The Chemical Brothers

About The Chemical Brothers

English electronic duo The Chemical Brothers are widely credited as the godfathers of the big beat sound. Both members-Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons-shared an enduring passion for sample-heavy American hip hop records and electronic-leaning English bands like New Order and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Both boys graduated with respectable degrees, the went on to keep dance floors and festival fields tweaked out and writhing with a groundbreaking procession of big beat singles and albums. Originally DJing under The Beastie Boys inspired name The Dust Brothers, the duo spent 1994 spinning records at the highly influential party Heavenly Seventeen Social Club at London's Albany Pub. The trendy dance night got them tons of remix work for bands like Republica and The Sandals as well as giving them a chance to develop their distinct, hip hop influenced beats and make connections with savvy celebrities like Oasis' Noel Gallagher. After touring the US on a groundbreaking electronic tour with Oribital and Underworld, they were forced by the US production duo The Dust Brothers to change their name to The Chemical Brothers, inspired by one of their first original singles "Chemical Beats." Their debut album Exit Planet Dust was an inspired collection of massive beats and crunchy synthesizers. It also established The Brothers' tradition of using a wide range of guest vocalists to flesh out their tracks. Beth Orton sang the hook on lead single "Alive Alone" and The Charlatan's singer Tim Burgess was featured on the track "Life Is Sweet." The Chemical Brothers' scored their biggest US hit with 1995's Dig Your Own Hole and the Schooly D sampling "Block Rocking Beats."