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Zero 7
Zero 7
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Zero 7 is an English musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker that formed in 1997. Their debut album, Simple Things, was released in 2001; their song "Destiny" stayed in the top 100 of the UK Single Charts. Subsequent albums include When It Falls, The Garden, and Yeah Ghost.

Key Information

After studying sound engineering, Binns and Hardaker began their careers in the music industry in the 1990s at Mickie Most's RAK Studios in London, engineering music for British groups like Pet Shop Boys, Young Disciples, and Robert Plant. In 1997 they created a remix of the song "Climbing Up the Walls" by Radiohead (which was also the first time the name 'Zero 7' was used),[1] provided additional programming on "Meeting in the Aisle", a Karma Police B-side, and Binns received a credit for additional sampling on Kid A.[2] The pair also remixed Terry Callier's "Love Theme From Spartacus" and songs by Lenny Kravitz, Sneaker Pimps and Lambchop.

History

[edit]

The name Zero 7 was chosen after Binns and Hardaker spent time on the Honduran island Utila, which contained a bar named Cero Siete. After returning to the UK they were asked by Radiohead to remix the song "Climbing Up the Walls". Binns and Hardaker called their mix "the Zero 7 Mix", and the name stuck.[3]

In 1999, they released an EP of original material called EP 1 under the name Zero 7. In 2001, they released their debut album, Simple Things, which featured collaborations with vocalists Mozez, Sia, and Sophie Barker. The album peaked at number 28 on the UK albums chart and went platinum. It was later nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and won the "Best Newcomer" Muzik Award.[4][5] Live appearances after the album's release consisted of Binns and Hardaker along with guest vocalists and other musicians, with as many as 20 performers on stage at once.

In 2004, they released their second album, When It Falls. In addition to the three vocalists from their first album, it featured a collaboration with Danish singer-songwriter Tina Dico. It peaked at number 3 on the UK albums chart, their highest charting to date, and became a certified gold record. That same year, Binns co-wrote the Emma Bunton track "Breathing".[6]

Zero 7 at Bumbershoot in 2006

Zero 7 released their third album, The Garden, in May 2006, which contained vocals performed by Binns as well as guest vocalists Sia and Swedish folk musician José González. The album was named after the collage that artist friend Gideon London produced for its cover.[7]

In 2007, Binns and Hardaker created a band called Ingrid Eto, which has been described as a Zero 7 instrumental project.[8] In 2009, they released an experimental instrumental EP under the name Kling, titled Kling EP. Its tracks were later incorporated into Zero 7's fourth album, Yeah Ghost, also released in 2009. The album included contributions from jazz and soul singer Eska Mtungwazi as well as folk artist Martha Tilston.[8]

In 2010, the duo released a retrospective compilation titled Record. A two-disc special edition contained exclusive remixes of songs from all four of their prior studio albums. In 2013, the band released a 12" single, "On My Own" b/w "Don't Call It Love", on their own label, Make Records.[9]

In 2014, the band released the Simple Science EP, followed by EP3 in 2015. Both were released on Make Records.[10]

In 2016, Henry Binns teamed up with Bo Bruce and Jodi Milliner to form a group called Equador.[11]

At the end of 2018, Zero 7 released the track "Mono" featuring Hidden.[12] This was followed at the beginning of 2019 by "Aurora".[13] In October 2019, the duo released another single titled "Swimmers" with additional vocals courtesy of UK based singer Jem Cooke.[14] Later in August 2020, the band released another single, "Shadows", and announced an upcoming EP.[15] In October 2020, the Shadows EP was released, containing 4 tracks by singer-songwriter Lou Stone.[16]

In March 2024, Zero 7 teased new music via social media.[17] Then on 3 April they released their first new single, "The Crowd", from forthcoming album with California west coast based artist Swim Surreal. They followed this with their second single "Bloom" released on 15 May. On 5 June they released "Don't Call it Love" along with a video. Finally, 21 June saw the release of the full length album In the Half Light, a nine-song collaboration with Swim Surreal. All songs were co-written and produced by Zero 7, essentially comprising the fifth Zero 7 album, their first since 2009.

Discography

[edit]

Awards

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  • Nominated for the Mercury Prize 2001 for Simple Things.[4]
  • Nominated for Best British Newcomer at the Brit Awards 2002.[18]
  • Nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for The Garden, in the category 'Best Electronic/Dance Album'.[19]

See also

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Zero 7 is a British downtempo and electronic music duo formed in in 1997 by producers and former studio engineers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The pair met as teenagers and honed their skills in sound engineering during the , working at studios like RAK before transitioning to production and remixing. Their music blends influences from , , trip-hop, and film soundtracks, often featuring guest vocalists such as Sia Furler, Sophie Barker, Mozez, José González, and . Zero 7 achieved critical acclaim with their debut album, (2001), which sold over one million copies worldwide and earned a nomination for the . Subsequent releases include When It Falls (2004), The Garden (2006, nominated for a Grammy Award), (2009), and the compilation Record (2010). The duo has remained active into the 2020s, releasing the album In the Half Light (2024) under the alias Swim Surreal and performing live and DJ sets, while also exploring side projects like the instrumental alias Ingrid Eto.

Formation and Early Years

Origins

Henry Binns began his career in the music industry during the early as a studio engineer and remixer in . He worked on projects for prominent artists, including at with and , honing his skills in electronic production and sound design within the burgeoning British electronic scene. By the mid-, Binns had established himself as a versatile engineer, contributing to sessions that blended rhythms with atmospheric elements, which would later influence his collaborative work. Sam Hardaker entered London's electronic music landscape around the same period, initially focusing on engineering and production for independent labels. His early involvement included crafting beats and arrangements for underground acts in the trip-hop and ambient genres, drawing from the city's vibrant club culture and experimental soundscapes. By , Hardaker was actively producing tracks that emphasized subtle grooves and layered textures, often collaborating with like-minded producers in small studios across the capital. Binns and Hardaker, who met as teenagers at school in northwest and had been friends since around age 18, immersed themselves in London's mid-1990s trip-hop and scenes, where they shared spaces at recording sessions and events that fostered creative exchanges among electronic musicians. These overlapping experiences, including informal remixing projects and studio hangs, laid the groundwork for their initial joint endeavors by the mid-1990s. This culminated in their decision to formalize their partnership in 1997.

Formation

Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, who had individually gained experience in the electronic music scene as studio engineers and remixers in during the early , decided to formally collaborate under the Zero 7 moniker in 1997. Their partnership began with a of Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls" from the album , which served as the debut project for Zero 7 and built on their prior shared remix work for various artists. Following this, Binns and Hardaker developed early demos in the late 1990s, shifting their focus from remixing to creating original downtempo compositions that incorporated live instrumentation alongside electronic elements. This conceptual evolution marked a departure from pure remix production toward a more organic sound blending soul, jazz, and atmospheric textures. Their debut EP, simply titled EP (also known as EP1), was initially self-released on January 24, 2000, as a limited-edition vinyl pressed to 1,000 copies. It featured original tracks such as "This World" with vocals by Mozez, showcasing their emerging style of lush, instrumental-driven downtempo. Later associated with the Ultimate Dilemma label, the release helped build anticipation for their full-length debut. Zero 7's early output with EP and the subsequent EP2 in November 2000 further solidified this transition to original material, with the latter including "Distractions" featuring Sia. These releases preceded their first live performances in small London venues around 2000, where they tested their evolving sound with live musicians before larger audiences.

Musical Style and Influences

Genre Characteristics

Zero 7's music is characterized by a seamless blend of , trip-hop, and elements, creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of and relaxation. Their production techniques emphasize meticulous layering of organic and electronic components, including subtle electronics such as bleeps, whooshes, and early analogue synth noises, contrasted with live-recorded instruments like Fender chords, multilayered strings, sections, gentle guitars, and sampled acoustic drums. This fusion results in a , laid-back vibe infused with soulful, jazzy, and funky undertones, often drawing from 1970s and folk influences. Signature features include slow tempos typically ranging from 70 to 90 BPM, which contribute to the genre's contemplative pace, alongside layered, smoky vocals that add emotional depth without overpowering the instrumentation. The organic elements—such as violins, horns, keyboards, , and thick bass—provide a warm, harmonious foundation that contrasts with crisp electronic beats, fostering an ethereal and melancholic atmosphere ideal for chill-out settings. This balance of acoustic warmth and digital precision highlights their leanings, where jazz improvisation meets electronic subtlety. Over time, Zero 7 evolved from a remix-heavy approach in their early work, which prioritized atmospheric backdrops with background strings, to more song-oriented structures by 2004, foregrounding vocals and collaborations for a richer, more narrative-driven sound. Their style has remained consistent into the 2020s, as seen in releases like Swim Surreal (2023). While sharing roots with trip-hop pioneers like Massive Attack, their style stands out for its lounge-like introspection compared to contemporaries such as Air or Thievery Corporation, emphasizing a uniquely soothing, easy-listening electronica.

Key Influences

Zero 7's atmospheric production style draws heavily from the 1990s Bristol trip-hop scene, where acts like and Portishead pioneered layered, moody soundscapes blending hip-hop beats with electronic textures and soulful vocals. This influence is evident in Zero 7's approach, which evolved from the broader chillout movement spawned by trip-hop's experimental variants. The duo's electronic roots are rooted in ambient and IDM traditions, with Henry Binns citing early passions for and hip-hop during his teens, alongside ambient works that emphasized repetition and texture. Binns has highlighted the sampler's transformative role in production, shaping Zero 7's focus on immersive, non-intrusive . These traditions further informed their hybrid layering of live and programmed elements. Pop and soul elements permeate Zero 7's sound through their collaborators' backgrounds, with vocalists like Sia and Sophie Barker infusing melodic hooks and emotional depth drawn from soul traditions. Jazz fusion aspects emerge via Binns' prominent use of Fender Rhodes , adding warm, improvisational tones reminiscent of and . Binns, a trained , balances these organic instruments with electronic production, creating a fusion that prioritizes groove over rigidity. Zero 7's remixing career directly shaped their hybrid style, as seen in their atmospheric rework of Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls," which stripped the original's tension into a haze, and their contributions to tracks that blended with chillout subtlety. These projects honed their ability to recontextualize diverse source material. Founders Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker also drew personal inspiration from 1970s soul, with Binns recalling childhood fandom of and blues vocalists, evoking emotive delivery and harmonic richness. Film scores further influenced their cinematic arrangements, incorporating orchestral swells and subtle dynamics for evocative storytelling.

Career Highlights

Debut Album and Breakthrough

Zero 7's debut album, , was recorded over 2000 and 2001 at Shabang Studios in , where producers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker incorporated samples alongside live instrumentation to craft its sound. The project featured prominent vocal contributions from Sia Furler on tracks like "Destiny," Mozez on "I Have Seen" and the title track, and Sophie Barker on "In the Waiting Line" and several others, adding layers of soulful introspection to the arrangements. Key tracks such as "Destiny," with its duet vocals from Sia and Barker, and "In the Waiting Line," Barker's haunting lead on a minimalist beat, exemplified the album's blend of chill-out grooves and emotional vulnerability. Released on 23 April 2001 by Palm Pictures, marked Zero 7's breakthrough, peaking at number 28 on the and remaining on the chart for 89 weeks. The album achieved in the UK for sales exceeding 300,000 copies and sold over one million copies worldwide, establishing the duo's international presence in the genre. Critics praised its emotional depth and sophisticated production, with reviewers highlighting the record's ability to evoke introspection through subtle, atmospheric textures reminiscent of trip-hop pioneers. The album's success led to a nomination in 2001, underscoring its critical impact and positioning Zero 7 as innovators in the chill-out scene. Following the release, the duo undertook their first major tours in the UK and the , performing tracks from to growing audiences and solidifying their live reputation.

Mid-Career Developments

Following the breakthrough success of their debut album , Zero 7 released their second studio album, When It Falls, in March 2004. The record peaked at number 3 on the and spent 25 weeks in the top 100, reflecting the duo's growing commercial appeal. Featuring vocal contributions from Sia Furler on tracks like "Somersault" and "Speed Dial No. 2," as well as Mozez and , the album shifted toward more introspective and emotionally layered soundscapes, blending with subtle acoustic elements to explore themes of longing and quiet reflection. In 2006, Zero 7 issued The Garden, their third album, which reached number 4 on the and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Electronic/Dance Album in 2007. This release marked a noticeable in their sound, incorporating more pop-oriented structures and lush string arrangements arranged by Sally Herbert, while retaining their signature atmospheric production. Collaborations with Sia on multiple tracks, including "Throw It All Away" and "You're My Flame," alongside José González on "Futures," added a brighter, more upbeat dimension, emphasizing vocal harmonies and accessible melodies. The album's warmer, summery vibe was influenced by its recording in the countryside, contributing to its cohesive, organic feel. By 2009, amid lineup transitions, Zero 7 delivered , their fourth album, which entered the at number 39. The departure of longtime collaborator Sia Furler to pursue her solo career posed challenges, prompting the duo to experiment more freely without a fixed vocalist and incorporate hip-hop influences, as heard in the electro-blues track "Sleeper." Featuring Eska Mtungwazi on several songs and spanning to acoustic folk, the album represented a fragmented, idea-driven departure from their earlier polished style, reflecting internal creative shifts during a period of uncertainty. In 2007, core members Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker channeled these explorations into the Ingrid Eto, allowing them to focus on production without vocals. They followed with the compilation Record in 2010. Live performances during this era, including a notable set at Glastonbury Festival in 2004 promoting When It Falls, highlighted the band's adaptability amid rotating contributors, though subsequent tours grappled with maintaining consistency post-Sia.

Recent Releases

After Record (2010), Zero 7 made a return to original music in 2013 with the single "On My Own," featuring Danny Pratt. Building on this, they released "Mono" in October 2018, featuring vocals from Hidden. This track marked their first original output in several years, blending their signature style with subtle electronic elements. The duo followed with "Aurora" in February 2019, featuring Swedish singer José González on vocals, which explored themes of introspection through layered production. In October 2020, Zero 7 released the Shadows EP, a four-track collection featuring British vocalist Lou Stone, including the title track "Shadows" and "Take My Hand", emphasizing atmospheric trip-hop influences. The group's most significant recent project arrived in 2024 with In the Half Light, a collaborative album credited to Swim Surreal and co-written/produced by Zero 7, released on June 21 via their independent label Make Records. This nine-track effort includes standout songs such as "The Crowd", "Bloom", and "Don’t Call It Love", fusing soft rock, funk, and synthpop in a psychedelic soul framework. An instrumental version of the album followed in February 2025, further extending its accessibility. As of 2025, Zero 7 remains active, focusing on DJ sets and selective live performances rather than extensive touring, with appearances including a DJ set at in 2024 and events in the UK such as a November date in . They have shifted toward independent distribution, prominently utilizing for releases and merchandise, while continuing festival engagements without major awards since 2007.

Members and Collaborations

Core Duo

Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker form the core duo of Zero 7, having met as teenagers in and established a longstanding creative partnership rooted in shared studio experiences. Both born in 1972, they studied sound engineering and honed their skills as apprentices at in the 1990s, where they contributed to sessions with artists like before turning to their own productions. Binns serves as the primary production and engineering lead, emphasizing orchestration with influences from soul, jazz, and to craft the duo's lush, layered soundscapes. Hardaker complements this by focusing on beats and synthesis, incorporating cutting-edge hip-hop elements to drive the rhythmic foundation. Their dynamic balances Binns' organic arrangements with Hardaker's electronic textures, a synergy that originated in 1997 with early remix collaborations, including work on Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls." The pair have maintained their collaboration without major interruptions or splits, though they have taken breaks for individual pursuits, such as Binns' involvement in the Equador project, a downtempo electronic venture with vocalist Bo Bruce. Originally based in London, where they grew up and continue to draw creative energy, Binns now resides in Somerset while Hardaker remains in the city, adapting their workflow to remote exchanges during periods apart.

Vocalists and Contributors

Zero 7's music has relied heavily on a rotating cast of guest vocalists, whose contributions have shaped the duo's signature sound across their releases. On their debut album , Australian singer Sia Furler provided vocals for tracks including "Destiny" and "Distractions," co-writing "Destiny" with Sophie Barker and the core duo of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker; this collaboration marked an early breakthrough for Sia, introducing her soulful delivery to a wider audience. British vocalist Sophie Barker also featured prominently on the album, lending her ethereal, breathy style to "In the Waiting Line" and sharing lead vocals on "Destiny," while Mozez contributed smooth, laid-back performances on songs like "I Have Seen." The follow-up When It Falls continued this collaborative approach, with returning vocalists Sia and Mozez joined by Danish singer on "Home," where her soft, introspective tone complemented the track's melancholic atmosphere. Sophie Barker returned for the title track, maintaining the project's intimate vocal layering. Later albums like The Garden incorporated Swedish artist José González, whose and fragile defined tracks such as "Futures," adding a folk-infused texture to Zero 7's electronic foundations. In more recent years, the duo has worked with emerging talents, including British singer Jem Cooke on the 2019 single "Swimmers," where her luminous vocals enhanced the shimmering production. The 2020 Shadows EP featured Lou Stone's emotive leads, bringing a contemporary soul edge to the material. Their involvement in the 2024 collaborative album In The Half Light by Swim Surreal, produced by Binns and Hardaker and released on June 21, 2024, spotlighted Lou Stone on "Masquerade" and backing vocalists and Ellen Murphy on tracks like "Don't Call It Love," with lead vocals by Swim Surreal. Beyond vocalists, Zero 7's recordings have involved various production hands, with Binns and Hardaker handling primary engineering and mixing from their early days at London's ; additional contributors have included instrumentalists like bassist Pete Trotman and violinist Sally Herbert on early albums, underscoring the lack of a fixed band structure. The core duo has consistently overseen these elements, ensuring a cohesive blend of guest inputs.

Discography

Studio Albums

Zero 7's debut studio album, , was released on 23 April 2001 and consists of 12 tracks. It achieved platinum certification in the for sales exceeding 300,000 units and features key singles including "Destiny" and "In the Waiting Line." The album has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. The duo's second album, When It Falls, followed on 1 March 2004 with 11 tracks. It earned gold certification in the and includes the single "Somersault." The release has sold over 250,000 copies. The Garden, Zero 7's third studio album, appeared on 22 May 2006 and comprises 12 tracks, highlighted by the "Futures" (featuring González). In 2009, the group issued on 28 September, featuring 10 tracks with a heightened emphasis on electronic elements.

Compilation Albums

Zero 7 released the Record on 7 June 2010, featuring tracks from their previous albums along with remixes and unreleased material.

Singles and EPs

Zero 7's early output included their debut EP, titled EP1, released in January 2000 on Ultimate Dilemma in a limited run of 1,000 copies. This self-titled EP featured five tracks—"Out of Town," "This " (featuring Mozez), "Likufanele," "Lo," and "One Break"—establishing the duo's with atmospheric electronics and guest vocals. The band's first single, "Destiny" (featuring Sia and Sophie Barker), arrived in August 2001 as a lead promotion for their debut album . It debuted at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks in the top 75, and demonstrated strong presence in indie circles, peaking at number 4 on the UK Indie Singles Chart. Following this, "In the Waiting Line" (featuring Sophie Barker) was released in March 2002, reaching number 47 on the UK Singles Chart with two weeks on the chart, and becoming a standout track for its hazy, introspective vibe. In the mid-period, "" (featuring Sia) served as the second single from When It Falls, released on May 17, 2004, and peaked at number 56 on the UK Singles Chart, lasting two weeks. From their 2006 album The Garden, promotional efforts included tracks like "Throw It All Away" (featuring Sia), released in May 2006, which contributed to the album's dance and electronic chart traction despite limited mainstream singles success. Later singles marked a return to independent releases on the duo's Make Records label. "On My Own" (featuring Danny Pratt), issued in September 2013 as a 12-inch vinyl single, explored dub-infused with remixes, receiving critical praise for its laid-back groove but no major chart entry. In October 2018, "Mono" (featuring Hidden) emerged as their first new material in three years, blending acid-jazz elements and earning acclaim for its breezy production. This was followed by "Aurora" (featuring José González) in February 2019, noted for its ethereal, satellite-inspired lyrics and alternative mix variant. Most recently, "The Crowd" (under the Swim Surreal featuring Zero 7), released in April 2024 from the In the Half Light, captured a mood with plaintive piano and driving bass. An instrumental version of In the Half Light was released on 28 February 2025. Additional EPs reinforced Zero 7's exploratory side. The Shadows EP (featuring Lou Stone), released in October 2020 on Make Records/BMG, comprised four tracks—"Shadows," "Take My Hand," "After the Fall," and "Outline"—focusing on intimate, live-feeling arrangements; a live version followed in 2021. Overall, Zero 7's singles achieved limited top 40 success on the UK Singles Chart—their highest at number 30 with "Destiny"—but maintained a robust presence on indie, , and electronic charts, underscoring their niche appeal in the genre.

Awards and Legacy

Awards and Nominations

Zero 7's debut album earned a nomination for the in 2001, recognizing its innovative blend of and soulful vocals as a standout release in British that year. The duo also won Best Newcomer at the 2001 Muzik Awards. The following year, the duo received a nomination for Best British Newcomer at the 2002, highlighting their rapid rise following the critical and commercial success of . In 2007, Zero 7's third album The Garden was nominated for Best Electronic/Dance Album at the , underscoring the project's polished production and collaborations with vocalists like Sia and José González. Zero 7 has not secured any major award wins, with their post-2007 recognition primarily manifesting through high-profile festival appearances rather than formal accolades.

Cultural Impact

Zero 7's sound, characterized by lush, atmospheric arrangements blending electronic elements with soulful vocals, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the chillout and lounge genres during the early . Their music helped bridge the gap between trip-hop's introspective mood and more accessible lounge aesthetics, influencing a wave of artists who incorporated organic instrumentation and guest vocalists into electronic compositions. Tracks like "In the Waiting Line" from their 2001 album gained widespread exposure through media placements, including its prominent feature on the soundtrack of the 2004 film Garden State, where it underscored themes of emotional limbo and introspection. The song's hazy, echoing production became emblematic of the era's indie-dramedy vibe, contributing to Zero 7's integration into popular culture beyond niche electronic scenes. Similarly, their music appeared in television series such as , with "Passing By" and "Waiting to Die" enhancing episodes' melancholic narratives in the mid-2000s. Zero 7 significantly aided the career trajectories of several vocalists, most notably Sia, whose collaborations on and When It Falls marked her international breakthrough after relocating to in the late 1990s. As lead vocalist on tracks like "Destiny," Sia gained visibility in the UK electronic scene, paving the way for her subsequent solo success and songwriting for major artists. Though known more for studio work, Zero 7's live performances were infrequent yet memorable, including sets at Glastonbury Festival in 2004—featuring Sia and Sophie Barker—which captured their ethereal sound on a major stage, and a return appearance in 2024 that reignited fan interest amid a broader revival of 2000s electronic acts. Their 2002 Coachella appearance further solidified their festival presence, blending live instrumentation with vocal harmonies to draw diverse audiences. Recent tours in 2024 and 2025, including DJ sets and full band shows such as their August 2025 performance at the South Facing festival, have sustained this legacy by introducing their music to newer generations. Post-2009, Zero 7 maintained cultural relevance through digital platforms, amassing over 614 million streams on as of November 2025, driven by algorithmic playlists that highlight their enduring appeal in chillout compilations. Their influence extends to modern producers like , whose atmospheric electronic works echo Zero 7's fusion of jazz-inflected beats and emotive vocals, inspiring a continued of the genre in contemporary electronic music.

References

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