The Prodigy
Origins and Early Years
The Prodigy, a British electronic dance music band, was formed in 1990 by Liam Howlett, a keyboardist and songwriter. The original lineup included Keith Flint (dancer and vocalist), Leeroy Thornhill (dancer and occasional live keyboardist), and MC and vocalist Maxim (real name Keith Palmer). The band's name was inspired by a Moog synthesizer, which was one of the first synthesizers Howlett owned.
Musical Style and Influence
The Prodigy's music is primarily electronic and includes elements of techno, rave, and hardcore, along with punk and rock in later releases. Their music has been influential in the big beat genre, which gained popularity in the 90s. The band is known for their aggressive, high-energy sound and their live performances, which often feature a mix of electronic music and live punk-style vocals.
Career
The Prodigy's debut album, "Experience", was released in 1992. The album was an immediate success, reaching number 12 on the UK Albums Chart and going platinum within a year of its release. The album's success was driven by a series of singles, including "Charly", "Everybody in the Place", and "Out of Space", which all reached the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart.
The band's second album, "Music for the Jilted Generation", was released in 1994. The album represented a shift in the band's sound, moving away from the rave sounds of their debut and incorporating elements of breakbeat techno and industrial music. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and earning a nomination for the Mercury Prize.
The Prodigy achieved international success with their third album, "The Fat of the Land", released in 1997. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, and has since been certified multi-platinum in several countries. The album's singles, "Firestarter" and "Breathe", both reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and are among the band's most well-known songs.
The band's subsequent albums, "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" (2004), "Invaders Must Die" (2009), "The Day Is My Enemy" (2015), and "No Tourists" (2018), have all reached the top 10 in the UK Albums Chart, continuing the band's commercial success.
Legacy
The Prodigy's influence extends beyond the realm of electronic music. Their aggressive, high-energy sound and fusion of electronic and rock elements have influenced a wide range of artists and genres, including electronic music, rock, and hip hop. The band's success in the US has also been seen as a breakthrough for British electronic music, paving the way for other UK acts to achieve success across the Atlantic.