Badminton

The trio from Leeds has been writing together since 2015, releasing their first couple of tracks in 2016 under the name of Friends of Friends. These tracks were picked up by BBC Introducing East Midlands and they started playing some shows around the North, quickly making a name for themselves in a very short amount of time and catching the attention of radio, press, labels and promoters a like. So much so, a small US label of the same name got wind of the band and a legal battle ensued. Out of the ashes, Badminton was born.



We caught up with the band to find out what songs make them...

Smile

Stevie Wonder - For once in my life - This is one of those songs that is so full of energy that you can’t help but get swept up in it. Stevie Wonder is a master of filling his music with joy - highly recommended for anyone who needs something to smile about.

Contemplate

Mutual Benefit - Lost Dreamers - This song is really simple and understated. The vocals and harmonies are very reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash with a modern twist and the instrumentation is very calming. If you’ve not checked out Mutual Benefit then you really should.

Cry

Foxing - The Medic - The Medic is a song that can leave you an emotional wreck. The lyrics are brutally honest and self-deprecating in a way that everyone can relate to. It’s very much about lack of self confidence and feeling worthless. Instrumentally it’s also really beautiful so all in all it tugs on the heart strings in a big way.

Laugh

Fatman Scoop - Be Faithful (feat. the Crooklyn Clan) - I feel like this one is pretty self-explanatory. If you’ve not heard this track it’s essentially 3 and a half minutes of a man shouting at you. You can’t fully appreciate it until you’ve heard it. Next time you’re having a few drinks with friends, stick this one on and see what happens - you won’t be disappointed.

Want to work out

Oso Oso - Reindeer Games - This is less of a traditional work out song because it’s a guitar driven emo rock tune, but it’s got a pumping energy to it that gets you moving. Oso Oso have a load of tracks with a similar energy so it was hard to pick just one, but you can work out to any of their albums.

Reminisce

American Football - I’ll see you when we’re both not so emotional - This track may have come out in 1999 but we actually didn’t discover it until our teens, although weirdly it has a quality to it that can make you feel really reminiscent. It’s a song about a relationship that’s probably coming to an end and there’s a feeling of uncertainty and conflict. It’s a situation that everyone can relate to and, twinned with American Football’s signature twinkly guitars, makes for an emotional experience.

Relax

Sigur Rós - Svefn-G-Englar - This track is about ten minutes long and shares a lot of qualities with artists like Brian Eno i.e. it’s extremely minimalistic and repetitive. It kind of gently drones for its entire duration and can leave you feeling like you’re in a trance. You can’t listen to this kind of track when you’re just going about your day, you need to sit down and let it wash over you.

Feel Determined

Jurassic 5 - What’s Golden - It’s hard to pick a track that makes you ‘feel determined’, but this is one that definitely comes close. It’s got a beat that will make you bob your head and an infectious energy that will, if not make you feel determined, at least pump you up a bit.

Dance

Algernon Cadwallader - Spit Fountain - As with the Oso Oso track, this isn’t one that you would necessarily traditionally dance to but is definitely the most energetic song on the list. The lyrics make no sense and they’re shouted at you with an intense ferocity, and the instrumentation is unrelenting throughout, so it makes sense that you can’t help but dance. They’re few and far between, but definitely check out live videos of this band on YouTube and you’ll see how the crowd goes absolutely crazy - especially to this song.