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Biography
Originally from Toronto, Canada, members Martina Sorbara and Dan Kurtz first met at a local music festival before forming the group The Fuzz. What began as lo-fi bedroom recordings turned into supporting New Order on only their second live performance. With the moniker Dragonette settled on, the band issued their debut, self-titled EP in 2005. Led by the single “I Get Around”, the record did wonders for the group’s international profile and led Dragonette to sign with the UK label Mercury Records. Due to Dragonette’s UK ties, the band moved to London, UK to record their debut full-length album in 2006.
Released in August 2007, “Galore” peaked at No. 80 on the Canadian Albums Chart, aided by the charting singles “I Get Around” and “Take It Like a Man”. In support of the record the group toured alongside Basement Jaxx and the Sugarbabes, as well as a performing number of headline shows across the UK and Canada. Guitarist Simon Craig joined following the release, after which the group secured a burst publicity through their cover of the Calvin Harris track “The Girls”. In 2008 the band were nominated for New Group of the Year at the year’s Juno Awards, after which Kurtz and Sorbara collaborated with Cyndi Lauper on her 2008 album “Bring Ya to the Brink”.
After parting ways with Mercury, Dragonette signed with Universal to release their sophomore album “Fixin to Thrill” in September 2009. Outperforming their debut by rising to No. 63 on the Canadian Albums Chart, the album spawned the charting singles “Fixin to Thrill”, “Gone Too Far”, “Pick Up the Phone”, and “Easy”. Earning a far-better reception than their debut, “Fixin to Thrill” was later nominated for Dance Recording of the Year at the 2011 Juno Awards. Following the album’s release in 2009, Dragonette collaborated with French DJ Martin Solveig on the track “Boys & Girls”. The following year the band worked alongside the DJ again, which resulted in Dragonette’s most successful single to date “Hello”. Rising to No. 8 on the Canadian Singles Chart as well as charting in nine other countries, the single earned Sorbara praise for her dynamic vocal performance.
Following further collaborations with Solveig on the tracks “Can’t Stop” and “Big in Japan”, the band worked alongside Kaskade, Don Diablo, and Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts. Dragonette’s third studio album “Bodyparts” was subsequently released in September 2012, led by the singles “Rocket Ship” and “Live in This City”. In 2014 the band issued their highest-charting UK single “Outlines” featuring Mike Mago, before making an appearance on the Joey Stylez track “Pride of Lions” in 2015.
Live reviews
Synths galore, funky drum patterns, uplifting melody, cheesy lyrics - what more could you want from an electronic band?
Introducing Dragonette, a Canadian trio with an enjoyable, almost camp-like vibe that is constant throughout their discography, clearly demonstrated in their video for the song 'Live In This City' as they dance through the streets head-to-toe in denim. They have adapted their music since their debut album, which was darker, and more sexually inspired as they appealed more to the pop rock genre (yet still stay true to their roots during sets). Fronted by Martina Sorbara, the band ooze charisma and will undoubtedly lift your mood on the occasional grey day. Martina is not afraid to express herself during the live shows. Whilst Dan Kurtz and Joel Stouffer are in background shredding synths, guitar and drums, she moves around the stage in a sometimes sophisticated, sometimes crazy fashion, and who can blame her with the funky nature of Dragonette's music. It's difficult to catagorise the trio's style, but whether it's pop, rock or electronic, be assured that the vocal range of the lead singer will keep you in amazement.
There's not another band out there that can eloquently combine tenebrous instrumentals with such soulful singing which suddenly transforms into happy-go-lucky pop before you can blink. Dragonette are, in a word, extraordinary.
billy_taylor
It would be a discredit to only associate Canadian synth-pop outfit Dragonette for their collaborative single with Martin Garrix 'Hello'. Although this remains their most internationally successful hit, Martina Sorbara and her band have recorded three albums of solid electro/new wave material and have crafted a live show of equal impression. Having now relocated to London, the group plays the UK a lot more regularly which is great news for the British fanbase.
One of the biggest appeal to a Dragonette show is the promise of a fun evening as Martina throws herself into the performance from the offset. Whether they are performing a hit or an album track, she still invests herself fully with untapped energy as she moves freely around the stage in time with the sparkling synth. Despite all this exasperated movement, her vocal never wavers once and she holds her tones like a complete professional. She is able to merge and adapt with a total ease to fit the varied work in the discography whilst it shines brighter than the visuals during a finale of 'Fixin To Thrill'.
sean-ward
Their set for the tour for Royal Blues was beautiful & they are so fun live. There were a few songs that they played a bit different live but they had clearly put effort into how they wanted to play them & I loved it. Even if you don't know their songs, if you have a chance you should go see them because it's a blast.
kgsssing
