London Grammar Artistfacts

2009-
Hannah ReidVocals
Dan RothmanGuitar
Dominic "Dot" MajorKeyboards, drums
Hannah Reid and Dan Rothman first crossed paths in 2009 at Nottingham University, where they shared halls. They stumbled across Dot Major playing the djembe in the student union, and the trio started writing together. They clicked and soon started writing songs together and playing gigs around campus, but at the time, it was just for fun. After all, Dan was studying economics, not exactly the most obvious path to a music career.

"I remember telling the band that I didn't think I'd be able to do this much longer because I had to get a proper job," Rothman told The Guardian. "Then three months later we were spotted, and from that point on it all changed."
Although the band was formed in Nottingham, both Hannah Reid and Dan Rothman are originally from London. They chose the name because it not only represents their roots, but also conveys a sense of international and multicultural identity associated with London, which is seen as a universal name.
When the band signed their publishing deal, Hannah Reid celebrated by purchasing 500 gems in the mobile game Clash of Clans.
After signing with Ministry of Sound and Big Life Management, London Grammar uploaded their debut single, "Hey Now," to YouTube in December 2012. It garnered over a million views within just a few months even though it didn't have an official music video at the time.
Many of London Grammar's songs are inspired by personal experiences, reflecting themes of love, loss, and introspection. The lyrics of their debut album, If You Wait, are mainly based upon Hannah Reid's personal life, in particular her troubled teenage years.
While their sound is often described as ethereal and electronic, the band draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and jazz and blues musicians. Dan Rothman has humorously described their sound as a blend of Fleetwood Mac and Drake.
The trio emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom in their music-making process. They often engage in passionate discussions about their songs, focusing on how to best serve the music rather than striving for perfection.
Hannah Reid's contralto voice is renowned for its depth and range, encompassing over two octaves.
While Reid initially joined the band as a guitarist, her proficiency extends to various instruments, including bass and piano, which she plays during live performances when the song requires it.
Despite her powerful and distinctive vocals, Hannah Reid has often struggled with imposter syndrome when it comes to her singing voice. Speaking in a Qobuz interview, Reid revealed that she sometimes feels as though she's not very good, describing her voice as "unreliable" and unpredictable. On days when Reid is emotionally drained or tired, she feels as though her voice simply refuses to cooperate, which has added to her self-doubt. Reid also attributes some of this to overworking her voice in her early 20s, a period when the band was first gaining momentum.
Besides her music career with London Grammar, Reid has a passion for sketching and painting, which she often showcases on her Instagram account. Her artwork features both representational and abstract styles.

"In the same way that I feel like my songs are an ongoing reflection of my life, and I can't stop them from coming out, I can't really stop the painting thing," Reid told The Independent in 2024.

"The difference is, once a painting is on the canvas, no one can tell me to change anything," she added. "No one can come in behind my back and secretly add in some red paint overnight. These are things that can happen in music all the time. Painting? That's just for me."

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