Bastille: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Untold Stories About the Band Bastille
Bastille, known for their infectious indie-pop anthems like Pompeii and Good Grief, have been one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK in the past decade. While their catchy songs have gained them a massive global fanbase, there’s much more to this band than just their chart-topping hits. From quirky beginnings to hidden talents, let’s dive into some fun facts and lesser-known stories about Bastille.
1. The Name Was a Last-Minute Decision
Most fans know that Bastille’s name comes from Bastille Day—the French national holiday celebrated on July 14th—but did you know that the band chose it on a whim? Dan Smith, the lead singer, shares a birthday with Bastille Day, and when the band was forming, they needed a name quickly. After a brainstorming session, the group landed on Bastille, and the rest is history. Interestingly, none of the band members have any direct ties to France!
2. Dan Smith Was a Film Buff Before a Musician
Before his music career took off, Dan Smith was deeply into filmmaking. He studied English Literature at university and was passionate about writing and directing short films. In fact, his love for cinema heavily influences Bastille’s music, with many of their songs and videos featuring cinematic themes. You can hear references to film and visual storytelling throughout their albums, especially in songs like “Laura Palmer,” which is inspired by the TV show Twin Peaks.
3. Their Debut Album Was Recorded in a Bedroom
It’s hard to believe that Bastille’s first album, Bad Blood, was recorded mostly in Dan Smith’s tiny bedroom. Armed with little more than a laptop and some basic equipment, Smith self-produced most of the tracks, layering rich vocals and textured synths that would become the band’s signature sound. That DIY approach contributed to the raw, emotional feel of the album, which resonated with fans and catapulted them to success.
4. The Band’s Love for Cover Songs
Bastille is well-known for their covers of popular songs, but they bring their own unique twist to them. From the Other People’s Heartache mixtapes to their live performances, Bastille has covered everything from 90s classics like Corona’s “Rhythm of the Night” to the iconic "No Scrubs" by TLC. Their haunting and often cinematic reimaginings of these songs have earned them a reputation for turning familiar hits into something entirely new and different.
5. The Secret Meaning Behind “Pompeii”
One of the band’s most successful songs, Pompeii, has an interesting backstory. While the song is upbeat and infectious, its lyrics are inspired by the volcanic eruption that buried the city of Pompeii in AD 79. However, it’s not just a historical reference. Dan Smith has said that the song reflects on themes of being trapped in the past and feeling powerless in the face of inevitable change. The contrast between the song’s dark lyrical content and its upbeat melody is part of what makes it so memorable.
6. They’re Huge Game of Thrones Fans
Bastille’s love for film and TV doesn’t end with their music videos—they’re also massive fans of Game of Thrones. The band even appeared on the show as extras! In 2016, they filmed a cameo for the show’s sixth season, where they appeared as Wildlings. If you pay close attention, you can spot them in the background during the Battle of the Bastards. They’ve also been known to cover the Game of Thrones theme at their live shows, much to the delight of their fans.
7. Unusual Collaborations
While Bastille is often associated with their indie-pop sound, they’ve collaborated with artists from many different genres. One of the most unexpected collaborations was with legendary DJ Marshmello on the track “Happier,” which became a massive global hit. The band also teamed up with Craig David on the single “I Know You,” blending their sound with Craig David’s smooth R&B style. These collaborations showcase Bastille’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds.
8. Dan Smith’s Hidden Talent: Beatboxing
Though Dan is primarily known for his distinctive voice and songwriting, he’s also an impressive beatboxer. While he doesn’t often showcase this skill in Bastille’s music, there are occasional live performances where he adds beatboxing to the mix. Fans who attend their shows might get lucky enough to catch a rare moment of Dan showing off his rhythmic abilities.
9. The Mixtapes: A Creative Playground
Aside from their albums, Bastille has released a series of mixtapes called Other People's Heartache, where they experiment with covers, collaborations, and reimagined versions of their own songs. These mixtapes are a space for the band to get creative without the pressure of producing a full studio album. They’re packed with unexpected guest appearances and eclectic influences, making them a treasure trove for die-hard fans who want to explore the band’s more experimental side.
10. "Quarter Past Midnight" Came From Late-Night Escapades
The hit single Quarter Past Midnight was born out of Dan Smith’s observations of the nightlife and chaos that comes with it. He’s mentioned in interviews that the song reflects those wild, unpredictable moments after midnight when everything becomes a bit surreal and anything can happen. It’s about embracing spontaneity and letting go, which is a theme many fans connect with on a personal level.
Bastille’s journey from bedroom recordings to international stardom is a story of creativity, collaboration, and passion. Whether they’re reinterpreting classic songs or crafting new cinematic anthems, Bastille continues to evolve and surprise their audience. With their deep love for film, history, and experimentation, there’s always something new to discover about this band. Next time you’re listening to their music, you’ll know there’s a lot more to Bastille than meets the eye!
One of the most meaningful and powerful lines from Bastille comes from their song "Pompeii":
"How am I gonna be an optimist about this?"
This line resonates with many listeners because it captures the feeling of grappling with overwhelming circumstances and the challenge of finding hope in difficult situations. It's a reflection on facing life's inevitable changes and struggles, making it a deeply relatable and poignant moment in the song.