as co- with on their 2018 album. In joint interviews since 2018, they have highlighted this partnership's ease, noting how Wilkie often starts songs envisioning Blackwood's interpretation, fostering a mutual reliance on and melodic flow to sustain their output.

Former members

Steve Hillier co-founded Dubstar in 1991 alongside Chris Wilkie, serving as the band's primary songwriter, keyboardist, and programmer while initially handling lead vocals until Sarah Blackwood joined in 1993. He penned the majority of the tracks for the group's first three studio albums—Disgraceful (1995), Goodbye (1997), and Make It Better (2000)—drawing from personal experiences and influences like dub reggae to shape the band's electronic pop sound. Hillier's tenure spanned 1991 to 2000, during which he also contributed to production and demos, though he briefly left in 1998 amid personal tensions before returning to finalize Make It Better. Hillier departed permanently in July 2000, just before Make It Better's release, citing professional difficulties with Blackwood's behavior and the band's subsequent drop by Food Records/EMI due to disappointing sales as contributing factors to his creative burnout and exit. He briefly rejoined for a 2006 reformation and tours until early 2014, when renewed musical and financial disagreements led to his final departure. Post-Dubstar, Hillier pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as Musician's Blues (2023) and Nightwatch (2023) under his own name, alongside projects like GGGGHOST and POLITEK. He has also maintained the Dubstar Archive on YouTube, where in 2023 he began sharing unreleased tracks from the band's United States of Being sessions, including demos and alternate versions, while occasionally providing insights into the group's history via dubstar.com. Dubstar relied on session and live players for percussion during its early years, including as for initial 1991–1992 demos under the precursor name The Joans, before he left for a non-music career. Paul Wadsworth joined as the band's live and percussionist from 1995 to 2000, supporting tours for Disgraceful and Goodbye but not contributing to studio recordings.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and genre

Dubstar's music is primarily classified as electronic pop, incorporating elements of trip-hop, , and , creating a hybrid sound that blends sophisticated electronics reminiscent of with indie guitar textures. This style draws from trip-hop's atmospheric grooves and dance music's rhythmic drive, while influences add jangle-pop edges, distinguishing the band from pure acts. At the core of Dubstar's sound is a combination of synthesized beats and minimalistic production that highlights irony and melancholy, featuring emotive female vocals from Sarah Blackwood, melodic guitar riffs by Chris Wilkie, and keyboard programming by Steve Hillier. Instrumentation typically includes electronic synths such as the Korg Mono/Poly and Roland Juno 60 for lush textures, alongside samplers like the Roland S760 for dubby basslines and effects, integrated with live guitars to avoid overly programmed arrangements. This setup produces catchy, synth-driven pop with dynamic vocal delivery that prioritizes emotional depth over complexity. Lyrically, Dubstar explores themes of suburban ennui, relationships, and , often through witty, observational narratives co-written by Hillier that convey universal emotions with a touch of existential . Songs like "Stars" exemplify this with its narrative of fleeting amid everyday disillusionment, blending melancholy introspection with ironic detachment. Production techniques emphasize atmospheric minimalism, utilizing drum machines and samples for synthesized rhythms in foundational tracks, often co-produced with Stephen Hague to achieve polished, haunting electronics that underscore the band's melodic pop core. Early work relies on efficient studio setups with tools like Alesis ADAT for quick layering, focusing on re-recording elements to enhance vocal prominence rather than dense overdubs.

Evolution across eras

In the 1990s, Dubstar's sound was characterized by dense electronic layers and production heavily influenced by Steve Hillier's keyboard programming and sampling techniques, creating a commercial pop sheen that blended synth-driven melodies with subtle guitar elements for club-friendly accessibility. Their debut album Disgraceful (1995) exemplified this approach, featuring warm synths, lingering basslines, and tracks like "Stars" that drew from dub reggae breaks and indie pop sensibilities to achieve chart success and gold certification in the UK. Label pressures from Food Records pushed the band toward polished, hit-oriented electro-pop, earning early critical acclaim for innovative fusion of electronic textures with poignant vocals, as seen in rave reviews for its melodic yet melancholic style. The transition into the 2000s marked a shift toward experimentation, particularly on Make It Better (2000), where the band incorporated more rock-infused rhythms and darker thematic edges amid growing uncertainty with their label, resulting in a refreshed rhythmic drive that explored twisted pop structures. Collaborations with artists like Gary Numan added an experimental flair, moving away from the dense synth layers of their earlier work to bolder, hip-hop-tinged arrangements that reflected internal creative tensions and the band's evolving identity. Following the hiatus from 2000 to 2006 and the band's activity until 2014, members pursued solo endeavors—such as Sarah Blackwood's work with Client and Steve Hillier's independent releases—which allowed for personal experimentation with electronic and indie sounds, influencing a more introspective approach upon partial reunions like the unreleased United States of Being (2008). Post-reformation in 2016 as a duo of Blackwood and Chris Wilkie, Dubstar simplified their lineup and production, emphasizing Wilkie's guitar-forward contributions for a more organic feel while retaining electronic roots, as evident in self-released albums that enabled bolder artistic choices free from major label constraints. The 2018 album One introduced a six-string slant alongside synths, but Two (2022) refined this evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote "pass the parcel" recording fostering introspective themes of isolation, resilience, and personal reflection—such as in "Hygiene Strip," inspired by lockdown queuing—alongside covers and fan-suggested elements for a mature, anxious electronic disco sound. Critics praised this era for its maturity, noting refined electronics and a spiritual return to Disgraceful's innovation while adapting to contemporary realities, as in 2022 reviews hailing Two as a masterful modern pop statement. Since 2023, the band has released selected tracks from earlier unreleased sessions via online archives, and in 2025, they marked the 30th anniversary of Disgraceful with acoustic reinterpretations and reflections on their foundational sound, continuing to blend archival material with contemporary introspection.

Discography

Studio albums

Dubstar's debut studio album, Disgraceful, was released on 9 October 1995 by Food Records. Produced by Stephen Hague and Graeme Robinson, it was recorded at RAK Studios in London and Chappell Studios in Lincolnshire, featuring 11 tracks that blended melancholic pop with electronic elements, many originally written for male vocalists but adapted for Sarah Blackwood's voice except for two songs. The album integrated several singles, including "Stars" and "Not So Manic Now," contributing to its commercial success, as it peaked at No. 30 on the UK Albums Chart and spent 23 weeks there. Certified Gold by the BPI for sales exceeding 100,000 copies in the UK.
TrackTitleLength
1Stars4:10
2Anywhere3:38
3Just a Girl She Said3:50
4Elevator Song3:12
5The Day I See You Again3:51
6Week In, Week Out3:32
7Not So Manic Now4:28
8Popdorian3:15
9Let It Rain3:35
10The Golden Age3:31
11Wearchest3:31
The band's second studio album, Goodbye, followed on 22 September 1997, again via Food Records and produced by Stephen Hague at Real World Studios and RAK Studios. Comprising 12 tracks with recurring themes of farewell and emotional parting, it peaked at No. 18 on the UK Albums Chart, though it charted for only 2 weeks. The album incorporated singles like "No More Talk" and "Cathedral Park," reflecting a continuation of the duo's introspective style. It achieved Silver certification from the BPI for over 60,000 UK sales.
TrackTitleLength
1I Will Be Your Girlfriend3:37
2Inside3:44
3No More Talk3:39
4Polestar3:40
5Say the Worst Thing First3:55
6Cathedral Park3:15
7Wear Me Down4:07
8The Way to Have a Bad Day3:26
9Out of the Blue3:57
10When You Say Goodbye3:17
11Take Me Home3:49
12Don't Worry4:04
Make It Better, Dubstar's third studio album, was released on 28 August 2000 by Food Records after a delayed rollout due to label transitions and internal band changes. Produced by Mike "Spike" Drake and recorded at The Arts Centre in Newcastle, it featured 11 tracks with guest appearances from Gary Numan and Ian Broudie, emphasizing a more mature electronic sound. The album did not enter the UK Top 100 Albums Chart, with the single "I (Friday Night)" providing modest success.
TrackTitleLength
1Take It3:13
2I (Friday Night)2:51
3The Self Same Thing3:26
4Mercury4:07
5Stay3:44
6Another Word4:11
7When the World Knows Your Name3:33
8Arc of Fire3:56
9Wear Your Heart Where the World Can See It3:25
10The Lovely Goose3:28
11Rising to the Top2:33
Dubstar self-released their fourth studio album, United States of Being, on 26 March 2010 as a free digital download. The album, recorded in the early 2000s but shelved after label issues, featured 12 tracks exploring personal themes with electronic and pop elements. It did not chart commercially.
TrackTitleLength
1Saviour3:47
2Paper Boy4:06
3Get Over It3:40
4Blind4:22
5Summer3:51
6I Want To Be Her3:38
7You Remind Me4:15
8No More Tears3:55
9Counting Out4:10
10So Young3:45
11Urban Love4:00
12United States of Being4:20
Dubstar self-released their fifth studio album, One, on 12 October 2018 through their own Northern Writes label, produced by Youth. The 10-track effort, focusing on personal and relational themes, did not enter the UK Top 100 Albums Chart, though it reached No. 17 on the Independent Albums Chart. Singles such as "Love Comes Late" were drawn from it, marking the duo's independent return.
TrackTitleLength
1Love Comes Late3:42
2Love Gathers3:25
3Torched3:50
4Please Stop Leaving Me Alone3:48
5I Hold Your Heart3:57
6Waltz No. 93:35
7You Were Never In Love3:40
8Locked Inside3:55
9Why Don't You Kiss Me3:30
10No More Words4:05
The sixth studio album, Two, was self-released on 6 May 2022, comprising 9 tracks recorded remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced its themes of isolation and connection. Produced by the band with contributions from Youth, it peaked at No. 86 on the UK Albums Chart, their first entry since Goodbye (No. 18) in 1997. The track "I Can See You Outside" exemplifies the era's social distancing motifs, integrated as a lead single.
TrackTitleLength
1Token4:20
2I Can See You Outside4:35
3Tectonic Plates4:15
4Lighthouse4:45
5Tears4:10
6Hygiene Strip4:25
7Blood4:40
8Social Proof4:05
9Kissing to Be Unkind5:00

Compilation albums and EPs

Dubstar's compilation releases are limited but provide valuable retrospectives and remixed material from their early career. The band's primary compilation, Stars: The Best of Dubstar, was issued by EMI in 2004 as a 16-track overview of their 1990s work. It draws primarily from the studio albums Disgraceful (1995), Goodbye (1997), and Make It Better (2000), featuring key singles like "Stars," "Anywhere," and "Not So Manic Now," alongside rarities such as the acoustic version of "Elevator Song," the demo "When the World Knows Your Name," and an acoustic rendition of the title track "Stars." This collection highlights the band's synth-pop and indie-dance sound while incorporating alternative mixes to appeal to longtime fans. Another notable compilation is Disgraceful Remixed, released in 1996 on /, which reworks tracks from the debut album Disgraceful. Spanning eight tracks and over 65 minutes, it includes extended club-oriented remixes like "Stars (Mother Dub Mix)" by Steve Hillier, "Elevator Song (Biff and Memphis Club Mix)," and contributions from Way Out West on "Not So Manic Now." Compiled live in one continuous take and recorded directly to DAT tape, the album creates a seamless, ambient flow reminiscent of experimental electronic projects, emphasizing the band's dance influences without new vocal performances. Dubstar also produced several EPs, often tied to singles and featuring B-sides, remixes, or collaborations. The Stars EP (1996), a limited-edition box set on Food Records, contains four tracks: the original "Stars," alongside non-album B-sides "Excuse Me Father," "Starfish," and "Bow Wow Now." These additional songs explore introspective lyrics and electronic textures, with "Starfish" showcasing a more atmospheric, demo-like quality. Similarly, The Elevator Song EP (1996) compiles remixes of the single from Disgraceful, including the "Groove Corporation Mix" and "Jonny L's Full Vocal Mix," extending the track's funky bassline into club-friendly formats. The band's final EP with EMI, The Self Same Thing (2000), promotes the track from Make It Better and includes guest appearances: "The Self Same Thing" featuring Gary Numan on additional vocals, "Redirected Mail" with Ian Broudie, plus "And When You Laugh" and "Victoria." Limited to four tracks, it blends synth-pop with collaborative elements, marking a transitional phase before the band's hiatus. Beyond these, Dubstar has few standalone EPs or compilations, with much supplementary material appearing as B-sides or rarities on singles. In recent years, archival efforts have unearthed exclusive tracks from sessions for United States of Being, originally recorded in the early 2000s, self-released in 2010, but with additional outtakes released in 2023 via the Dubstar Archive YouTube channel and streaming platforms like Spotify. This includes non-album songs such as "We Still Belong," "You & Me," "Is There Anyway Back From Here?," "Round & Round," and "The Future," often presented as demos or reworked versions featuring original vocals from Sarah Blackwood. These releases preserve material from the band's hiatus period, offering insight into their evolving sound. As of November 2025, marking 30 years since the release of Disgraceful, no major new compilation or EP exclusives have been issued for the anniversary, though online archives and fan celebrations continue to highlight the band's legacy.

Singles

Dubstar's singles discography spans their active periods in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as their post-reformation releases from 2018 onward. The band achieved moderate commercial success in the UK during their initial run, with eight singles charting between 1995 and 2000, seven of which reached the Top 40 and three entering the Top 20. "Stars" stands out as their signature track, topping the charts in Israel and earning enduring radio play. Post-reformation singles have focused on digital releases tied to albums One (2018) and Two (2021), emphasizing electronic and synth-pop elements without major chart impact. The following table lists major singles, including release dates, UK peak positions (where applicable), and key notes on B-sides or videos. International success is noted for notable entries; remixes were common across CD and vinyl formats.
TitleRelease DateUK PeakNotes
StarsJuly 8, 199540Debut single from Disgraceful; re-entered at #15 in March 1996 after album success. B-sides included "Skeleton Boy" and remixes by David James. Video featured urban nightlife themes. #1 in Israel.
AnywhereSeptember 199537Second single from Disgraceful; B-sides: "The Day I See You Again" and "Wearing My Blues Away." Promoted band’s early indie-dance sound.
Not So Manic NowJanuary 199619Cover of a 1980s track; from Disgraceful. B-sides: "When the Lights Go Out" and dub version. Performed on Top of the Pops. #2 in Israel.
Elevator SongAugust 199625From Disgraceful; B-sides included "Let It Rain" and live tracks. Highlighted Sarah Blackwood's vocals.
No More TalkJuly 199720Lead single from Goodbye; B-sides: acoustic "Stars" and "Unchained Monologue." Video directed with minimalist style. #15 in Israel. Performed on Top of the Pops.
Cathedral ParkSeptember 199741From Goodbye; highest position outside Top 40. B-sides: "La Bohème" and remixes.
I Will Be Your GirlfriendFebruary 199828From Goodbye; B-sides featured duets like with Ian Broudie. Emphasized pop balladry.
I (Friday Night)May 200037From Make It Better; final charting single of initial era. B-sides: "The Self Same Thing" (duet with Gary Numan).
Waltz No. 9June 1, 2018—Lead single from One; digital release with Facebook video premiere. Synth-driven track signaling reformation.
Token (Single Mix)February 2, 2022—From Two; wistful electronic pop with remixes on EP. Video highlighted emotive vocals and sequencers. Co-produced by Stephen Hague.
Following the 2018 album One, additional promotional singles included "You Were Never in Love" (June 8, 2018) and "Love Comes Late" (July 27, 2018), available digitally without physical formats. The 2021 single "Tectonic Plates" and 2022's "Tears" EP continued the band's independent output, often bundled with album tracks and remixes for streaming platforms. These later releases prioritize artistic evolution over chart performance, drawing on the band's 1990s indie-dance roots.

References

  1. https://www.dubstar.com/biography
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dubstar-mn0000207722
  3. https://www.dubstar.com/faq
  4. https://www.stevehillier.net/dubstar-25
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/31750/dubstar/
  6. https://www.dubstar.com/disgraceful
  7. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/dubstar-disgraceful/
  8. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/dubstar-goodbye/
  9. https://www.dubstar.com/goodbye
  10. https://www.dubstar.com/makeitbetter
  11. https://albumism.com/features/dubstar-make-it-better-turns-20-anniversary-retrospective-interview
  12. https://www.dubstar.com/unitedstatesofbeing
  13. https://www.stevehillier.net/dubstar-25/category/Dubstar%2BUnreleased
  14. https://www.dubstar.com/unitedstatesofbeing2
  15. https://www.discogs.com/artist/80278-Client
  16. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/a-beginners-guide-to-sarah-blackwood/
  17. https://www.metropolis-records.com/artist/client
  18. https://albumism.com/interviews/dubstar-sarah-blackwood-chris-wilkie
  19. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/steve-hillier-dubstar-northern-lights
  20. https://www.dubstar.com/stars
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/24656-Dubstar-Stars
  22. https://braincorp.dk/product/dubstar-two/
  23. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/dubstar-two/
  24. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/dubstar-one/
  25. https://albumism.com/reviews/dubstar-one
  26. https://www.therigormortist.me/dubstar-a-voyage-of-rediscovery/
  27. https://www.dubstarofficial.co/
  28. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/dubstar-interview/
  29. https://www.therigormortist.me/30-years-of-dubstars-debut-album-disgraceful/
  30. https://www.dubstar.com/
  31. https://www.dubstar.com/pageqa
  32. https://albumism.com/interviews/dubstar-rediscover-their-creative-muse-and-reclaim-their-artistic-power
  33. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LAlbZMhJphJVzSRl7b7VK
  34. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/a-short-conversation-with-dubstar/
  35. https://poprescue.com/2015/01/07/pop-rescue-disgraceful-dubstar-cd-1995/
  36. https://louderthanwar.com/dubstar-two-review-album-of-the-week/
  37. https://www.discogs.com/release/442414-Dubstar-Disgraceful
  38. https://talkaboutpopmusic.com/2019/11/02/where-are-they-now-dubstar/
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/592741-Dubstar-Goodbye
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/16911-Dubstar-Make-It-Better
  41. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/dubstar-one/
  42. https://www.discogs.com/master/1437410-Dubstar-One
  43. https://www.dubstarofficial.co/two
  44. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/dubstar-two/
  45. https://open.spotify.com/album/2Wv3hPA9qYT7yC9AFY6iWe
  46. https://www.discogs.com/master/17075-Dubstar-Stars-The-Best-Of-Dubstar
  47. https://www.stevehillier.net/dubstar-25/dubstarmegamix
  48. https://genius.com/albums/Dubstar/The-stars-ep
  49. https://www.discogs.com/release/83734-Dubstar-The-Stars-EP
  50. https://www.45cat.com/cdsingle/artist/dubstar/uk
  51. https://www.stevehillier.net/recent-releases
  52. https://www.musicvf.com/Dubstar.songs
  53. https://music.apple.com/us/album/waltz-no-9-single/1575789526
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/12094209-Dubstar-Waltz-No9
  55. https://music.apple.com/us/album/token-ep/1600724712
  56. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/dubstar-token/
  57. https://retropopmagazine.com/dubstar-new-album-two-single-token/
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