Also known as Milke Years active 2009–present | Genres Synthpop Website www.monarchysound.com | |
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Albums Abnocto, Almost Human (Remixes), Re|Vision Members Ra Black, Andrew Armstrong, Friendly Similar Britt Love, Dita Von Teese, Karma Fields, Eric Szmanda, Mija Martina Profiles | ||
Monarchy is an English electronic music duo consisting of Andrew Armstrong (producer, DJ) and Ra Black (vocals, lyrics). Based in London, the duo were previously known as Milke.
Contents
History
In November 2009, Monarchy were featured as "Band of the Day" on The Guardian website. Monarchy's debut single "Gold in the Fire" was released on 1 February 2010 on Neon Gold Records, containing the B-side "Black, the Colour of My Heart". They have created remixes for Ellie Goulding, Kelis, Lady Gaga, Marina and the Diamonds, Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Fyfe Dangerfield.
Their first live show was broadcast into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida in June 2010, making them the first band ever to perform live into space. They have since performed at various London and UK venues including XOYO and HMV Forum, and festivals including The Big Chill, Popaganda in Sweden, Bestival, Eurosonic Festival in the Netherlands, MIDEM in Cannes, as well as Paris, Dijon, Rouen, Amsterdam, and across Europe. In 2011 they performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Hay Festival and Melt! festival, amongst others. Monarchy played the Together Winter Music Festival in London at the Alexandra Palace on 26 November 2011.
After signing to Mercury Records in February 2010, Monarchy was set to release their self-titled debut album in August 2010. However, the duo were dropped by Mercury a few months later, and the album's release was cancelled. Their debut album was ultimately released on 11 July 2011 by independent label 100% Records under a new title, Around the Sun, with a slightly different track listing. The Guardian gave the album three out of five stars and stated that "[t]he lyrics are often arrant nonsense [...] but there are many pleasures here." The NME rated the album five out of ten, comparing Monarchy to Hurts, The Sound of Arrows and Steps. Popjustice placed Around the Sun at number fourteen on its list of the best albums of 2011. Their song "The Phoenix Alive" was featured in EA Sports game, FIFA 12 with remix of Kris Menace.
Monarchy's single "Disintegration" was released digitally on 14 January 2013 and features Neo-Burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, who also appears on the track's accompanying music video. The duo released the single "Living Without You" on 28 April 2014. Their extended play Almost Human, was officially released on 8 September 2014, after premiering exclusively on Vibe's website on 15 August. Monarchy's second studio album, Abnocto, was released on 6 March 2015 by Hacan Sounds. It was preceded by the single "Dancing in the Corner" on 19 January 2015.
On 27 April 2015 Armstrong announced the split of Monarchy. On 1 June he announced that the duo had reconciled and would continue touring and creating new music.
On 2 March 2016 electronic artist Karma Fields released the album "New Age | Dark Age", with the track "Faint Echoes", featuring Monarchy.
Studio albums
Extended plays
Songs
DisintegrationAbnocto · 2015
Dancing in the CornerAbnocto · 2015
Living Without YouAbnocto · 2015