Client are one of those groups that purposefully maintain an enigmatic aura. In the beginning, the dynamic duo of Kate Holmes and Sarah Blackwood even went so far as to hide their real identities behind the two faceless codes of "Client A" and "Client B" "We wish to be judged on basis of our music, and not our looks. Furthermore, we have quite a bit of fun flirting with anonymity and androgyny." Their custom-tailored look is reminiscent of uniforms - part Eastern European stewardess or secretary, part dominatrix. The aesthetic reflects the group’s central themes of voyeurism, the underbelly of the city, the dark side of life.
Client’s sound could best be classified as minimalist electronica, solidly rooted in a classic song writing tradition. Influenced by bands like Joy Division, Kraftwerk, DAF, Smiths and the sound of the English North, the band is the perfect counterpart to today’s "feel-good" Europop-muzak.
Client were formed in 2002. For their self-titled debut, they signed to Andy Fletcher’s Toast Hawaii label.
The production was dominated by
strange beats that sported an alleged naívité, cynically intelligent lyrics and a cold, minimal vocal style. It was met with very positive receptions from both the press and the public and provoked strong resonances on part of the media and art scene. One German admirer was promptly inspired to create an art installation based on "Client", while British film maker Nick Love used the single "Rock and roll machine" for his movie "Football factory"” Two tracks also featured in the American TV-shows "Nip/Tuck" and "CSI".
The second album "City" was co-produced by Joe Wilson (Sneaker Pimps). The first single "In it for the money" was a sharp reaction to the cynicism inherent in pop culture and became an instant electro-classic. The b-side "Down to the underground" featured guest vocals from Pete Doherty (Babyshambles, Libertines), while the album had guest-appearances by Martin L. Gore from Depeche Mode and Carl Barat (Libertines).
Playing live has always been a top priority for Client and there are only
model and, measuring in at 1,84m, quite presence. They noticed her at their club and were instantaneously impressed by her rock’n’roll-attitude, as she had passed out on the floor - drunk! Emily added the final piece of the jigsaw to Client.
Given the stylish presentation and intriguing charms of the band, it was only a matter of time, until the world of fashion would cast an eye on Client. Thus, the Italian issues of Vogue and Vanity Fair booked them for photo shoots and the Italian fashion design company GAS had them walk the catwalk. And, most recently, the German FHM featured a photo shoot in their November 2006 issue.
After touring with Pet Shop Boys, Mesh, Charlatans and Covenant, Client signed with the Swedish independent label SubSpace Communications in late 2006, and this year sees the trio as energetic as ever, with the new album "Heartland" - produced by Youth (Verve, Killing Joke) and Stephen Hague (Pet Shop Boys, New Order) - scheduled for release on 21st March.
a few bands that get the chance to kick off their career in front of a really big audience. In 2002, they debuted supporting Depeche Mode in Europe, playing to crowds of more than 15.000. In 2003, the band embarked on three European tours, playing in France, Great Britain (supporting Karl Bartos (ex-Kraftwerk)), Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, as well as Russia and Mexico. Kate and Sarah also became resident DJs of their own club "Being Boiled" at the Notting Hill Arts Club. In May 2004, they played another UK tour, this time opening for Mick Jones (ex-The Clash) and continued playing live all over Europe, often alongside DJ Andy Fletcher. It is thus hardly any wonder that Client have the reputation of being one of the hardest working music acts in the UK.
In January 2005, the single "Pornography" (with Carl Barat) was released and instantly charted at number 22 in the UK single charts. Client also played numerous shows that year and supported Erasure on tour as well as visiting China for the first time. In October, Client A and B found a permanent third member in
Emily Mann (Client E): bass player,
