Prep (stylised as PREP) are an English indie pop band formed in London in 2015. The band consists of vocalist Tom Havelock, keyboardist Llywelyn ap Myrddin, drummer Guillaume Jambel, and producer Daniel Radclyffe. Prep's music incorporates elements of 1980s pop, R&B, and jazz, creating a distinctive sound that has garnered attention since their debut.
The band's initial release, FuturesEP in 2016, featured the single "Cheapest Flight", which received positive feedback online. Additional EP releases included the singles "Who's Got You Singing Again" and "Line by Line", which were noted for their production quality and musical style. These early success set the stage for their first full-length self-titled album, released in 2020.
In 2024, Prep released their second album, The Programme, featuring collaborations with artists such as Eddie Chacon and Phum Viphurit. The album was noted for its refined production and exploration of various musical influences. Prep's work is characterised by its smooth sound and themes of love and personal reflection, drawing on a wide range of musical inspirations.
History
2015–2020: Formation and early years
Prep was formed in London in 2015 by Tom Havelock, Llywelyn ap Myrddin, Guillaume Jambel, and Dan Radclyffe. The band members have diverse musical backgrounds; Havelock is a singer-songwriter, Myrddin specialises in classical music composition, Jambel works as a houseDJ, and Radclyffe produces hip hop tracks.[1] This eclectic mix contributes to their distinctive sound, blending elements of 1980s pop and contemporary R&B.[2][3]
The band's name was inspired by a phrase commonly used by ap Myrddin. According to Havelock, ap Myrddin would often ask the group before performances or significant events, "Have you done your prep?" The term, a short form of "preparedness" or preparation, eventually became the name of the band.[4]
Their debut EP, Futures, released in 2016, featured the single "Cheapest Flight", which gained traction online. The song's smooth production and catchy melodies resonated with a wide audience, helping the band establish a strong online presence and a growing fanbase. The band's early success was marked by extensive online streaming and positive reception from music critics, setting the stage for future projects.[2][5]
2020–2024: PREP
In 2020, Prep released their first self-titled full-length album. The album was well-received, praised for its sophisticated production and nostalgic sound that echoed 1980s pop.
The success of the album was bolstered by the band's live performances. Prep embarked on several tours, both in the United Kingdom and internationally, playing at various music festivals and venues such as the Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia and the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival in the Philippines. Their live shows were characterised by tight musicianship and engaging stage presence, further cementing their reputation in the indie pop scene.[1]
2024–present: The Programme
Following the success of their debut album, Prep continued to build on their momentum. In 2021, they announced their second studio album, The Programme, which was released in 2024. The band recorded most of the album in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, with production handled by Renaud Letang.[6] The album features collaborations with artists such as Eddie Chacon and Phum Viphurit, showcasing their ability to blend various musical influences seamlessly.[7][8]
The Programme received critical acclaim for its polished production and innovative sound. The album's release was followed by a series of tours and live performances, further expanding their global fanbase.[9]
In addition to their studio albums, Prep has continued to release new singles and EPs, maintaining a steady presence in the indie pop scene.[5] They have also engaged in various collaborations, expanding their musical reach and exploring new stylistic territories. Their continued innovation and commitment to their craft have solidified their position as a notable band in the genre.[10]
Artistry
Prep's creative process is highly collaborative, with each member contributing their expertise to the songwriting and production. The band often starts with jam sessions in the studio, where they develop initial ideas. These ideas are then refined and layered to achieve a polished final product.[3] Their diverse musical backgrounds allow them to experiment and innovate, resulting in a sound that is both unique and cohesive.[2][11][12]
Prep's music is characterised by a blend of hypanogic1980s pop (including city pop), R&B, and jazz influences.[13] Their early tracks, such as "Cheapest Flight" and "Who's Got You Singing Again", showcased a vintage-inspired sound combined with elements of contemporary R&B and electronica.[2] This combination provided a fresh take on familiar styles, resonating with a wide audience. Prep's sound is often described as "retrofuturistic", combining lush synths, groovy basslines, and other sophisticated arrangements.[3] Some listeners have described their style as yacht rock or "marina pop", evoking images of carefree moments, such as long drives or watching sunsets. Lyrically, their songs explore themes of love, longing, and personal reflection, delivered with a sense of wistfulness and emotional depth.[5][12]
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