Sleeper
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Sleeper, a London-based band known for their witty lyrics, catchy hooks, and a frontwoman who became an icon of the Britpop era.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: London, England
Active years: 1992–1998, 2017–present
Associated genres: Indie rock, Britpop
Record labels: Indolent, Gorsky
Members: Louise Wener – vocals, rhythm guitar / Jon Stewart – lead guitar / Andy Maclure – drums / Kieron Pepper – bass guitar
Former members: Diid Osman – bass guitar / Chris Giammalvo – bass guitar / Dan Kaufmann – bass guitar
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1992 after Louise Wener and Jon Stewart met at Manchester University and moved to London post-graduation.
Advertised for members in Melody Maker, recruiting bassist Diid Osman and drummer Andy Maclure.
Initially called "Surrender Dorothy" before adopting the name "Sleeper," inspired by the Woody Allen film.
Signed to Indolent Records in 1993 after Wener sent out a fake NME review to generate label interest.
Rise to Prominence
Broke through with the single "Inbetweener", featuring TV personality Dale Winton in its video.
Opened for Blur on their Parklife tour, securing their place in the Britpop movement.
Debut album Smart (1995) went gold, while follow-up The It Girl (1996) achieved platinum status.
Contributed a cover of Blondie’s "Atomic" to the Trainspotting soundtrack, alongside their original track "Statuesque".
Commercial Success and Albums
Smart (1995): A bold introduction to Britpop audiences, featuring top hits like "Inbetweener" and "Vegas".
The It Girl (1996): Their most commercially successful album, featuring Britpop anthems like "Sale of the Century" and "What Do I Do Now?".
Pleased to Meet You (1997): A more introspective but still successful release, reaching the UK Top 10 and achieving silver certification.
The Modern Age (2019): A triumphant return after 22 years, produced by Stephen Street.
This Time Tomorrow (2021): Featured unreleased material from their 1990s sessions and new tracks.
Later Activities and Legacy
After their split in 1998, Louise Wener became a novelist and Britpop commentator, while Jon Stewart worked as a session musician and lecturer.
Reunited in 2017 to headline the Star Shaped Festival and subsequently released two new studio albums.
Featured on The Lottery Winners' track "Bad Things" in 2021, highlighting their ongoing relevance.
Toured extensively, performing classic albums like The It Girl and acoustic renditions of their hits.
Notable Facts
Trainspotting Legacy: Sleeper’s Blondie cover of "Atomic" for Trainspotting became one of the soundtrack's most iconic tracks, cementing their place in 90s pop culture.
Fake NME Review: Louise Wener’s cheeky creation of a fake NME review to draw label attention highlights the band’s bold approach to breaking into the music industry.
"Sleeperbloke" Phenomenon: The media-coined term humorously spotlighted the stark difference between Louise Wener's visibility and her bandmates’ relative anonymity, making Sleeper a cultural talking point beyond their music.
Defining Lyric
" I'll miss you every day of your life" - What Do I Do Now? (1996)
Discography
Smart (1995)
The It Girl (1996)
Pleased to Meet You (1997)
The Modern Age (2019)
This Time Tomorrow (2021)
Essential Listening
"Inbetweener" (1995): A playful and relatable Britpop anthem that captured their early charm.
"Sale of the Century" (1996): A wry look at modern life with a quintessential Britpop sound.
"Atomic" (1996): A powerful Blondie cover that brought them mainstream attention through Trainspotting.
Why You Should Be Listening to Sleeper Now
Sleeper encapsulated the best of Britpop’s wit and energy, and their music continues to resonate with fans old and new. Their recent albums prove they’re as relevant as ever, offering both nostalgia and fresh perspectives.
See you on down the road.
