On 19th September, Faithless, one of the UK’s most successful dance acts is to be reunited and honoured by a PRS for Music Heritage Award at the iconic Jazz Café in Camden.
A special plaque is to be erected on the venue where the legendary Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo played their first full live gig in 1996.
Sister Bliss commented: “We had some unforgettable nights in Camden, the local scene was always edgy and groundbreaking and we loved it. Electronic music was finally getting some broader recognition too and it was an exciting time for us. The Jazz Café is really important to our story and where our live career took off. We’re so honoured to be getting this Heritage award with them and celebrating where it all started. Can’t believe it’s been 15 years!”
Prior to their big break at the Jazz Café in 1996, Faithless were an underground electronic outfit. As soon as promoters heard they could play live, bookings from across Europe saw them suddenly enjoying audiences of thousands. Within twelve months, Insomnia was #1 around the globe and Faithless went on to produce two UK #1 albums, six UK top 10 singles, achieving over 15 million global sales.
PRS for Music set up the Heritage Award in 2009 to recognise the unusual ‘performance birthplaces’ of famous bands and artists. Previous awardees include Blur, Elton John, Soul II Soul, UB40, Snow Patrol, James and Jethro Tull. Faithless and the Jazz Café have contributed significantly to shaping the British music landscape.
Lisa Auger, General Business Manager, Jazz Café said: “We are pleased to be included in the history and achievements of Faithless. From their first gig at Jazz Café into sold out stadiums and countless record sales. We are honoured to erect the PRS for Music plaque to commemorate their achievement in the British music industry.”
Paulette Long, Deputy Chair, PRS commented: “Having worked in the industry for many years, I am constantly impressed by the sheer dedication of artists and venues alike who continue to break in and promote outstanding music pioneers. It’s astonishing. Faithless went from virtual unknowns to championing a largely underground genre which we now all enjoy in everyday life – television, bars, advertising, you name it, dance music is there. The Jazz Café is a pillar of programming excellence and is well deserving of our prestigious PRS for Music Heritage Award.”
