I am horse

I am horse have created a unique sounds which is both gentle and fierce, mixing electronic and classical instruments. All members are multi-instrumentalists and live they play synthesisers, keys, loops, drums, violin, glockenspiel, melodicas and flute. Their songs range from otherworldly and ethereal, to catchy and instantly rewarding. As an audience you will be blessed with surprises throughout the set, never knowing quite what will come next.

The songs tell stories and create moods using evocative lyrics, intricate beats and sweeping instrumentation. There is yearning, sad beauty, hope, and a desire to share something slightly quirky, yet tangible which resonates with the audience.
Take the beats of Portishead, mixed with the passion and storytelling of Kate Bush and Nick Cave, throw in a bit of early Lamb and Beirut for seasoning and you’re some way towards tasting the complexities of I am horse.

What sets I am horse apart from other bands?

I am horse play chamber pop-tronica, so they definitely stand out. The imitable lead vocals, rich four part harmonies and use of layered voices, ensure this is a sound you do not hear every day. I am horse are a guitar-free zone. The band move effortlessly between classical and electronic instruments, whilst creating accessible pop. Even in the 21st Century, an all-female band playing electronic music is still a rarity.

The I am horse story:

The story starts in the last century, when Suzi and Magda first played together in Brighton-based, Domestica. Almost a decade passed before they came together again to form ‘I am horse’. Set up in late 2009 as an electronic two-piece, Lamb and Conway wanted to make quirky, dark, pop music, merging Magda’s distinct vocals, with Suzi’s passion for old school beats and contemporary sounds. They began writing and playing together but soon felt the ‘horse sound’ needed to have more depth and scope.

Anna Gravelle joined in 2010 bringing her highly accomplished piano playing and beautiful vocals that sit so perfectly with Magda’s. Anna has brought more drama to the band’s sound, giving a counterpoint for Suzi to build in more complex and climactic rhythms.

Initially Kate Fox joined as a deputy for Anna during maternity leave. On Anna’s return, Kate’s rich violin playing, great musicianship and voice that resonates old English folk music was too good to lose.

From 2011, as a four-piece, the Horses spent the year establishing their unique sound and building their repertoire. As the year progressed they secured better and better live shows as their confidence and following grew. 2012 holds great things for the band, with their debut album being recorded in February for a spring release and a number of shows already booked around the UK. This will definitely be the year of the Horse.

Influences:
DJ Shadow, Beirut, Portishead, Bon Iver, My Brightest Diamond, Cat Power, Jeffrey Lewis, Jeff Buckley, Bonnie Prince Billy, Nick Cave, Dark Dark Dark, Sufjan Stevens, Jono McCleery, Peggy Lee, Bill Callahan, Low, Micah P Hinson, Lamb, Victory At Sea, Loney Dear, The Dirty Three, Dusty Springfield, Little Dragon, Nina Nastasia, PJ Harvey, Goldfrapp, Bjork, Robert Wyatt, Fourtet, Coco Rosie, Miike Snow, Rachael Grimes, Wye Oak, Tunng, The XX, Sleater Kinney, Nina Simone, Frida Hyvonnen, Tom Waits, Life…..