Kenickie

Kenickie formed in Sunderland in 1994, Lauren Laverne, Marie Du Santiago, Emmy-Kate Montrose, and Pete Gofton developing a sound rooted in indie pop and punk pop that was immediately witty and melodic. Laverne's vocals were sharp and distinctive, and her lyrics combined teenage observation with a feminist wit that was entirely genuine and entirely charming.

They were signed to Emidisc and released two albums — 'At the Club' (1997) and 'Get In' (1998) — that earned strong reviews and a devoted following. 'Millionaire Sweeper' and 'In Your Car' were among their best-known tracks, and their live shows were energetic and joyful. They were one of the more charming acts of the mid-1990s British indie scene.

Kenickie dissolved in 1998, and Lauren Laverne subsequently pursued a successful career as a broadcaster and DJ. They are remembered as one of the most charming and distinctive acts of the Britpop era — a band whose combination of melodic gifts, feminist wit, and genuine warmth made them genuinely important, and whose music rewards rediscovery.