Chew Lips was a dance-pop duo, formed in spring of 2008. They consisted of singer 'Tigs' and multi-instrumentalist James Watkins.
Career
2008–2009: First Steps
Formed in London as a 3 piece band in the summer of 2008, Tigs, James & Will armed themselves with a slew of electro-pop hooks and set about establishing Chew Lips as one of the most exciting new acts in the capital. With Tigs developing into a charismatic whirlwind of a front woman who it was impossible to take your eyes off, Chew Lips increasingly compelling live performances grabbed the attention of uber-cool French label Kitsuné who insisted on putting out the band's debut single, "Solo". Released in March 2009, "Solo" sold out almost instantly, causing a storm in the blogosphere and beyond, with Pitchfork calling the track "….classic, pristine," and The Fly magazine labelling it "one of the most magnificent debuts of the year".
2009–2010: Second Kitsuné Single and ''Unicorn''
A relentless schedule of touring followed into 2009 as Chew Lips honed their sound into a sleek, sophisticated beast. Kitsuné released a second sold out single, "Salt Air" in July 2009 – NME called it "an addictive slice of heart-wrenching disco-pop" – before the band begun work in summer '09 on their full-length debut with Bat For Lashes collaborator David Kosten. The fruits of their labour came with the self-released album Unicorn in January 2010, such a giant leap forward for their sound that they were confident enough to leave off both of the previous singles. It was easy to see why – in the likes of "Play Together", "Karen" and "Slick", they'd outdone themselves. The press agreed: the BBC called it "startling", NME "mesmeric", whilst a 4/5 review in The Guardian said it "drags you straight in." Another stretch of intense touring followed and by the time the European festival season came round and after a scene-stealing appearance at SXSW in Texas, Chew Lips were on top of their game. Topping off their tour they headlined the packed BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury Festival. Other touring highlights include support slots with The Killers, Delphic, We Are Scientists, The Virgins, Joy Formidable, Howling Bells, 3 sold out UK Tours and a sold out European tour in 2011.
Split
Tigs announced on Twitter in 2015 that she was now only writing material for other artists, implying that Chew Lips were no more.
"Unicorn is that rarest of things; a record imbued with genuine talent and emotion which wipes the floor with the majority of its makers' contemporaries... quite startling" – BBC
"Chew Lips confidently reveal their crossover potential... the rhythms are edgy and the songwriting is something you can really get your teeth into" – Metro
"Chew Lips' blending of electronic punk ala 'Yeah Yeah Yeahs go 8-bit' is so infective it's dangerous" – Super Super
