alt-J
Leeds band who turned close three-part harmony, lurching rhythms and Joe Newman's adenoidal delivery into arena-sized indie. 'Breezeblocks' still does the heavy lifting.
Festivals alt-J is playing
About alt-J
alt-J is an alternative band from Leeds, UK, formed in 2007.
alt-J formed at university in Leeds in 2007, taking their name from the Mac keystroke that produces the delta symbol. The music leans on Joe Newman's nasal, clipped phrasing and vocal lines that the band stacks in tight harmony, set against drum patterns that stop and restart rather than keep a straight beat. Gus Unger-Hamilton's keyboards fill the space where a bass player would normally sit.
Their debut won the Mercury Prize in 2012, and 'Breezeblocks' and 'Tessellate' remain the songs most crowds turn up for. Later records added orchestral arrangements and heavier guitar without much changing the way the vocals work.
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Questions about alt-J
What festivals is alt-J playing in 2027?
alt-J is booked at 3 festivals we cover: Hurricane 2027, Southside 2027, BBK Live 2027.
Is alt-J playing Hurricane 2027?
Yes, alt-J is on the Hurricane 2027 lineup, June 18–20, 2027 at Eichenring, Scheeßel, Germany. They play Sunday, June 20.
Is alt-J playing Southside 2027?
Yes, alt-J is on the Southside 2027 lineup, June 18–20, 2027 at Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany. They play Friday, June 18.
Is alt-J playing BBK Live 2027?
Yes, alt-J is on the BBK Live 2027 lineup, July 8–10, 2027 at Bilbao, Spain.
Where is alt-J from?
alt-J is from Leeds, UK.
Who is in alt-J?
alt-J is Joe Newman (guitar, lead vocals), Gwil Sainsbury (bass, guitar), Thom Green (drums) and Gus Unger‐Hamilton (keyboards).
When did alt-J form?
alt-J formed in Leeds in 2007.
What was alt-J's first album?
alt-J's first album was An Awesome Wave (2012). The latest is The Dream (2022).
What kind of music does alt-J play?
alt-J plays alternative.