Phoenix_(band)

Phoenix (band)

Phoenix is a French alternative rock band.

History

Beginnings

The band formed in 1991 in the semi-affluent Parisian suburb of Versailles, in the same culture that produced late-90s bands such as Air and Daft Punk; Laurent Brancowitz (guitar) was part of the band Darlin' with Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, who eventually became Daft Punk. The name of the band Phoenix was not chosen until 1997. Phoenix started as the backing band for a remix of Air's "Kelly Watch the Stars" single. Soon after, Phoenix released their 2000 debut album United.

United - 2000

Their biggest hit, "Too Young", was featured in the Farrelly brothers' 2001 movie Shallow Hal, and later in Sofia Coppola's 2003 movie Lost in Translation. Another cut from the same album, "If I Ever Feel Better," was featured during the closing credits of a Season 5 episode of HBO's Entourage.

Alphabetical - 2004

The second album, Alphabetical, released in 2004, saw the band reach moderate mainstream success, with the singles "Everything Is Everything", which is featured on the _Everything_Ends soundtrack, and "Run Run Run" reaching some alternative pop charts. Hedi Slimane commissioned a special mix of their song "Victim of the Crime" as the soundtrack to one of his runway shows for Dior Homme. The track "Rally" can be heard on an episode (season 3 episode 16) of the TV show Veronica Mars.

Live! Thirty Days Ago - 2005

Following Alphabetical, the band toured three continents, playing 150 dates. This tour was followed up with a live album, Live! Thirty Days Ago, released only 30 days after the end of the tour.

It's Never Been Like That - 2006

Phoenix then spent time in Berlin during the summer of 2005, making use of Planet Roc studios to produce their third album, It's Never Been Like That.

To promote the release of It's Never Been Like That, Phoenix toured the U.S. and Europe in 2006.

They are currently recording a new album, which will be released in early 2009. The album is going to be produced by Philippe Zdar.

Personal life

Thomas Mars' partner is film director Sofia Coppola. They have a daughter, Romy, named after Coppola's brother, Roman Coppola. Mars and Coppola met during the production of Sofia Coppola's first feature film The Virgin Suicides, when Mars helped mix and did the vocals on the song Playground Love for the band Air which was used in the movie. Mars can be seen in the film during the homecoming dance scene.