Phoenix (band)

This article is about the band. For other uses, see Phoenix (disambiguation).

Phoenix
Phoenix performing live in 2018. Left to right, foreground: Laurent Brancowitz, Thomas Mars, Deck d'Arcy, Christian Mazzalai
Background information
OriginVersailles, Ile-de-France, France
Genres
Years active1995 (1995)–present
Labels
Spinoff ofDarlin'
Members
  • Thomas Mars
  • Deck d'Arcy
  • Laurent Brancowitz
  • Christian Mazzalai
Websitewww.wearephoenix.com

Phoenix is a French indie rock band from Versailles,[1] formed in 1995. Their line-up, which has remained unchanged since their formation, comprises Thomas Mars (lead vocals, drums, percussion), Deck d'Arcy (bass, keyboards, backing vocals), Christian Mazzalai (guitar, backing vocals) and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Thomas Hedlund has been the band's session and live drummer since 2005.

The band's sound has been primarily described as indie pop,[2][3][4][5] synth-pop,[6][7][8] pop rock,[9][10][11] and new wave.[12][13] They have released seven studio albums, to date, with their fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, becoming a major breakthrough success in 2009. Featuring the singles "1901" and "Lisztomania", the album won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. With the release of the band's fifth album, Bankrupt! (2013), the band headlined Coachella and Primavera Sound. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 3 on the French Albums Chart and number 4 on the Billboard 200.

The band's Italo disco-influenced sixth studio album, Ti Amo, was released in 2017 and featured songs that celebrated the band's "European, Latin roots".[14] The band's seventh studio album, Alpha Zulu (2022), was recorded within the Louvre Palace during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was inspired by the death of the band's longtime producer, friend and mentor Philippe Zdar.

The band performed at the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony held at the Stade de France in Paris, France. They performed the 2010 track “Nightcall” in collaboration with French electronic pop artist Kavinsky and Belgian singer Angèle as well as “Tonight” with Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig.

  1. ^ Ambrose, Anthony. "inTuneMusic Online: Phoenix / Passion Pit / Jack's Mannequin / Manchester Orchestra @ NYC 12/2". Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2009.
  2. ^ Smith, Thomas (3 November 2022). "Phoenix – 'Alpha Zulu' review: indie-pop's modern masters exhibit flair and panache". NME. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  3. ^ Hyden, Steven (3 November 2022). "Phoenix Reviews All of Their Albums, Including The New 'Alpha Zulu'". Uproxx. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  4. ^ Coughlan, Maggie (3 November 2022). ""It's More Satisfying": Thomas Mars on Phoenix's Live Show". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  5. ^ Sharples, Grant (31 October 2022). "Phoenix's Alpha Zulu Is Equal Parts Jarring and Rapturous". Paste. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  6. ^ Berndtson, Chad (12 September 2022). "Phoenix Return in Fine Form at Radio City Music Hall on Friday". The Bowery Presents. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  7. ^ Korber, Kevin (22 April 2013). "Phoenix: Bankrupt!". PopMatters. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  8. ^ Timmons, John (7 June 2022). "Song of the Day: Phoenix preview new album with "Alpha Zulu"". WFPK. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  9. ^ Johnson, Christopher (10 August 2004). "Phoenix: French Pop Arrives on U.S. Shores". NPR. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  10. ^ Brown, August (20 September 2010). "Pop music review: Phoenix at the Hollywood Bowl". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  11. ^ Welk, Brian (12 January 2021). "How French Band Phoenix Found a 'Happy Accident' With Original Song for 'On the Rocks'". TheWrap. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  12. ^ Simpson, Ernest (24 May 2006). "Phoenix: It's Never Been Like That". Treble. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  13. ^ Amirio, Dylan (11 August 2017). "Phoenix: Shining light in times of darkness". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  14. ^ Josephs, Brian (24 May 2017). "Here's Everything We Know About Phoenix's New Album Ti Amo". Spin. Retrieved 29 May 2017.