VILLANELLE

**Villanelle** is a three-piece rock band fronted by **Gene Gallagher** (vocals, guitar), alongside **Ben Taylor** (guitar) and **Jack Schiavo** (bass). Formed in early 2024, the London-based trio draws heavily from 90s alternative rock and grunge, with influences ranging from Nirvana and Arctic Monkeys to Alice in Chains and the Beatles. Gene and Jack met by chance in a pub on a random Tuesday night, and the three quickly bonded over shared musical tastes, becoming fast friends before deciding to make music together. After years of grinding through the UK's small venue circuit, Villanelle gained significant traction in 2024 when they opened for Liam Gallagher's "Definitely Maybe: 30 Years" arena tour, which helped establish them as an exhilarating live act.

The band released their debut single "Hinge" in 2025 and followed it with "Measly Means," which Gene describes as inspired by Smashing Pumpkins' guitar work—a song he wrote about being hungover when he was around fourteen years old. Their **debut EP 'Measly Means'** arrived on May 6, 2025, featuring their singles "Hinge" and "Measly Means" alongside additional tracks including "Placebo," a caustic thrashing piece that showcases their love of 90s alternative and grunge while maintaining a fresh, chaotic energy. By late 2025, the band had established themselves as serious musicians carving their own path in rock music, with a devoted fanbase and a packed schedule of festival appearances and headline shows across the UK.