Madam is a London

London

London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...

-based band, formed in 2004 by Sukie Smith

Sukie Smith

Sukie Smith is a British actress and musician. Her credits include playing the role of Rachel Branning in EastEnders in 2006.Smith was born in Rochford, Essex, the daughter of bankers Paddy and David Smith...

. Though traditionally song based, their music is often described as being smoky and nocturnal in style, whilst retaining a pop sensibility that has drawn diverse comparisons to both influential artists such as Portishead, The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited...

, PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey

Polly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...

 and Cat Power

Cat Power

Charlyn Marie Marshall , also known as Chan Marshall or by her stage name Cat Power, is an American singer/songwriter and occasional actress and model. Cat Power was originally the name of Marshall's first band, but has come to refer to her musical projects with various backing bands...

, as well as to more mainstream artists such as Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp

Goldfrapp are an English electronic music duo, formed in 1999 in London, England, that consists of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory ....

 and Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...

.

The band has experienced several line-up changes since its inception, with vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Smith being the only constant member.

History

Releasing debut single Call America in July 2007, the following February saw Smith - by now signed to Reveal Records

Reveal Records Label

Reveal Records is a British independent record label. It was set up and is still run by Tom Rose of the Reveal Records record shop in Derby, England.- Current roster :*Chris Wood*Dead Air*Heidi Talbot*Joan As Police Woman*Jon Redfern*Kris Drever*Lau...

 - release the album In Case Of Emergency to much critical acclaim. Having finally established a settled line-up for her band, a five track EP Fall On Your Knees followed in July, which was to complete the band's releases through Reveal.

Late in 2008 the band were invited by Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins is a British loudspeaker company that produces mid-range through reference quality hi-fi and home theater speakers. The company name is often abbreviated to just B&W.Joe Atkins is current owner and chairman...

 to record a session at Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel

Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...

's Real World Studios as part of their "Society Of Sound Music" download series. This session was later to form the basis of sophomore album, Gone Before Morning (2011) released through Smith's own Shilling Boy label.

Members

Madam's current line-up is completed by Sarah Gill (cello, keyboards, saw and vocals), John Robertson (guitar), Nick Bergin (bass and vocals), Jeff Townsin (drums) and John Mercedo (programming).

Former members and collaborators have included Chris Clarke, Adam Franklin

Adam Franklin

Adam Franklin is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has played in Swervedriver , Shake Appeal , Toshack Highway and currently releases records as Adam Franklin and tours with live band Bolts of Melody...

, Gavin Pearce, Simon Breed, Marc Tchanz, Mara Carlyse, Moose, Brock Norman Brock, Lee Tryming, Howard Monk, Sean Reed, Jon Redfern, Patrick Durkan and Ross Drummond.

Discography

Albums

In Case of Emergency (2008)

Track listing:

1. "Fall On Your Knees"

2. "Calling for Love"

3. "Strange Love"

4. "Call America"

5. "Girl Down"

6. "Still"

7. "Horses"

8. "Can't Help Myself"

9. "Superfast Highway"

10. "Dirty That Makes Me"

11. "Rope Trick"

Gone Before Morning (2011)

Track listing:

1. "You Lead I Follow"

2. "The Ground Will Claim You"

3. "The Snake"

4. "Weekend Love"

5. "Tar and Serpents"

6. "Someone in Love"

7. "Cover the Ground"

8. "If You're Looking for a Way Out"

9. "Marine Boy"

10. "Ride the Waves"

EPs

Fall On Your Knees (2008)

Track listing:

1. "Fall on your knees" [remix]

2. "St Mary"

3. "Some Other Elvis"

4. "Not Here Yet"