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Biography
Known for a unique and dreamy blend of folk, art-pop, indie rock, and neo soul, as well as her stirring and ethereal live performances, Welch has been likened to artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Ellie Goulding.
Florence + The Machine is a band composed of Welch, pianist Isabella Summers, Robert Ackroyd (guitar), Tom Monger (harp), Mark Saunders (bass), and a rotating cast of other artists. Welch credits her bandmates with helping unlock her creative process, as they have been so tuned-in to each others’ musical abilities for so long that they naturally know what she’s hoping for in each new song.
The band’s name came from Welch’s teenage years, when she collaborated with Isabella “Machine” Summers. For a while, the two performed as Florence Robot/Isa Machine — a private joke that eventually stuck in slightly altered form.
With huge encouragement from the BBC, Florence received early critical acclaim and attention from UK audiences as BBC Music Introducing strongly promoted the band. The band’s debut album, Lungs, was released on July 6, 2009, and reached the number two slot in the UK Album Chart, retaining the position for five consecutive weeks. It finally reached the number one position on the album chart on January 17, 2010. By October 2010, Lungs had spent a total of 65 consecutive weeks in the top 40 album charts.
Notable singles from the album included “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up),” “Kiss With A Fist,” and “Dog Days Are Over,” with the songs being featured on films and television series like Jennifer’s Body, 90210, Gossip Girl, Glee, and Skins.
Undoubtedly, the biggest hit single released from Lungs was the cover of The Source and Candi Staton’s 1986 single “You’ve Got The Love.” The track was later also released in collaboration with UK grime rapper Dizzee Rascal under the title, “You’ve Got The Dirtee Love,” following Welch and Dizzee’s 2010 Brit Award performance of the mash-up.
The band’s second studio album, Ceremonials, was preceded by a demo session in January 2010 at a small studio in London. Several producers vied for the chance to produce it, but Welch rejected their offers because she was after a new sound: something darker, heavier, more explosive, and grittier. The band had the rest of the year to work sporadically on the music, since they were out on the road touring heavily.
When the group did record, it happened between January and April 2011 at Abbey Road Studios with producer Paul Epworth, who co-wrote seven of the album’s tracks. Other co-writers included Kid Harpoon and Summers. Welch had to record many of the vocal tracks in various U.S. studios between shows on her tour.
Ceremonials featured singles “Shake It Out” and “What The Water Gave Me,” with the latter video receiving an outstanding 1.5 million views on YouTube in just two days alongside the track on iTunes in August 2011. The fourth single for the album, a remix of “Spectrum (Say My Name)” by Scotland’s Calvin Harris, became the band’s first number-one hit in the UK.
Unsurprisingly, Ceremonials reached number one on the UK Album Chart and number six on the U.S. Billboard 200. Furthermore, Florence + The Machine was honored with nominations for two Brit Awards: British Album of the Year and Best British Female Artist.
2012 was a year of rest for Florence + The Machine after having gone all out for the past half-decade. By the end of December 2012, Ceremonials had received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.
In June 2014, Welch revealed that the band was working on its third studio album. Seven months later, the band performed the new album in its entirety to a crowd in a private London show. The next day, a music video for the title track, “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful,” dropped, followed by another video for the song “St. Jude.”
When How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful finally dropped on May 29, it rose to the number-one spot on the UK Albums Chart — the band’s third time enjoying the honor — and hit number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. It was nominated five times for the Grammys. That year, the band headlined Glastonbury Festival, and its set received critical acclaim from a number of outlets. In 2016, Florence and the Machine released a short film called The Odyssey, which combined all of the album’s music videos into one narrative structure.
May 2017 saw an announcement of yet another studio album, High as Hope. During this period, then-drummer Christopher Hayden left the band, but the music didn’t stop: singles like “Sky Full of Song” and “Hunger” came in April and May of 2018. Florence + The Machine stayed busy with tours and song-crafting through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it released “Light of Love” to support the Intensive Care Society.
By early 2022, the band was back on the road, headlining festivals like Madrid’s Mad Cool. The band’s fans began receiving letters with a cryptic print entitled “King – Chapter 1,” which led to speculation of a new single. Welch confirmed the rumors on February 22 on her Instagram account. “King,” the new single, came out the next day along with a music video. “Heaven Is Here” followed on March 7. Dance Fever, the fifth studio album, was released on May 13 and immediately shot to the number-one spot in the UK.
Live reviews
Only a few hours after I wrote about Hozier performing one of the most intimate sets I had ever experienced at Red Rocks, Florence Welsh completely redefined the word ‘intimacy’. The 28-year-old vocalist of Florence + the Machine had been photographed in meltdown mode at the Montreal airport just days prior, so it came as no shock when she decided do to something a little different on the last date of her current tour. Welsh has been pretty honest about her personal challenges with the road. She’s described feelings of loneliness and exhaustion that border on depression. I’m sure she found solace in the fact that her vocal chords held strong this time around (she damaged them not long before her Red Rocks show in 2012), but she seemed slightly unraveled by the time she took the stage for a special acoustic set on Monday night.
Large scale performances and frayed nerves usually equal disaster, but as Florence’s emotions danced around her windswept red curls, she used her sweet sorrow to create an air of melancholy that infected the crowd during her stripped-down set. The audience gained another ounce of empathy with each breath…thus absorbing her sadness and eradicating any loneliness she might have been feeling. The science was exact, so by the time the 12-piece ensemble went into full effect for ‘the electric era’, we had become her friends, her confidants, and her choir. The collective energy was enough to bring the rocks crumbling down on our heads, but lucky for us (and the City of Denver) Florence held things together with the pure power of voice. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky during the entire set, but this season has seen its fair share of strong weather, and Florence + the Machine gave every drop of rain, gust of wind and bolt of lightning a run for its money. The calm before the storm just made the storm that much stronger. - See more at: http://ilistensoyoudonthaveto.com/2015/08/06/florence-the-machine-red-rocks-08-03-15/#sthash.nrdxF7Aq.dpuf
kmartini
Florence + the Machine are a power force in the UK indie scene who have conquered both sides of the Atlantic since their rise to fame following the release of 'Lungs'. Led by the charismatic and eccentric Florence Welch, the band has a reputation as one of the most exciting and energetic live acts currently working today.
As the thunder begins to roll, the machine appears onstage followed by a majestic looking Florence who confidently takes the helm and launches into the all-consuming 'Only If For A Night'. The haunting 'What The Water Gave Me' follows as Florence lifts her hands to the heavens and the audience cheer below her feet.
Before you have time to react, Florence abandons the facade of a renaissance painting brought to life and has launched herself from the stage to sing and dance 'Rabbit Heart' with the crowd. Her vocals shine through on the soulful 'Leave My Body' as she stands illuminated by a single spotlight and the restraint shown during early single 'Cosmic Love' make for an emotive moment. The finale of 'Spectrum' is a hedonistic piece of dark disco where the crowd surrender themselves to Florence's bizarre world.
Despite only having released their debut in 2009, Florence + the Machine have crafted a live show that is less a gig and more an all-consuming assault on the senses.
sean-ward
Florence Welch has one of the most distinctive voices of this era, and the indie rock band in which she is the lead singer is carried by this timeless vocal performance time and time again.
Opening her concert with ‘You’ve Got the Love’, Florence finds the perfect balance between a classically lyrical performance, and enthusiastic and upbeat. The blend of the band is something that comes across to the audience much more pronounced in a live performance environment. Throughout their transitions between ballads and energetic upbeat songs, they maintained their engagement with the audience, having them hooked for the entire duration. Their stamina is worth noting, as throughout the concert, their performance, both physical and vocal did not dwindle at all. The live performance topped their studio recordings.
Their 2010 nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammys was wholeheartedly deserved. Their dedication to their fans is admirable, and their endeavours to make each concert about every member of the audience is something very refreshing. Florence and the Machine set the bar extremely high for live performances, making no mistakes and topping the quality of their recorded work.
yazhow
I've waited several years for Florence + The Machine to play an intimate gig near me. Suddenly, on April26th 2018 SONGKICK emailed to say just such a gig was on at Scunthorpe Baths Hall on May6th ! Wow!
Applied online via Baths Hall website, & so pleased tickets limited to 2 per person, we were all in with a chance... Feel so, so lucky to get 2x Standing, the perfect way to see her and the band. My daughter Susie & I went: she couldn't believe our good luck either.
Venue was perfect. I'd researched the playlist from Halifax, May5th, visited the old numbers + checked out the new ones, too, so I felt prepared... but I wasn't: I'd expected the atmosphere to be up close and personal, but it was so much more.
Florence hit the stage & wow! Perfect blend of old/ new, a very balanced set from a hugely professional outfit. Florence was so open & warm giving background to several numbers. She floated, danced, teased and enthralled her adoring audience. We didn't want it to stop: so much pleasure was being shared. Her voice is incredible, it blends with the music so very well. Truly, we are blessed !
kenrob
An electric show of epic proportions.
While I was expecting to hear more from the upcoming album, I was still delighted to hear all of the classics as well as a few new ones. This was my first time seeing FATM live, and they most certainly didn't disappoint. Florence's vocals were so omnipotent and sharp, and the same if not better than what you hear on the record. Her free as a bird movements and seemingly infinite pool of energy were wondrous to behold. I enjoyed her interaction with the crowd as well, she seemed to bring a life to her audience that I've never seen other live artists do, personally.
The only downsides might have been to do with the venue, which took too long to get everyone seated, also there wasn't much room between people so it was all rather cramped. And the supporting act, which I didn't particularly enjoy nor could I understand very well. But those things have nothing to do with Florence + The Machine personally, so it doesn't reflect on them negatively whatsoever.
Overall, an enjoyable experience that I would repeat in a heartbeat.
BobbyJutton
I definitely recommend that you go and see Florence and The Machine if they come to your city! They are such an amazing band and they sound as good live as they do on their albums. Florence has so much stamina and tirelessly runs around onstage from side to side, looking into the eyes of as many people as she possibly can. Highlights of her show in Manchester this year were 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)' when she encouraged people to get on their friend's shoulders and she ran offstage and up the steps into the lower tier seating! 'Dog Days Are Over' was a perfect finale that ended with many people leaving the concert with very little clothing on! The stage was minimal but dramatic, with a huge sparkling background, rows of spotlights and a large round moon and sun that came out from behind the background during the middle of the show. Definitely go and see them if you get the chance, you won't regret it! They're worth every penny.
Florence + The Machine @ Manchester Arena
Friday 18th September 2015
10/10. Her voice sounds the same live as it does recorded. She was a crazy ball of energy dancing and running around every inch of the stage in a flowing dress and long hair. Florence even went into the crowd on several occasions to directly connect with people (much to the dismay of her security). Her commentary between songs majorly enhanced the performance as she is adorably shy and has the most calming ethereal presence- which basically means she is a massive hippie. She encouraged everyone to hold hands and embrace and put our phones away and jump wildly with her. Her band were also excellent and the staging- white sheets, almost like sails, hanging from the ceiling which were raised up and down and had lights shone on them- and the gorgeous glitter confetti which dropped at the end added to the magical experience. Next time I will be waiting for hours before to get to the front row!! Could not recommend more!!
abbey-miller-1
This was the best concert I’ve ever attended. The music was spot on and Florence was very engaging. It was the first time that I saw them live, but I definitely will be seeing them again. Although I had an awesome time, my favourite part of the concert was watching my 11 year old daughter. It was the fourth concert she’d been to, but she was really excited about this one. We had lawn seating, and Lily never took her eyes off of the screen. She seemed to be mesmerised by Florence. Before this I don’t think she was as serious about music as I am, but now she understands how moving music can be, thanks to Florence and the Machine. It was an amazing experience!
kathy-frasher
Let me start straight off the bat by saying that if you've not seen Florence + the Machine live and have any inclination to do so, then absolutely do it as your earliest convenience!
Florence Welch brings an energy to her songs and can run across the stage twirling like a dervish and yet not sound out of breath while singing. I wish I had even one-hundredth of that kind of talent.
I saw them perform at the O2 in November 2018. The tour was following the release of the 'High as Hope' album and so the concert favoured songs mainly from that and 'How Big...', the first two albums only getting a couple of songs apiece.
TLDR; They're amazing live, see them ASAP.
mr.rubbish
Florence was incredible! The band never sounded less than perfect and the energy was contagious. She played the most popular songs in addition to some deeper cuts from all four albums (and debuted The End of Love live!) There was one moment where she asked us to all join hands during South London Forever and then hug the stranger whose hand we were holding, jump as high as we all could during Dog Days, and at the end she ran through the crowd for What Kind of Man. There were so many magical moments like that, and something about her energy made the whole experience feel so ethereal and beautiful.
bryce-oconnor-1
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