The Chemical Brothers, a Grammy-winning English electronic duo, emerged with the first arena-sized sound in the ’90s electronica movement. Their music united influences like Public Enemy, Cabaret Voltaire, and My Bloody Valentine to create a dance-rock-rap fusion. Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, the duo behind The Chemical Brothers, transitioned from DJs to pioneers of big beat music, characterized by high-energy dancefloor tracks that seamlessly crossed over to mainstream success. From their debut album, ‘Exit Planet Dust,’ to hits like ‘Dig Your Own Hole’ and ‘Surrender,’ The Chemical Brothers solidified their position as groundbreaking artists in both the British and American music scenes.
Growing up, Rowlands and Simons were influenced by a diverse range of musical styles, from The Smiths and Jesus and Mary Chain to Kraftwerk and Public Enemy. Their journey to success began at Manchester University, where they bonded over a shared history course. Sampling the vibrant nightclub scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s, they honed their DJ skills and developed a unique sound that caught the attention of industry stalwarts like Justin Robertson and Andrew Weatherall. The transition from Dust Brothers to Chemical Brothers marked a pivotal moment in their career, leading to chart-topping albums, collaborations with musical icons like Noel Gallagher, and memorable singles like ‘Setting Sun’ and ‘It Began in Afrika.’ With each new release, The Chemical Brothers continued to push boundaries and redefine the electronic music landscape, culminating in their Grammy-winning album ‘No Geography’ in 2019 and the recent track ‘The Darkness That You Fear’ in 2021.