Artist in Crescendo - Alt-J

     Although this British indie-rock quartet has been together since 2007, they are only recently becoming known in North America. The four band members, Gwil Sainsbury, Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton, and Thom Green met in university in 2007. The group spent two years rehearsing before singing to the record label, Infectious Records in 2011. Before deciding on the name 'Alt-J', they were known as "Daljit Dhaliwal' and 'Films'. In 2012, Alt-J released their first record, 'An Awesome Wave'. 
     Their songs have been used in TV, film, and even advertising. Their song, 'Tessellate' was used in both CSI: New York and Sons of Anarchy, 'Fitzpleasure' was also used in the popular drama series, Suits. Their music has also made several debuts in major motion pictures such as Silver Linings Playbook, and Leave to Remain. Their song 'Fitzpleasure' has also been used in advertising for Nokia, and the UK movie trailer for The Way, Way Back. 
     Alt-J began touring in 2012. Since then they have traveled throughout the UK, China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the US, Portugal, and even Canada for the popular Osheaga music festival in Montreal, Quebec. Later this month, they will also be traveling to South Africa to open for The Hives, and Skunk Anansie. 
     Their work has not gone unnoticed, in 2012, Alt-J's debut album won the British Mercury Prize, an annual prize awarded to the best album in England and Ireland. They were also nominated for three Brit Awards; British Breakthrough Act, British Album of the Year, and British Group of the Year. 'An Awesome Wave' was announced as the BBC Music Radio album of the year, and also won album of the year at the Ivor Awards, and award given to excellence in singing and songwriting in the UK. 
     Alt-J has begun to captivate North America. Their song 'Breezeblocks' and 'Fitzpleasure' are often played on any indie and/or rock music station. Their music is in crescendo and has begun to take over indie-rock in North America.

Photo courtesy of http://thekey.xpn.org/2013/08/05/just-announced-alt-j-and-lord-huron-will-play-the-electric-factory-on-917/