The U.K.'s fast-rising alternative band, bby, has just dropped their highly anticipated new track "Kinky," accompanied by a wild new video, adding another chapter to their rapidly unfolding success story. The track is the latest release from their debut album, 1, which officially landed on July 19, 2024, less than a year after the band burst onto the scene with their debut single "Hotline."
Since their inception, bby has been anything but conventional, carving out a unique path in the music industry with a DIY ethos that has earned them praise from some of the biggest names in the business. Rolling Stone has already dubbed them "soon to be legendary," while Zane Lowe couldn't hide his excitement, proclaiming, "They’re going crazy…absolutely insanely good, LOVE IT.” With comparisons to their sound being a mix of hip hop, R&B, and alternative influences, bby are redefining the British music scene, making it “all fun again,” as DIY put it.
1 is a landmark release for bby, representing not just an album but a celebration of all they've achieved in just 12 months. The band. made up of Benjy (vocals), Jessy (guitar), Tommy (guitar), Deon (bass), and Tom (drums), have been relentless in their pursuit of crafting a sound that resonates with their growing fanbase. "This is where it starts. We made it out the group chat," the band states, marking the album as a testament to their journey from online meetings to packed out DIY shows at their East London HQ.
The album, according to Benjy, is about the highs and lows of relationships: “1 is about the beginning and end of a relationship. Letting a stranger become the most important person in your room and then learning how to make them feel like a stranger again and not someone who could destroy you.” But beyond the lyrics, 1 is about the live experience—the energy, the hangs, and the chaotic, sweaty performances that have become synonymous with the band’s identity.
From day one, bby has been about more than just music. Their East London HQ has become a hub for fans, friends, and collaborators, where writing sessions and parties blur into one. This communal space has been the birthplace of their tracks and the scene of legendary hangouts, where the band and their day one fans have come together to shape what bby is today.
With a sound that defies easy categorization, blending alt-rock, hip hop, R&B, and everything in between, bby has created a fresh, vibrant sound that captures the spirit of the moment. Their rise has been nothing short of meteoric, earning them spots on major radio playlists, including BBC Radio 1 and a Top 20 hit on the U.S. alternative charts with their debut single "Hotline." They've also caught the attention of major publications like NME, Pigeons & Planes, and Rolling Stone UK, all of whom have praised their fresh take on the British DIY scene.
Having already stormed festival stages at Leeds Festival, All Points East, TRNSMT, and Kendal Calling, bby is set to continue their festival run with performances at Victorious Festival, Boardmasters, Y Not, We Love Green, and Pitchfork Paris, among others. Despite their rising profile, the band has yet to play a headline show—a testament to their grassroots approach to building a fanbase and a hint that something big is on the horizon.
As bby's reputation for electrifying live performances grows, so does their following. The release of 1 and the video for "Kinky" are just the latest in a series of moves that are setting bby apart as one of the most exciting new acts to emerge from the U.K. in years.
For fans eager to keep up with bby's next moves, the band is active on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where they share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. As they continue to push the boundaries of what an alternative band can be, bby's journey is one to watch closely. With their debut album now out and a host of upcoming live dates, the future looks bright—and anything but conventional—for this unstoppable five-piece.
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