Summer was filled with countless hits playing over and over again on the radio, but one that especially stood out to me was “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit.

Although Clean Bandit is a band based in Britain it is not their British charm that makes them so appealing. They are nothing like One Direction or the Arctic Monkeys, there is something unique about them.

The group is made up of four musicians: Jack Patterson, the bassist and saxophone player; Luke Patterson, the drummer; Grace Chatto, on the strings; and Milan Neil Amin-Smith, the violinist. And yes, Jack and Luke are brothers. 

The band formed in 2008 to make music more interesting and they have not fallen short. If you listen to their songs, you hear a mixture of classical and modern music coming together. The strings of the cello and violin meet the bass and electronic pop. That is their trademark. 

As you may have noticed they do not have a sole singer. The band is made up of musicians entirely, but none take the role of lead singer. That is because most of their music is sung by guest artists, another innovative idea. 

Most the music in their album New Eyes feature singers such as Love Ssega, Sharna Bass, Nikki Cislyn and many more. A different singer sings every song, primarily singers we probably haven't heard of. Clean Bandit’s fame affects aspiring artists beyond the band. And the singers add versatility to every track. 

The music they produce is important for this band and so are their music videos. More and more, music videos act as an extension to a work, as though the video tells a different story than the words. Clean Bandit is one of those bands that uses their music videos as a vehicle to relay a different message. 

Chatto revealed to an independent UK magazine that the music videos that accompany their songs are very important and play an integral role in the process of writing their music. They evoke thought and are filled with cultural references. In order to achieve the best work, Chatto and Patterson have their own film production company to make the videos themselves. 

This is the type of band I wish there were more of nowadays. Their music is not just about being in and out of love. They offer a fresh sound and take on music which is something the airwaves desperately need. I highly suggest readers to check them out and if you are not disappointed you can see them in concert September 30th at the El Rey Theatre right here in LA.