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The Faders
The Faders
from Wikipedia

The Faders were a British female pop rock band, formed in January 2004 by Polydor Records. Bassist and keyboardist Toy Valentine and drummer Cherisse Osei were the first members to get through the first audition. Frontwoman and lead guitarist, Molly Lorenne (daughter of Midge Ure and Annabel Giles),[1][2][3] was later introduced to the band by a mutual friend, completing the lineup.

Key Information

Members

[edit]
  • Molly Lorenne (born Molly Decima Ure, 7 March 1987) – lead vocals and lead guitar
  • Toy Valentine (born 4 July 1985) – bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, songwriting
  • Cherisse Osei (born 23 December 1986) – drums, backing vocals

Career

[edit]

After signing to Polydor, the band released their first single, "No Sleep Tonight", which reached No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart, in March 2005.[4] Their second single, "Jump", came out a few months later and reached No. 21.[4] In April 2006, weeks before the third single "Look At Me Now" was released, the band was dropped from Polydor. The band made fun of this fact by wearing slogan T-shirts saying "Polygone" in a style mimicking the Polydor logo. With various members of the group not wanting to look for another record deal, news of the group splitting appeared on their MySpace page, mailing lists and official forum on 6 July 2006.

Live performances

[edit]

The band performed at The Jersey Telecom – Summer Sizzler tour, in Jersey, on 9 July 2005. They also played four performances at the 100 Club in London, England and Various Summer Party in the Parks. They supported American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson on the UK portion of her 2006 Breakaway World Tour.

They also performed at Southampton Common on 5 June 2005.

Songs used in other media

[edit]

"No Sleep Tonight" was featured in:

"Jump" and "Whatever It Takes" were featured in:

  • The Sims 2: Nightlife, re-recorded into Simlish, the unique language created by Maxis for the game. The songs are titled "Bunge" and "Wanebo Da Way" in the game.

Post-breakup careers

[edit]

All three members currently have new music-related projects. Toy Valentine has begun a new music project. Molly Lorenne was signed by EMI then subsequently dropped, and is performing under the name "Molly McQueen". She re-released "No Sleep Tonight", which appeared on the soundtrack of the 2006 film My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Cherisse Osei joined the Swedish band Calaisa, then played for Mika before joining Bryan Ferry's band. In 2016 Cherisse joined Scottish rock band Simple Minds on their new Acoustic album and tour.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

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  • Plug In + Play (2005)

Singles

[edit]
  • "No Sleep Tonight" (2005) UK No. 13[4]
  • "Jump" (2005) UK No. 21[4]
  • "Look At Me Now" (2006) − originally scheduled for 17 April 2006 release, but was cancelled due to the band splitting up.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Faders were a British all-female band formed in January 2004, consisting of vocalist and Molly Lorenne, and Toy Valentine, and drummer . The trio, signed to , emerged during the mid-2000s UK pop scene with a punk-influenced image and a focus on self-penned songs performed on instruments, distinguishing them from many contemporary girl groups. Their debut single, "No Sleep Tonight," released on 21 March 2005, marked their breakthrough, peaking at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and gaining airplay on BBC Radio 1. The follow-up, "Jump," issued in July 2005, climbed to number 21. A third single, "Look at Me Now," was planned for 2006 but cancelled. The band's sole studio album, Plug In + Play, arrived in June 2005 on Polydor, featuring 11 tracks that blended energetic with rock elements, though it achieved limited commercial success and did not enter the . Despite initial promise and performances on shows like , The Faders disbanded in July 2006 after being dropped by their label, with members pursuing solo endeavors—Osei notably later joining . Their brief career highlighted the challenges faced by instrument-playing female bands in the pop-dominated market of the era.

Formation and members

Formation

The Faders were formed in January 2004 by , a division of , as a British all-female band emphasizing a punk image combined with accessible, hook-driven melodies. The label assembled the group to tap into the growing demand for female-led rock acts in the mid-2000s pop landscape, positioning them as a priority project with significant promotional support from the outset. Bassist and keyboardist Toy Valentine and drummer Cherisse Osei were selected as members due to their instrumental skills and alignment with the desired punk aesthetic. Lead vocalist and guitarist Molly Lorenne, then aged 16 and born on March 7, 1987, completed the lineup—Lorenne being the daughter of frontman . The group was first taken on by the London-based management and production team Metrophonic, who facilitated their rapid signing to Polydor just one month later, establishing an efficient setup for development under industry veterans. Early preparations focused on building cohesion and material, with the band conducting intensive rehearsals in a modest room beneath to refine their live energy and stage dynamic. These sessions transitioned into pre-debut studio work at Metrophonic Studios, where they recorded initial demos that showcased their sound and laid the groundwork for their debut single, honing tracks with producer input to blend raw attitude with commercial polish. This foundational phase solidified their identity as an instrument-playing unit, distinguishing them from typical groups of the .

Members

The Faders consisted of three core members: Molly Lorenne, Toy Valentine, and , each contributing distinct roles to the band's sound during its active years from 2004 to 2006. Molly Lorenne (born March 7, 1987) served as the and lead guitarist. She joined the band at age 16 and drew from her background in local music scenes, bringing a punk-influenced energy to performances. Lorenne also contributed to songwriting, co-writing the track "Jump" alongside Cheryl Parker and Sara Eker. Toy Valentine (born July 4, 1985) handled bass, keyboards, and backing vocals, with a focus on instrumental support during live shows. At 18 years old when the band formed in , she brought prior experience from other musical projects to her multifaceted role. Cherisse Osei (born December 23, 1986) provided drums and backing vocals, emphasizing technical precision that underpinned the band's energetic style. Influenced by early exposure to drumming—receiving her first kit at age five and performing by age 12—Osei joined at 17 and shaped the rhythm section's drive. The members' ages in their late teens—ranging from 16 to 18 at formation—cultivated the band's image as a youthful, punk-inspired trio, appealing to a teen audience with their raw, instrument-driven aesthetic.

Career

Early releases and chart success

The Faders' debut single, "No Sleep Tonight", was released on 21 March 2005 by . The track, written by Sara Eker with production from Jeff Taylor, Mark Taylor, and Cheryl Parker, featured a sound that blended punk energy with pop hooks. Its , directed by Ulf and produced by Edy Enriquez, depicted the band in a high-energy, rebellious setting to capture the song's defiant theme. The single debuted at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart, its peak position, spending four weeks in the top 40. The band's follow-up single, "Jump", arrived on 27 June 2005. This original track adopted a style with rock-infused guitars and driving rhythms, emphasizing themes of emotional release. It debuted at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart, climbed to a peak of number 21 the following week, and remained on the chart for four weeks total before dropping out. The Faders released their debut album, Plug In + Play, in 2005 on . The 11-track record showcased their aesthetic, with highlights including the lead single "No Sleep Tonight", the upbeat "Jump", the anthemic "Whatever It Takes", and introspective cuts like "Better Off Dead" and "She Just Wants To Be Loved". The album received positive user feedback for its energetic production and catchy melodies but achieved limited commercial traction, failing to crack the UK Albums Chart top 75. A third single, "Look At Me Now", was recorded and slated for release on 17 April 2006, featuring production aligned with the band's established rock-pop sound. However, it was ultimately cancelled due to internal label decisions amid the group's impending disbandment.

Live performances and tours

The Faders debuted on the live circuit with a series of festival appearances in mid-2005, marking their transition from recording sessions to stage performances. On June 5, 2005, the band performed at Power in the Park, an outdoor event held at Common, where they showcased tracks from their early repertoire alongside other acts. Less than two weeks later, on June 19, 2005, they played the Red Dragon Party in the Park in , , delivering a set that highlighted their lineup and vocal harmonies to a crowd. The group's summer schedule culminated on July 9, 2005, with a slot at the Jersey Telecom Summer Sizzler in , a multi-artist bill that included Soulshaker, , and from , providing The Faders with one of their earliest high-profile exposures. Building on these festival outings, The Faders secured a major support role in 2006, opening for on the UK portion of her Breakaway World Tour, which ran from February to March across venues like the Carling Apollo in and the Hammersmith Apollo in . This opportunity allowed them to perform before thousands, typically featuring a setlist centered on singles such as "No Sleep Tonight" and "Jump," along with album tracks from Plug in & Play. The band's live shows emphasized an energetic pop-rock delivery, with the members—guitarist/vocalist Molly Lorenne, bassist/keyboardist Toy Valentine, and drummer —engaging audiences through dynamic instrumentation and direct stage presence. Throughout 2005 and 2006, The Faders also headlined smaller club gigs and undertook promotional tours in the UK to build their fanbase, often in intimate venues that suited their raw, instrument-driven sound. These performances, while not as extensively documented as their festival and support slots, helped solidify their reputation for high-energy sets that contrasted with typical girl-group presentations of the era.

Media usage

The Faders' music, particularly their debut single "No Sleep Tonight," gained significant exposure through licensing in various films and television shows, extending the band's reach beyond traditional radio play. The track appeared in the 2006 romantic comedy , where a re-recorded version by lead singer Molly McQueen (Molly Lorenne) played during the scene in which the character Ben runs to Hannah's house, highlighting the song's thematic fit for energetic, romantic pursuits. This placement came amid the band's active period but involved McQueen's solo re-release, arranged post their initial Polydor output to capitalize on film opportunities. Similarly, "No Sleep Tonight" featured in the 2007 film , underscoring a party sequence and aligning with the movie's teen empowerment narrative. Another key cinematic use was in the 2006 comedy , where it energized the opening credits and disguise-themed montages, boosting its association with youthful rebellion. On television, the song saw placements in several popular series, enhancing its visibility in both UK and US markets. It soundtracked episodes of Grey's Anatomy (Season 2, Episode 8, "Let It Be"), Veronica Mars (Season 2, Episode 5, "Blast from the Past"), Greek (Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot"), and the British series Sugar Rush (Season 1, Episode 1), often in scenes involving tension or nightlife vibes. These integrations, licensed through the band's label Polydor Records, promoted tracks internationally by syncing them with high-profile narratives, as Polydor sought to expand beyond UK charts into American broadcasting. Additionally, "No Sleep Tonight" appeared in television advertisements, including the 2005 US Cingular Wireless "Alter Ego Girl" commercial, depicting a girl's dual life, and the UK Vodafone "Stop The Clock" campaign, which emphasized time-saving mobile features. Polydor Records played a central role in these licensing deals, actively pitching the band's pop-rock sound for media syncs to amplify promotion and counter limited radio traction after the single's 2005 UK chart peak. This strategy aimed at international exposure, with US-focused placements like Grey's Anatomy and Cingular helping to introduce The Faders to broader audiences despite the group's short tenure. While exact sales figures from these syncs are not publicly detailed, the media integrations sustained streams and cultural relevance post-release, as evidenced by ongoing compilations and fan recollections tying the song to these visuals.

Breakup and legacy

Disbandment

The Faders were signed to during their active years. The band disbanded in 2006 after a brief career. Following the split, drummer transitioned to other musical projects and touring opportunities starting in 2006.

Post-breakup careers

Following the disbandment of The Faders in 2006, drummer established a successful career as a session musician. She performed with artists including , , and , contributing to live shows and recordings. In 2016, Osei joined for their acoustic phase, drumming on the album Simple Minds Acoustic and participating in related tours. She became a full-time band member in 2017, contributing to the album Walk Between Worlds (2018) and subsequent international tours. As of 2025, Osei remains ' drummer, actively touring and featured in recent interviews discussing her role and gear preferences. Lead vocalist and guitarist Molly Lorenne, who adopted the stage name Molly McQueen, released a solo version of the band's hit "No Sleep Tonight" in 2006, included on the soundtrack for the film . She pursued acting, with credited roles in the television series (2004) and My Almost Famous Family (2009). McQueen has maintained involvement in , releasing independent tracks such as "No Sleep 2Nite" and organizing creative events as a promoter and performer. As of 2025, she continues as an artist and event organizer, focusing on music and cabaret-style shows. Bassist and keyboardist Toy Valentine shifted toward music education after the breakup. She serves as a tutor specializing in vocals, keyboards, bass, and songwriting at the Realistic Music Academy in , drawing on her experience from major gigs and recordings. As of 2025, Valentine remains active in this educational role, with no public solo music releases documented post-2006. The Faders have not reunited for performances or new material in the or , with members pursuing independent paths.

Cultural impact

The Faders received mixed reviews for their punk-pop blend, which was praised for its infectious energy and youthful vigor but frequently critiqued as overly manufactured by their label, . Critics highlighted the band's debut single "No Sleep Tonight" as "fizzy and laden with hooks," capturing a vibrant pop-rock sound that aligned with mid-2000s trends while drawing influences from Joan Jett's rock edge and contemporary acts like . As a priority act for , they benefited from extensive promotional efforts, including coverage, positioning them as potential successors to boy bands like in the UK charts. The group played a notable role in the UK girl group scene following the Spice Girls' dominance, serving as a bridge to pre-2010s acts by emphasizing self-penned songs and live instrumentation in an era dominated by manufactured pop ensembles. They were among the few all-female trios adopting a punk-infused rock aesthetic, inspiring discussions of a "female " and paving the way for subsequent youthful rock-oriented girl acts. This positioned The Faders as challengers to norms in pop, promoting an image of teenage girls wielding guitars amid a male-heavy indie and pop landscape. Despite their brief prominence, The Faders remain underrepresented in media retrospectives on pop history, often overlooked in favor of more commercially enduring groups like or . However, amid 2025's surging nostalgia for 2000s throwback sounds, their catalog holds potential for reevaluation, driven by trends in viral media and streaming revivals that spotlight obscure hits from the era. Their dedicated fanbase persists through online communities sharing rare tracks and memorabilia, while cultural references to their music appear in -themed content, underscoring a niche but enduring legacy.

Discography

Albums

The Faders released their debut and only studio album, Plug In + Play, on 4 May 2005 through Polydor Records in the United Kingdom. Produced primarily by Mark Taylor and Jeff Taylor, the record was recorded at Metrophonic Studios in London, emphasizing a polished pop-rock sound with punk influences. The album's artwork, designed by Form, depicts the three band members in vibrant, energetic poses against a bold, graffiti-inspired background, capturing their youthful, rebellious image. Plug In + Play features 11 tracks, showcasing the band's blend of infectious pop hooks and guitar-driven rock elements. Key singles like "No Sleep Tonight" and "Jump" anchor the album, supported by original compositions that highlight vocal harmonies and rhythmic energy.
No.TitleLength
1.No Sleep Tonight2:58
2.Jump3:09
3.Whatever It Takes3:23
4.Girls Can Make You Cry3:40
5.Better Off Dead3:42
6.She Just Wants to Be Loved3:36
7.Here With Me3:32
8.You Know You Should3:25
9.Strange Boy3:28
10.I Don't Mean Maybe3:35
11.So Far3:15
The did not enter the , reflecting modest commercial performance without sales certifications. International variants included promotional editions in markets like , often with regional inserts but no significant bonus content. User ratings on music databases averaged around 3 out of 5, highlighting the polished production as a strength amid manufactured pop-rock vibes.

Singles

The Faders' singles were primarily released in the by , with a focus on physical CD formats alongside digital downloads to capitalize on early pop-rock radio airplay. The band's debut single marked their breakthrough, while subsequent releases featured remixes and tie-ins to build momentum, though the third was ultimately shelved amid internal changes. "No Sleep Tonight," released on , 2005, served as the from the band's debut album Plug In + Play. It was issued in multiple formats, including (containing the radio edit and B-side "I Don't Mean Maybe") and a limited-edition vinyl pressing with the A-side track and an etched on the B-side. A digital version was also available, broadening accessibility. The music video, directed by Ulf and produced by Edy Enriquez, depicted the band in a high-energy, rebellious that aligned with the song's punk-pop vibe. Internationally, the single saw limited promotion in alongside the album's earlier regional release, though it primarily charted in the UK at number 13. "Jump," the follow-up single released on June 27, 2005, continued the album's promotion with enhanced variants to appeal to club and radio audiences. Available as (featuring the standard edit and an exclusive B-side track) and (including the Club Mix and a Replicant's of "No Sleep Tonight"), it also had a promotional CD version circulated to DJs. No major promotional tie-ins were noted, but the single's upbeat tempo supported live performances and European radio pushes. It peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, with modest airplay in select European markets like , though without significant international physical releases. "Look At Me Now," intended as the third single, was scheduled for release on April 17, 2006. Formats were planned to include CD and digital, potentially with B-sides from album sessions, but the release was cancelled due to the band's impending disbandment. A demo version circulated online and became available on streaming platforms like , allowing fans limited access to the track's energy despite its non-commercial status. No video was produced, and it did not chart. Polydor invested in substantial video budgets and radio campaigns for the first two singles to position The Faders as a fresh act in the UK pop scene, emphasizing visual and remix packages for broader playlist inclusion, though diminishing returns led to the third single's withdrawal.

References

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