Artist Spotlight: Zero 7

Zero 7 is a British electronic music duo formed in London in 1997 by producers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The pair initially gained recognition for their work as studio engineers, including remixes for high-profile artists like Radiohead.

Their debut album, “Simple Things” (2001), catapulted them to international acclaim, blending downtempo electronica with soulful vocals. The album featured collaborations with notable singers like Sia and Sophie Barker, including the hauntingly beautiful track “Destiny”, which became one of their signature songs.

Zero 7’s sound is characterized by lush, atmospheric productions, often incorporating elements of trip-hop, ambient, and jazz. Their subsequent albums, including “When It Falls” (2004) and “The Garden” (2006), further solidified their reputation as pioneers of the chillout genre.

While primarily a studio project, Zero 7 has also toured with a full band, adapting their intricate productions for live performance. Over the years, they’ve collaborated with various vocalists, helping launch the careers of artists like Sia and José González.

Though their output has slowed in recent years, Zero 7’s influence on electronic music and the broader landscape of atmospheric pop remains significant, with their early work continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.