Alpha (band)
English post-trip hop group formed in Bristol in 1995.
Alpha is an English post-trip hop group formed in 1995 by Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks, originally working under the name 'Ariel'. The duo recruited vocalists to add vocals to their downtempo, beat-driven compositions, leading to their classification as 'post trip hop'. Their debut album, *Come from Heaven*, was the first release on Massive Attack's Melankolic label in 1997. Founding member Andy Jenks left the group before the release of their 2007 album, *The Sky Is Mine*.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Bristol, England
- Genre
- Trip hop
- Years Active
- 1996–present
- Label
- Don't Touch Recordings, Melankolic
- Current Members
- Corin Dingley / Wendy Stubbs / Hannah Collins
- Past Members
- Andy Jenks / Martin Barnard / Helen White / Peter Wild
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Alpha began as the duo of Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks, working under the name 'Ariel' in 1995. Both had worked on various projects in the Bristol area, home of trip hop groups Massive Attack and Portishead. Like Massive Attack, Alpha recruited singers to add vocals to their downtempo, beat-driven compositions of the late 1990s, which led to them being included in the category of 'post trip hop'.
Their debut album, *Come from Heaven*, was the first release on Massive Attack's Melankolic label in 1997. The group later founded their own label, Don't Touch Recordings. Founding member Andy Jenks left the group before the release of their 2007 album, *The Sky Is Mine*. The group currently comprises Corin Dingley, vocalist and lyricist Wendy Stubbs, and Hannah Collins.
A collaboration with reggae vocalist Horace Andy, entitled *Two Phazed People*, was released in 2009. Corin Dingley continues to release music, including *Lockdown* (2020) and *Loving Nobody* (2015), featuring vocals from various artists including Joe Cassidy, Hannah Collins, Jamie Gingell, Kate Stables, Wendy Stubbs, and Jesse D Vernon.
Reader's Guide
Alpha holds significance as a key act in the post-trip hop movement, emerging from the Bristol scene that birthed Massive Attack and Portishead. Their debut album, *Come from Heaven*, was notably the first release on Massive Attack's Melankolic label, signaling a direct lineage from the trip hop pioneers. The group's approach of recruiting vocalists for their downtempo, beat-driven compositions helped define the post-trip hop category. Their longevity is evident in a discography spanning from 1997 to 2025, including collaborations with reggae vocalist Horace Andy. Founding member Corin Dingley has continued the group's legacy with solo releases featuring a rotating cast of vocalists. Alpha's founding of their own label, Don't Touch Recordings, also reflects their independence within the electronic music landscape.
Did You Know?
- Alpha collaborated with reggae vocalist Horace Andy on the 2009 album *Two Phazed People*.
- The group originally worked under the name 'Ariel' before adopting the name Alpha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alpha (band)?
Alpha is an English post-trip hop act that grew out of Bristol in 1995, originally started by Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks under the working name "Ariel." The group is recognized for pairing downtempo, beat-driven electronic production with prominent vocal performances.
What genre does Alpha (band) play?
Alpha is typically classified as post-trip hop, sitting between the atmospheric, heavy-beat world of classic trip hop and more vocal-centered electronic music. Rather than staying purely instrumental, they built their sound around recruited singers layered over their compositions.
What is Alpha (band)'s debut album?
Their first full-length record, *Come from Heaven*, came out in 1997 and holds the distinction of being the inaugural release on Massive Attack's Melankolic imprint.
Who are the current members of Alpha (band)?
The lineup today consists of founding member Corin Dingley together with vocalists Wendy Stubbs and Hannah Collins. Co-founder Andy Jenks left the project before the 2007 album *The Sky Is Mine* was issued.
Why is Alpha (band) significant in the trip hop scene?
Alpha occupies a vocal-forward niche within the broader Bristol electronic tradition of the mid-1990s, extending trip hop's palette with sung performances. Having their debut land directly on Massive Attack's own label also tied them to one of the genre's most influential names.
More in Trip hop groups 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced