Pop Will Eat Itself

Pop Will Eat Itself (PWEI) is a British alternative rock band known for their innovative blend of rock, hip hop, electronic music, and sampling techniques. Here are some key facts about the band:

1. Formation and Early Years: Pop Will Eat Itself was formed in Stourbridge, England, in 1986. The original lineup consisted of Clint Mansell (vocals, guitar), Graham Crabb (vocals, sampler), Richard March (bass), and Gary Baker (drums). The band emerged during the late 1980s indie music scene, drawing influences from punk, dance, and hip hop music.

2. Sample-Based Sound: One of Pop Will Eat Itself's defining characteristics is their innovative use of sampling in their music. The band incorporated samples from a wide range of sources, including movies, television shows, and other musical recordings, to create collage-like compositions. This sample-based approach became a hallmark of their sound, giving their music a unique and eclectic quality.

3. Commercial Success: Pop Will Eat Itself achieved commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums like "This Is the Day...This Is the Hour...This Is This!" (1989) and "Dos Dedos Mis Amigos" (1994). Their single "Get The Girl! Kill The Baddies!" from the former album became a hit in the UK charts, reaching the top 10. The band's crossover appeal, blending elements of rock, dance, and hip hop, contributed to their popularity during this period.

4. Evolution and Lineup Changes: Over the years, Pop Will Eat Itself underwent several lineup changes and musical evolutions. Clint Mansell left the band in 1996 to pursue a career in film scoring, and the remaining members continued as a trio before disbanding in 1996. However, in 2005, Graham Crabb revived the band with a new lineup, releasing new material and touring under the Pop Will Eat Itself name.

5. Legacy and Influence: Pop Will Eat Itself's innovative approach to blending genres and their pioneering use of sampling have had a lasting impact on the alternative music scene. They are often cited as influential figures in the development of industrial rock, electronic music, and alternative hip hop. Their eclectic sound and DIY ethos continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, cementing their legacy as one of the most innovative bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.