Arctic Monkeys are an English four–piece indie rock/post–punk revival band originating from High Green, a suburb of Sheffield. Formed in 2002, the band currently consists of Alex Turner on lead vocals and guitar, Jamie Cook on guitar, Matt Helders on drums and backing vocals and Nick O'Malley on bass guitar, a position formerly held by Andy Nicholson.
Arctic Monkeys achieved chart success with their first two singles, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" and "When the Sun Goes Down", reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not became the fastest–selling debut album in British music history and received critical acclaim, winning the 2006 Mercury Prize. The band's second album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, is to be released on April 23, 2007, and will be preceded by the single "Brianstorm".
Arctic Monkeys are generally compared contemporary guitar bands such as The Libertines, The Futureheads and Franz Ferdinand.
Arctic Monkeys achieved their success through fan–made demo tapes and online file–sharing. They were heralded as one of the first acts to come to public attention via the internet, with commentators suggesting they represented the possibility of a sea change in the way in which new bands are promoted and marketed. The band eventually signed to independent record label Domino Records.