Morning Parade

Emerging from Harlow during 2008, the Essex-based quintet Morning Parade brought together vocalist Steve Sparrow, guitarist Chad Thomas, bassist Phil Titus, keyboardist Ben Giddings, and drummer Andy Hayes. Their blend of trance-infused synth textures and soaring rock guitars echoed the approach of Friendly Fires, Delphic, and Fenech-Soler, quickly generating label interest through high-energy performances and intimate, unannounced shows that culminated in a Parlophone contract. Early exposure came via opening slots alongside Florence + the Machine, Ash, and Tinchy Stryder on U.K. dates, after which the group tracked new material with Blur producer Jason Cox inside Damon Albarn’s 13 Studios. Late 2010 saw the arrival of debut single “Under the Stars,” followed in 2011 by the successive releases “A&E,” “On Your Shoulders,” and “Us & Ourselves.” The self-titled debut album appeared on Parlophone in early 2012. Morning Parade resurfaced in 2014 with the Ben Allen–produced sophomore effort Pure Adulterated Joy. On March 9, 2023, bassist Phil Titus passed away at age 36.