Sneaker Pimps

History

Chris Corner and Liam Howe met as teenagers in the eighties, both taking an interest in recording and studio experimentation. They banded together under the name F.R.I.S.K. and produced the "Soul of Indiscretion" EP, an early example of what became known as trip-hop. The mix of beats and acoustic folk sounds was further explored on two more instrumental EPs: "F.R.I.S.K." and "World as a Cone". They were signed to Clean Up Records. The duo's early DJ and production efforts took the alias Line of Flight.

As their music evolved, Howe and Corner began to tire of the non-vocal format, and wanted to explore making music with more pop leanings. They drafted school friend Ian Pickering to assist in writing lyrics for what would eventually become the album Becoming X. Chris Corner recorded vocals for several demo tracks, but the band decided the kind of music they were writing better suited a female vocal. At their manager's suggestion, they saw Kelli Dayton performing in a pub and recruited her to join on vocals. Finally the band came together with friends Joe Wilson on bass and Dave Westlake on drums and percussion, and began recording under the Sneaker Pimps name.

The 1996 debut album Becoming X was a runaway success, released during the peak popularity of the trip-hop genre. The album got them signed to Virgin America, and sold over a million copies. They toured the album for two years, including gigs alongside Aphex Twin. A 1998 remix album, Becoming Remixed, also followed.

Upon return from the tour, the band began writing their follow-up album. Chris Corner again laid down the initial vocal demos, at which point it became clear to the band that his vocal style fit better with the direction their music was turning. At this time, Kelli was asked to leave the band, also in part due to the stress of the preceding tour. The band's lineup change led them to be dropped from Virgin, and the sophomore album Splinter was instead released in the UK on Clean Up Records in 1999. Splinter featured more traditional instrumentation, acoustic guitars, and downbeat tempos. With the band's change in direction, Splinter did not match the commercial success of Becoming X, but solidified a cult fanbase.

Their third album Bloodsport was released on Tommy Boy Records in 2002. Songs from the album were previewed during in a 2001 European tour opening for Placebo. A more dance-oriented album than its predecessor, Bloodsport contains influences of new wave, pop, funk, and alternative combined with a residue of trip-hop. Cynical takes on fame and celebrity are a recurring lyrical theme throughout the album.

In 2003, the band's website stated they had "decided to undergo a mutation" and announced the launch of Chris Corner's new project, IAMX. A fourth Sneaker Pimps album was demoed but shelved, and is referred to in fan circles as SP4. Many of the songs would be finalized and recorded by Corner on the first two IAMX albums. Although the band's website hinted through 2005 that new Sneaker Pimps material and 5.1 Surround Sound re-releases of the first two albums were on the way, these plans never materialized and band members focused instead on varying side projects.

In May 2015, founding member Liam Howe hinted that Sneaker Pimps would return to officially release a fourth album. He later reinforced this on a new Sneaker Pimps Twitter account. Corner has commented that he would like to be involved in future Sneaker Pimps projects if other band members are equally interested.

Side projects

Chris Corner began working on the side project IAMX in 2003 and has since released six solo albums. He has also provided guest vocals for TNT Jackson, Moonbootica and The Strike Boys, as well as produced material for Robots in Disguise. Corner also collaborated with Sue Denim from Robots in Disguise, under the name Siblings.

Liam Howe has become a successful writer/producer and has written and produced the likes of Marina and the Diamonds, Lana Del Rey and Ellie Goulding. He is signed to Columbia records for his solo project which includes collaborations with Alan Vega, Neneh Cherry and Princess Superstar.

David Westlake currently plays drums in Trash Money, has done session work for Natalie Imbruglia, Mediaeval Baebes, and Zero-G, and played drums with Ultrafox on tour.

Kelli Ali (Dayton) has released three solo albums through One Little Indian Records: Tigermouth, Psychic Cat, and Rocking Horse, and most recently independently released the album Band of Angels.

Past member Joe Wilson formed Trash Money with Chris Tate in 1999 and plays live with Client.

Members

In the studio, the band share instrumental duties; however in the live environment they have played the following:

Former members:

Albums

Singles

Promo singles