Toploader

Comprised of keyboard player and vocalist Joseph Washbourne, guitarist Dan Hipgrave, bassist Matt Knight, and drummer Rob Green, Toploader was formed after a night in the local pub. A second guitarist Julian Deane was invited to complete the lineup in 1997, following which the group began performing live, playing small venues across the UK with the likes of Coldplay and Muse. In 1998 Toploader signed with Sony Records’ UK division, who secured the band a supporting slot on Paul Weller’s European tour. The successful shows raised Toploader’s international profile considerably and also drew comparisons to the likes of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones.

Toploader subsequently issued their debut single, “Achilles Heal”, in May 1999. Rising to No. 64 on the UK Singles Chart, the single was well-received and resulted in Toploader playing the year’s Glastonbury and Reading Festivals. Towards the tail-end of the year the band released the single “Let the People Know”, before issuing their most successful and fun-loving single to date, “Dancing in the Moonlight”, in early 2000. Produced by George Drakoulias, the single rose to No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart, the chart where it remained until 2001. The band’s debut full-length album, “Onka’s Big Moka”, aided by the single, peaked at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Earning positive reviews, the record drew comparisons with funk singer Jamiroquai, and later achieved three-times platinum certification.

The band’s sophomore album, “Magic Hotel”, was released in August 2002, which despite peaking at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, was scorned by critics. The album’s lead single “Time of My Life” was the record’s only charting single, following which Toploader were dropped by S2 Records and embarked on a lengthy hiatus. The band subsequently signed with Underdog Records and released their third full-length “Only Human” in June 2011. Spawning the non-charting singles “Never Stope Wondering”, “A Balance to All Thing”, and “She Said”, the record was supported by performing at small venues around the UK including various university student’s unions and at Lakefest Festival.