The British electronic band has long been a mainstay on the global dance music stage, thanks to their vast back catalogue of timeless, anthemic tracks such as 'Insomnia' and 'God Is a DJ'.
Having formed in 1995, the three-piece soon found their unique sound by melding contemporary influences from dance, trip-hop, house and trance music. Pairing heavy bass lines and expansive melodies with socio-political lyrics, Faithless are revered for the communal spirit fostered amongst fans at their shows. Their command of the live setting has seen them headline Glastonbury and Coachella, deploying a mix of live instruments and electronic elements set to a backdrop of immersive visuals.
Comprised of founding members Rollo Armstrong, Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Jamie Catto, the former three went on to become the group’s core members, proving pivotal in shaping their enduring sound. Rollo came to Faithless as a producer and DJ, with a background in remixing and producing for the likes of Pet Shop Boys and U2. Meanwhile, lead vocalist and lyricist Maxi Jazz founded Namu Records, through which the band released their first three EPs. As a classically trained pianist and DJ, Sister Bliss offered an extensive knowledge of music theory, allowing her to concoct the group’s renowned melodies as well as translating their tracks into captivating live performances.
Faithless's debut album, Reverence, was released in 1996 to instant success, confirming them as a groundbreaking new force in the electronic music scene. The album’s standout track, 'Insomnia', became a global hit and is universally recognised as one of the most iconic dance tracks of all time. The song’s rhythmic lyrics, delivered by Maxi Jazz over a hypnotic beat, relay the restlessness of sleepless nights. Elsewhere on the album, Faithless grapple with themes of spirituality and social justice, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries and allowing their music to resonate on a deeper level with listeners. Their first live show for Reverence sold out Camden’s Jazz Cafe, and millions of record sales ensued worldwide.
The group went on to release several more albums, each one pushing the boundaries of electronic music while staying true to their roots and continuing to use their platform as a call to action to confront pertinent social and political issues. Faithless’s second studio album, Mercury-nominated Sunday 8PM (1998), boasted the global hit 'God Is a DJ', and cemented the band as a transcendent live act. In 1999, they were nominated for Best British Dance Act at the Brit Awards. Outrospective was their third full length offering in 2001 (and first to be released with Sony BMG), and marked a shift to including collaboration tracks, including the first with Dido (Rollo’s sister). In 2004, No Roots debuted at number one (their first in the UK), and featured guest vocals from Dido, LSK and Nina Simone.
Amongst various hiatuses and the departure of Maxi Jazz in 2016, Faithless have kept releasing music and touring. While staying true to their ever-relevant messages of unity and social consciousness, Sister Bliss and Rollo continue to allow new generations to explore their wide range of musical styles, from the uplifting and euphoric, to the dark and introspective.