Name: Sugababes
Formed: 1998
In: England
Musical Styles: R&B, Teen Pop, Dance-Pop
Similar Artists: Ready for the World, Good Girls, SWV, TLC,
Aaliyah, Usher, Vitamin C, All Saints
Detailed :The U.K. trio Sugababes jumped the teen
pop bandwagon prior to the new millennium surge and exuded their own
sassy demeanor without the frivolity of most mainstream acts. Siobhan
Donaghy, Keisha Buchanan, and Mutya Buena were barely in their teens
when they formed in 1998, but individually came together for a liking
of garage, hip-hop, and dance music. Initially, Sugababes were three
friends who enjoyed singing along to the radio -- Buchanan and Buena
had been pals since primary school, and a chance meeting with Donaghy
molded a fierce bond. All citing various ethnic backgrounds and artistical
choices, a career in music wasn't intentional, yet their three-part
harmonies were too infectious. A deal with London-Sire surfaced in 2000,
and studio time with producer Cameron McVey (All Saints, Pete Tong)
led to a vivacious debut album. One Touch, which was released in summer
2001, featured a dozen tracks co-written by the girls, and the smash
hit "Overload." Shortly thereafter, rumors swirled around founding member
Siobhan Donaghy's departure. Buena and Buchanan both denied that she
was kicked out of the band in fall 2001, but she was no longer a part
of The Sugababes after a four year run together. Heidi Range, one of
the pre-chart members of Atomic Kitten, replaced Donaghy. In November
2002, Angels With Dirty Faces marked the vocal trio's debut album; "Freak
Like Me" was an immediate chart smash and the ladies took home an award
for "Best Dance Act" at the annual BRIT awards that same month. Second
single "Shape" hit the UK charts in spring 2003, coinciding the domestic
release of Angels With Dirty Faces. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
