Anomie Belle

Anomie Belle

Anomie Belle
Background information
Birth name Toby Campbell
Born (1980-08-07) August 7, 1980 (age 31)
Origin Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres Neo Soul
Trip hop
Electronica
Dream Pop
Occupations musician, producer, film composer
Instruments Vocals, Violin, Guitar, Synthesizer, Drums, electronics, bass, laptop, sampler, drum machine
Years active 2007–present
Associated acts Yppah
Mr. Lif
Anomie Belle String Quartet
Trespassers William
Website Official Site

Anomie Belle (play /ænəˈmiː ˈbɛl/; born Toby Campbell 7 August 1980) is an American musician. Originally a classical violinist and songwriter from Portland, Anomie began performing and recording her own music as a child. She has since worked as a musician and producer in Madrid, Glasgow, Amsterdam, New York, Buenos Aires, and London before moving to Seattle in 2006.[1] Anomie Belle is also active as a film composer.[2]

Anomie Belle is noted for provocative vocals/lyrics set to complex, often down-tempo, beats and layers of herself on strings, electric guitars, and synths. Haunting melodies and experimental soundscapes transport listeners through the crowded nature of their modern minds and urban spaces. Her material grapples with issues ranging from suburban alienation, human spirituality, sexuality and critiques of consumerism, corporate power and inequality.[3] Anomie Belle is also openly queer[4], and throughout her work she blurs typical representations of sexuality.

History

Anomie Belle released her debut album Sleeping Patterns in November 2008.[5] In support of her debut release, Anomie Belle embarked on a West Coast tour with Little Dragon and Manuok in 2008. Sleeping Patterns garnered further commercial success after the song How Can I Be Sure appeared in the Xbox 360 game Alan Wake.

Anomie Belle toured extensively in 2009, first with The Album Leaf and then with legendary UK trip-hopper Tricky in the US and Canada. The original live band featured two additional female vocalists doing harmonies, with Belle at the lead performing all instrumentation and live programming by looping herself. Live drums were added prior to the tour with Tricky, and are currently performed by Sean Lane, formerly of Fences. Later that same year, Anomie Belle added former Matt Pond PA cellist Dana Feder to the live band before touring with renowned film composer Gustavo Santaolalla's band Bajofondo.

In 2010 Anomie Belle would again join The Album Leaf, as well as Sea Wolf, for several dates on the West Coast. In addition to performing her own music, she also joined The Album Leaf for their entire set, forming the Anomie Belle String Quartet with her band mates.[6]

Anomie Belle's second album, The Crush released on September 13, 2011 and includes collaborations with Mr. Lif and Jon Auer of The Posies’.[7] Anomie Belle followed-up The Crush with the Inky Drips and Machine EPs, featuring members of the Sneaker Pimps, Mr. Lif, Big Spider's Back and several remixes.[8]Trespassers William lead vocalist Anna-Lynne Williams has been featured as both a live and recorded guest vocalist. Hip Hop artist Mr. Lif and Anomie Belle have often collaborated on stage during their respective performances.[9]

Anomie Belle contributed her vocal and production talents to several tracks on Eighty One, the latest album from Ninja Tune artist Yppah. Anomie has also appeared as a featured artist during live Yppah performances, performing on guitar, keys, violin and vocals in support of the album.

Live band members

Additional Live Guests

Discography

Albums

Singles and EPs

Appearances

Compilation appearances

TV, Film and Video Game uses

External links

Notes and references

  1. ^ Breeding, Ashley (November 19, 2008). "Musical Connections". Huntington Beach Independent. http://www.hbindependent.com/articles/2008/12/10/entertainment/hbi-happs112008.txt. 
  2. ^ Burlingame, Chris (May 11, 2009). "Dark Material, a short documentary featuring a score by Anomie Belle, screens at SIFF". Three Imaginary Girls. http://threeimaginarygirls.com/blogentry/2009may/darkmaterialashortdocumentaryfeaturingascorebyanomiebellescreensatsiff. 
  3. ^ Liu, Marian (October 28, 2008). "Anomie Belle brings politically conscious trip hop to the Tractor Sunday". The Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/musicnightlife/2008322260_zmus28dispatchanomie.html. 
  4. ^ Shapiro, Gregg (October 21, 2011). "iMusic: Queer folk(s)". Baltimore Out Loud. http://www.baltimoreoutloud.com/top-headlines/lively-arts/music/item/820-imusic-queer-folks. 
  5. ^ Cusick, Dave (January 29, 2009). "Anomie Belle in studio performance and interview". Oregon Public Broadcasting. http://opbmusic.org/performances/80. 
  6. ^ Senn, Chris (Feb 6, 2010). "The Album Leaf + Sea Wolf + Anomie Belle - Neumos". Melophobe. http://www.melophobe.com/concert-reviews/the-album-leaf-sea-wolf-anomie-belle-neumos-seattle-wa/. 
  7. ^ Kristek, Nicole (Sept 7, 2009). "Bumbershoot 2009". Melophobe. http://www.melophobe.com/concert-reviews/bumbershoot-2009-native-version-seattle-center-seattle-wa/. 
  8. ^ Foley, Jack (November 29, 2011). "Anomie Belle announces free track Slither from Machine EP". Indie London. http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-Review/anomie-belle-announces-free-track-slither-from-machine-ep. 
  9. ^ Blodgett, Tom (Sept 5, 2009). "Anomie Belle w/ Mr. Lif @ Bumbershoot". Seattle Subsonic. http://www.seattlesubsonic.com/2009/09/05/anomie-belle-w-mr-lif-bumbershoot/. 

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