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Dragonette

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Dragonette
Dragonette performing at the MSN.ca Launch Party on October 1, 2009
Dragonette performing at the MSN.ca Launch Party on October 1, 2009
Background information
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2005–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Dan Kurtz
  • Joel Stouffer
  • Simon Craig
  • Will Stapleton
  • Chris Huggett
Websitedragonetteonline.com

Dragonette is the stage name of Canadian singer-songwriter Martina Sorbara. Originally an electronic music band from Toronto, Ontario, formed in 2005,[7] the band consisted of Sorbara with her husband Dan Kurtz[8] as bassist and producer (also in The New Deal) and drummer Joel Stouffer.

Dragonette released a self-titled EP in 2005 before being signed to Mercury Records and relocating to London, where they recorded and released their debut studio album, Galore, in August 2007 to moderate critical appreciation.[9] A second studio album, Fixin to Thrill, was released in September 2009. The group's third studio album, Bodyparts, was released in September 2012 and their fourth, Royal Blues, followed in November 2016.

They performed as a group until 2016, when both Kurtz and Stouffer left the band, with Sorbara continuing under the Dragonette moniker as a solo act.

Dragonette's fifth album, Twennies (and the first as a solo act) was released in October 2022.

History

[edit]

2005–2008: Formation and Galore

[edit]

Sorbara and Kurtz met at a Canadian music festival[10] and formed a duo named The Fuzz,[11] making music together in their basement recording studio for fun. The duo formed Dragonette after these initial recordings, and supported New Order on only their second live performance. In 2005, the band released the six-track Dragonette EP, prior to signing a record deal with UK record label Mercury Records.

Dragonette relocated to London to record their debut studio album, Galore, released on August 6, 2007, and toured the UK supporting local acts, including Basement Jaxx (with whom Sorbara also recorded the track "Take Me Back to Your House") and Sugababes and played headline gigs in small venues across the UK and Canada. British musician Will Stapleton replaced Simon Craig on guitar following the relocation. Dragonette filmed two music videos, one for "Jesus Doesn't Love Me" and another for "I Get Around". The former video leaked onto the Internet, while the other served as promotion for their first single release. "I Get Around" reached number 92 on the UK Singles Chart. A follow-up single release, "Take It Like a Man", fared no better, failing to enter the top 100 of the UK Singles Chart. "I Get Around" was released in the band's home country of Canada where it outperformed the UK release, peaking at number 57 on Billboard's Canadian Hot 100. After Galore failed to sell as expected, Dragonette parted ways with Mercury Records.[12]

Dragonette received a nomination for New Group of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2008.[13] Kurtz and Sorbara co-wrote and co-produced the song "Grab a Hold" for Cyndi Lauper's 2008 album Bring Ya to the Brink.[14] That same year Will James Stapleton left the band, to be replaced by Chris Huggett.

2009–2011: Fixin to Thrill and collaborations

[edit]

Dragonette's second studio album, Fixin to Thrill, was released on September 29, 2009. The album was nominated for Dance Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2011.[15]

Dragonette have collaborated with several house DJs for releases, to varying degrees of success. Although Basement Jaxx's 2006 song "Take Me Back to Your House" only featured Sorbara on vocals, it was promoted by the band as a Dragonette collaborative. The band have since recorded several tracks with French DJ Martin Solveig, including "Boys & Girls" in 2009, "Hello" in 2010, and "Can't Stop" and "Big in Japan" in 2011; all of these tracks appear on Solveig's 2011 album Smash. Solveig and Dragonette won the Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year for "Hello" in April 2012.[16] In 2010, the band also collaborated with Kaskade on "Fire in Your New Shoes" and with Don Diablo on "Animale".

A double A-side single containing the songs "Our Summer" and "Volcano" was released digitally on July 27, 2010.[17] On August 3, 2010, Dragonette released the compilation album Mixin to Thrill digitally, while a limited-edition CD was sold via the band's online store. The compilation contains three new songs—"Volcano", "Our Summer", and "My Things"—as well as several remixes from the previous year. In 2011, Dragonette worked with Girls Aloud member Nicola Roberts, co-writing and producing the single "Lucky Day" for her debut solo album Cinderella's Eyes.[18]

2012–2013: Bodyparts

[edit]

On June 21, 2012, Dragonette announced the title of their third studio album, Bodyparts, which was released on September 22, 2012.[19] The album's lead single "Let It Go" was released on April 2, 2012.[20] "Rocket Ship", a track from the album, was made available as a free download on the band's official SoundCloud page.[21] The album's second single, "Live in This City", was released on August 7, 2012.[22]

In February 2013, Dragonette recorded a version of "Won't You Be My Neighbour?", the theme song to the American children's television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, for use in Target Canada's first ad campaign.[23]

2014–2017: Royal Blues

[edit]

In 2014, Dragonette collaborated with Dutch producer and DJ Mike Mago on the single "Outlines".[24] The band also released the single "Let the Night Fall" on June 16, 2015.[25] The band's fourth studio album, Royal Blues, was released on November 11, 2016.[26]

During the promotion of Royal Blues, Sorbara and Kurtz revealed that they had separated in 2013, shortly after performing at the ET Canada New Year's Eve Show.[27]

2020-present: Solo singles and Twennies

[edit]

In October 2020, Dragonette released cover version of Sam Roberts Band song "We're All In This Together".[28]

In 2021, Dragonette featured on a number of singles including "Phantom" with Gianni Kosta; "Summer Thing" with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano; and "Slow Song" with The Knocks.

In August 2022, Dragonette released "New Suit", which would become the lead single from her fifth album Twennies, released in October 2022.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
CAN
[29]
US
Dance

[30]
Galore 80
Fixin to Thrill 63 21
Bodyparts
  • Released: September 22, 2012
  • Label: Dragonette Inc.
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
17
Royal Blues
  • Released: November 11, 2016[26]
  • Label: Dragonette Inc.
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
100
Twennies
  • Released: October 28, 2022
  • Label: Dragonette Inc.
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Compilation albums

[edit]
Title Details
Mixin to Thrill
  • Released: August 3, 2010[31]
  • Label: Dragonette Inc.
  • Formats: CD, digital download

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Dragonette EP
  • Released: 2005
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
[32]
BEL (FL)
[33]
IRE
[34]
NL
[35]
UK
[36]
"I Get Around" 2007 57 92 Galore
"Take It Like a Man" 112
"Fixin to Thrill" 2009 Fixin to Thrill
"Gone Too Far"[37]
"Pick Up the Phone" 28
"Easy" 2010
"Our Summer"/"Volcano"[17] Mixin to Thrill
"Big in Japan"
(with Martin Solveig featuring Idoling!!!)
2011 36 [A] 118 Smash
"Let It Go" 2012 23 Bodyparts
"Live in This City" 65
"My Legs"[38] 2013
"Outlines"
(with Mike Mago)
2014 47 18 77 26 8 Non-album single
"Let the Night Fall"[40] 2015 Royal Blues
"Red Heart Black"[41]
(with Dada and Paul Harris)
Non-album singles
"Feel This Way"[42]
(with Philip George)
2016 136
"Lonely Heart"[43] Royal Blues
"Sweet Poison"[44]
(featuring Dada)
"Galactic Appeal"[45]
(with Pretty Sister featuring Tobtok)
Non-album singles
"Secret Stash"[46]
(with Mike Mago)
"Awake"[47]
(with Sonny Alven)
2017
"Body 2 Body"[48] Royal Blues
"Hope for Tomorrow"[49]
(with Autograf and Klingande)
2018 Non-album singles
"Tokyo Nights"[50]
(with Digital Farm Animals and Shaun Frank)
97
"Faith in Love"[52]
(with Kokiri)
"We're All In This Together" 2020
"New Suit"[53] 2022 Twennies
"Twennies"[54]
"Seasick"[55]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as a featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
[56]
BEL Tip (FL)
[33]
FRA
[57]
NL
[35]
AUT
[58]
BEL
(FL)

[33]
AUS
[59]
FRA
[57]
GER
[60]
US
[61]
"Boys & Girls"
(Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette)
2009 17 C'est la Vie
"Fire in Your New Shoes"
(Kaskade featuring Dragonette)
2010 69 Dynasty
"Hello"
(Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette)
8 1 5 1 1 1 13 5 5 46 Smash
"Animale"
(Don Diablo featuring Dragonette)
2 33 Non-album singles
"The Best"[68]
(LENNO featuring Dragonette)
2015
"Pride of Lions"[69]
(Joey Stylez featuring Dragonette)
Grey Magic
"One Night Lover"[70]
(Paul Harris featuring Dragonette)
Non-album singles
"Leave a Light On"[71]
(Plastic Plates featuring Dragonette)
2017
"Rich Girl"[72]
(DJ Licious featuring Dragonette)
2018
"Unicorn"
(Yash featuring Dragonette)
2022
"Slow Song"[73]
(The Knocks with Dragonette)
2022 History
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Come On Be Good"[74] 2009 Fixin to Thrill
"Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message)"[75] 2012 Non-album single

Guest appearances

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Can't Stop"
(with Martin Solveig)
2011 Smash
"Get Some Freedom"
(Big Data featuring Dragonette)
2015 2.0
"Neck and Neck"[76]
(Zeds Dead featuring Dragonette)
2016 Northern Lights

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director(s) Ref(s)
"I Get Around" 2007 Wendy Morgan [77]
"Jesus Doesn't Love Me" Pablo Ros-Cardona [78]
"Take It Like a Man" Ben Taylor [79]
"Competition" 2008 Jeff Scheven [78]
"Fixin to Thrill" 2009 Wendy Morgan [80]
"Boys & Girls"
(Martin Solveig featuring Dragonette)
Tristan Séguéla [81][82][83]
"Pick Up the Phone" Drew Lightfoot [84]
"Easy" 2010
"Fire in Your New Shoes"
(Kaskade featuring Dragonette)
Chic & Artistic [85]
"Let It Go" 2012 Drew Lightfoot [78]
"Live in This City" Wendy Morgan [86]
"Run Run Run" 2013 Drew Lightfoot [78]
"Giddy Up" Jeff Scheven [78]
"Pride of Lions"
(Joey Stylez featuring Dragonette)
2015 Alison Honey Woods [87]
"Let the Night Fall" Justin Broadbent and Vinit Borrison [78]
"Lonely Heart" 2016 Sammy Rawal [88]
"Body 2 Body" 2017 [89]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Big in Japan" did not enter the Ultratop 50, but peaked at number 37 on the Flemish Ultratip chart.[33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dragonette Wield Electro-Pop to Mend Their 'Lonely Heart'". Spin. May 24, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Feeney, Nolan (October 5, 2016). "Dragonette's Sweet Poison video: Why the clip almost made them cry". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  3. ^ Diehl, Matt (August 16, 2012). "Martin Solveig Braces for Stardom With U.S. Release of 'Smash'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  4. ^ Savage, Emily (September 24, 2010). "Folsom Street Fair, Tour De Fat, Springsteen Tribute, Jared Mees & Grown Children, Arts Expo and More". SF Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  5. ^ Collins, Leah (April 11, 2012). "Hello, Dragonette!". Dose. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017 – via Edmonton Journal.
  6. ^ Thomas, Rich (March 11, 2010). "Dragonette's Dan Kurtz". OC Weekly. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  7. ^ "Dragonette". AllMusic. Retrieved December 23, 2010.
  8. ^ Lamz, Cory (2012-09-20). "Dragonette's Martina Sorbara talks cheating...at least in her lyrics". Westword. Retrieved 2016-12-09.
  9. ^ Kraines, Talia (September 21, 2007). "Review of Dragonette – Galore". BBC Music. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  10. ^ "Hey, Dragonette: (no) thanks for oversharing!". CBC News. September 9, 2008. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  11. ^ "Hype Monitor: Tempo No Tempo, Dragonette, Sleigh Bells". Rolling Stone. November 19, 2009. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved March 19, 2011.
  12. ^ Armstrong, Denis (March 31, 2010). "Dragonette ready to roar". Jam!. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  13. ^ "Yearly Summary". Juno Awards. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  14. ^ Bring Ya to the Brink (CD liner notes). Cyndi Lauper. Epic Records. 2008. 88697065922.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ^ "2011 Juno Award Winners". Tribute. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  16. ^ Chartrand, Fred (April 1, 2012). "Juno Awards 2012: Full list of winners". Toronto Star. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  17. ^ a b "Our Summer Volcano – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
  18. ^ "Interview: Nicola Roberts". Femalefirst.co.uk. September 12, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  19. ^ Hudson, Alex (June 21, 2012). "Dragonette Announce 'Bodyparts' Album". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  20. ^ "Let it Go – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  21. ^ Daw, Robbie (June 21, 2012). "Dragonette Announce Third Album 'Bodyparts', Release New Song "Rocket Ship"". Idolator. Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  22. ^ "Live In This City – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  23. ^ Coutts, Matthew (February 22, 2013). "Target's Canadian launch to feature theme to 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood'". Yahoo! News. Canada. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  24. ^ Stern, Bradley (July 17, 2014). "Dragonette Teams Up With Mike Mago For Club Cut, "Outlines": Listen". Idolator. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  25. ^ Adams, Gregory (June 16, 2015). "Dragonette "Let the Night Fall"". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Calia, Michael (September 14, 2016). "Listen to Dragonette's New Single, 'Sweet Poison' (Exclusive)". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on September 14, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  27. ^ Staff, ETCanada com (2016-05-30). "Dragonette's Married Couple Separate". ET Canada. Archived from the original on June 16, 2016. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  28. ^ We're All in This Together, 2020-10-02, retrieved 2022-10-29
  29. ^ Peak chart positions for albums in Canada:
  30. ^ "Dragonette Chart History (Top Dance/Electronic Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  31. ^ "Mixin' to Thrill by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  32. ^ "Dragonette Chart History (Billboard Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  33. ^ a b c d "Discografie Dragonette" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  34. ^ "Discography Dragonette". irish-charts.com. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  35. ^ a b "Discografie Dragonette" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  36. ^ Peak chart positions for singles in the United Kingdom:
  37. ^ "Gone Too Far – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  38. ^ "My Legs (Remixes) – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  39. ^ "British certifications – Mike Mago & Dragonette". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 25, 2021. Type Mike Mago & Dragonette in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  40. ^ "Let the Night Fall – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  41. ^ "Red Heart Black – Single by Dada, Paul Harris & Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  42. ^ "Feel This Way – Single by Philip George & Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  43. ^ "Lonely Heart – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  44. ^ "Sweet Poison (feat. Dada Ante Portas) – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  45. ^ "Galactic Appeal (feat. Tobtok) – Single by Pretty Sister & Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  46. ^ "Secret Stash – Single by Mike Mago & Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  47. ^ "Awake – Single by Sonny Alven & Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
  48. ^ "Body 2 Body – EP by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  49. ^ "Hope for Tomorrow – Single by Autograf, Klingande & Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. 26 January 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  50. ^ "Tokyo Nights – Single by Digital Farm Animals, Shaun Frank & Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. 30 March 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  51. ^ a b "Canadian certifications – Dragonette". Music Canada. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  52. ^ "Faith in Love – Single by Kokiri & Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. 10 September 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  53. ^ New Suit - Single by Dragonette, 2022-08-03, retrieved 2022-10-29
  54. ^ Twennies - Single by Dragonette, 2022-09-07, retrieved 2022-10-29
  55. ^ Seasick - Single by Dragonette, 2022-10-07, retrieved 2022-10-29
  56. ^ Peak chart positions for singles as featured artist in Canada:
  57. ^ a b "Discographie Dragonette". lescharts.com (in French). Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  58. ^ "Discography Dragonette". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  59. ^ "Discography Dragonette". australian-charts.com. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  60. ^ "Dragonette | Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). musicline.de. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  61. ^ "Dragonette Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
  62. ^ "Canadian certifications – Martin Solveig". Music Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  63. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  64. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2011". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  65. ^ "British certifications – Martin Solveig & Dragonette". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 20, 2016. Type Martin Solveig & Dragonette in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  66. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Dragonette)" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
  67. ^ "American certifications – Dragonette". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  68. ^ "The Best (feat. Dragonette) – Single by LENNO". iTunes Store. Canada. 8 May 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  69. ^ "Pride of Lions (feat. Dragonette) – Single by Joey Stylez". iTunes Store. Canada. 25 May 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  70. ^ "One Night Lover (feat. Dragonette) [Remixes] – EP by Paul Harris". iTunes Store. Canada. 25 September 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  71. ^ "Leave a Light On (feat. Dragonette) – Single by Plastic Plates". iTunes Store. Canada. 14 April 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  72. ^ "Rich Girl (feat. Dragonette) – Single by DJ Licious". iTunes Store. Canada. 22 June 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  73. ^ "Slow Song with Dragonette by The Knocks". Apple Music. United States. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  74. ^ "Come On Be Good – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. United States. 8 October 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  75. ^ "Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message) – Single by Dragonette". iTunes Store. Canada. January 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  76. ^ "Northern Lights - Album by Zeds Dead". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
  77. ^ Gottlieb, Steven (May 9, 2008). "NEWS: 2008 MVPA Nominees". VideoStatic. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  78. ^ a b c d e f "Dragonette". IMVDb. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  79. ^ Knight, David (June 18, 2009). "Ben Taylor joins Between The Eyes". Promo News. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  80. ^ Knight, David (July 7, 2009). "Dragonette's Fixin' To Thrill by Wendy Morgan". Promo News. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  81. ^ Maida, Sabine; Dépret, Nathalie (September 2009). "Glam'style – Passage en revue de ce qui est hot & hype". Glamour (in French). No. 66. France. pp. 134–5. ISSN 0990-6479.
  82. ^ Perilli, Vanessa (September 23, 2009). "Note di Gaultier". Marie Claire (in Italian). Italy. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  83. ^ "Tristan Seguela — Martin Solveig – "Boys and girls"". Caporal Films. Archived from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  84. ^ "Drew Lightfoot". DrewLightfoot.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  85. ^ Knight, David (August 5, 2010). "Kaskade's Fire In Your New Shoes feat. Martina by Chic & Artistic". Promo News. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  86. ^ Gottlieb, Steven (September 27, 2012). "WATCH IT: Dragonette "Live In This City" (Wendy Morgan, dir.)". VideoStatic. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  87. ^ Moore, Nathaniel G. (May 31, 2015). "Interview: Alison Honey Woods". Verbicide Magazine. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  88. ^ Zetta, Alyson (August 30, 2016). "Dragonette: Lonely Heart". Rookie. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  89. ^ Friederich, Brandon (7 June 2017). "Dragonette 'Body 2 Body' Video Premiere: Band & Director Talk RuPaul's Inspiration, Pride Month Plans". Billboard. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
[edit]