Formed in Leeds in 2009, Submotion Orchestra quickly made a splash on the wider scene. Their live gigs left audiences open-mouthed, and their debut EP on Ranking Records drew a rave reaction from Gilles Peterson who quickly gave the band their first Radio 1 session. Their now-legendary weekly residency at the tiny Hukaz Bar in Leeds gave fans the unique opportunity to see the band create new material up close and personal.
The band’s first full-length album Finest Hour became an instant cult classic on its 2010 release, receiving strong support from DJs such as 6 Music’s Mista Jam and Trevor Nelson. In 2012, Follow-up album Fragments received heated enthusiasm from fans and critics alike for the variety of its sound. Radio support came from such diverse presenters as Pete Tong, Huey, Lauren Laverne and Don Letts, demonstrating Submotion’s unique cross-genre appeal.
Demand for the band had never been greater, as they became known for staging one of the most exciting shows around. 2013 saw them release the 1968 EP on Circus Records, which saw their champions grow to include i-D, Noisey, and Clash, and this was followed by their third album, Alium, a dazzlingly eclectic record that showcased every aspect of the band’s myriad talents.
The group’s reputation for stunning live performances grew with their momentum reaching a notable peak with a headline show at the legendary Royal Albert Hall. Fifth album Kites marked a return to their early sound and the COVID lockdown saw the band return to basics by recording and releasing their Unplugged collections.
