Grubby Mitts

The Grubby Mitts are an experimental band from Bedford, UK, led by acclaimed artist Andy Holden. The band includes long-term collaborators Johnny Parry, Roger Illingworth, James MacDowell, and John Blamey. They have been making music together since they were twelve years old. Their music is characterized as wilfully eclectic, blending diverse sounds such as ambient electronic pieces, pop songs, string quartets, spoken word, and even children's choirs. Notable tracks include "To a Friend's House the Way is Never Long," "Standard," and "Worm of Eternal Return." Their debut album, "What The World Needs Now Is," was released in 2015 after eight years of creation. The band members share vocal duties, often singing in unison, and frequently perform in art spaces rather than traditional music venues.

The Grubby Mitts' sound is a dynamic mix of genres, often incorporating unusual sound sources like homemade instruments, bicycle wheels, and coffee pots. Their artistic background heavily influences their approach to music, leading them to treat sound as a collage of diverse styles. The band has gained recognition for their unique and inventive approach to music, earning praise from outlets like BBC6 Music and The Guardian. Andy Holden is also known for his work in visual art, having exhibited at Tate Britain, which further highlights the band's interdisciplinary approach to creativity.

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