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((Short description|English band))((Use dmy dates|date=August 2015))
((Use British English|date=August 2015))
((refimprove|date=December 2012))
((Infobox musical artist  <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name                = Laika
| image               = 
| caption             = 
| image_size          = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels -->
| background          = group_or_band
| origin              = London, England
| instrument          = 
| genre               = ((hlist|[[Electronic music|Electronic]]|[[Experimental music|experimental]]<ref>((cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GkGtvkseAtUC&q=laika+band+electronic&pg=PA245|title=Remembering the Space Age|website=[[Google Books]]|year=2008|isbn=9780160817236|accessdate=6 January 2020|last1=Dick|first1=Steven J.|publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of External Relations, History Division ))</ref><ref name="allmusicbio"/>|[[post-rock]]<ref>((cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/style/post-rock-ma0000002790|title=Post-Rock|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2 June 2020))</ref><ref>((cite web|last=Schroeder|first=Amy|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1122938/laikas-spooky-electronics-enhance-imaginative-lyrical-tales/|title=Laika's Spooky Electronics Enhance Imaginative Lyrical Tales|website=[[MTV News]]|date=9 August 2000|accessdate=2 June 2020))</ref>))
| years_active        = 1993–2003 (hiatus)
| label               = [[Too Pure]]
| associated_acts     = [[Moonshake]]
| website             = ((url|http://www.laika.org/))
| current_members     = 
| past_members        = ((ubl|[[Margaret Fiedler McGinnis|Margaret Fiedler]]|Guy Fixsen|[[John Frenett]]|[[Lou Ciccotelli]]|Louise Elliot|[[Rob Ellis (producer)|Rob Ellis]]))
))

'''Laika''' were an English band formed in 1993 and helmed by [[Margaret Fiedler McGinnis|Margaret Fiedler]] (lead vocals, programming) and Guy Fixsen (guitar, programming).<ref name="allmusicbio"/><ref name="billboard">((cite magazine|editor-last=Paoletta|editor-first=Michael|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZhAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA21|title=Laika: Good Looking Blues|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=112|issue=35|date=26 August 2000|accessdate=2 June 2020|page=21))</ref> Their lineup also included [[John Frenett]] (bass), [[Lou Ciccotelli]] (drums), Louise Elliot (flute, saxophone), and [[Rob Ellis (producer)|Rob Ellis]] (drums).<ref name="allmusicbio"/><ref name="billboard"/> Laika were founded following Fiedler and Frenett's departure from the band [[Moonshake]]; Laika's other members had previously worked with different artists on the roster of Moonshake's label [[Too Pure]].<ref name="allmusicbio"/> Laika's experimental style blended diverse genres, including [[electronica]], [[krautrock]], [[dub music|dub]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]], and [[jazz]].<ref name="allmusicbio"/> They released their debut album ''[[Silver Apples of the Moon (Laika album)|Silver Apples of the Moon]]'' in 1994, and followed with 1997's ''[[Sounds of the Satellites]]'', both to critical praise.<ref name="allmusicbio">((cite web|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/laika-mn0000104664/biography|title=Laika – Biography & History|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=6 January 2020))</ref> Laika released two subsequent albums, 2000's ''[[Good Looking Blues]]'' and 2003's ''Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing'', after which they entered an indefinite hiatus. As of July 2022, the band's website (active since the 1990's) is inactive with the domain for sale.<ref name="laikadomain">((cite web |last1=Laika |first1=dotorg |title=Laika.org |url=http://www.laika.org |website=Laika.org |access-date=28 July 2022))</ref> 

==History==
===1993: Formation===
Margaret Fiedler moved from New York City to London in 1989 in search of music which better suited her interests. The first significant band she joined was [[Moonshake]], in which she was one of two lead [[vocalist]]s, a [[songwriter]] and a multi-instrumentalist predominantly playing guitar, keyboards and samplers. Moonshake's songwriting was split between Fiedler and co-vocalist David Callahan, who had a very different style: Callahan favoured an art-punk storytelling approach with a dub/funk undercurrent while Fiedler preferred a more enveloping and abstract approach drawing on rhythmic [[krautrock]]-esque loops and murmured vocals. The early Moonshake records, released on the [[Too Pure]] label, were [[music engineer|engineered]] by the [[music producer|producer]] Guy Fixsen, who had also worked with bands including [[My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine]] and [[The Breeders]].((citation needed|date=December 2012))

The creative tensions in Moonshake ultimately became personal and the band broke up after a tour of the United States in 1993. While Callahan kept the Moonshake name and continued the band (along with the drummer Mig Morland and various guest musicians), Fiedler and the band's [[bass guitar]]ist John Frenett both left. Fiedler began working with Guy Fixsen as her writing and recording partner, as well as beginning a romantic relationship with him. The new partnership, with Frenett playing bass guitar, continued to develop the approach Fiedler had taken with her songs in Moonshake.((citation needed|date=December 2012)) The band named themselves after the Russian dog [[Laika]], the first animal to orbit the Earth.

===1994–2000: Active recording and performance===
In Laika's first incarnation, Fiedler, Fixsen, and Frenett were augmented by the [[flautist]] and [[saxophonist]] Louise Elliot and the drummer [[Lou Ciccotelli]] ([[God (British band)|God]], Eardrum, [[SLAB!]]). On recordings and in live shows, Fiedler and Fixsen shared guitar, keyboards and sampling, with Fiedler doing most of the vocals. The group's first album was the acclaimed ''[[Silver Apples of the Moon (Laika album)|Silver Apples of the Moon]]'', released on Too Pure in 1994. Shortly afterwards, [[Rob Ellis (producer)|Rob Ellis]] ([[PJ Harvey]], [[Spleen (band)|Spleen]]) joined as an occasional second drummer and percussionist.((citation needed|date=December 2012))

The band quickly became popular interviewees in the alternative and underground music press, its music praised for mingling intricacy, polish and accessibility with experimentation and originality. In 1995, Fiedler described her band's music as "just like [[trip hop|trip-hop]], but much much faster" and declared her distaste for the then-current [[Britpop]], citing a preference for jazz and dub.<ref name=ild>((cite magazine|url=http://www.mail-archive.com/sloannet@sloanmusic.com/msg01830.html|title=Laika|magazine=Indie-List|volume=4|issue=39|date=24 September 1995|accessdate=27 June 2016))</ref> She later recalled that "Guy and I were interested in rhythm but couldn't get excited about [[4/4 time|((music|time|4|4))]]. So, influenced by bands like [[The Young Gods]], we wanted to take rock rhythms and turn them upside down. 7 is great!"<ref name=dumbingofamerica>((cite web|url=http://thedumbingofamerica.net/2009/10/26/history-lesson-laika-moonshake-and-the-great-margaret-fiedler/|title=History Lesson: Laika, Moonshake and the great Margaret Fiedler|website=The Dumbing of America|date=26 October 2009|accessdate=17 June 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612030559/http://thedumbingofamerica.net/2009/10/26/history-lesson-laika-moonshake-and-the-great-margaret-fiedler/|archivedate=12 June 2010|url-status=dead))</ref>

In 1996, Laika contributed to the [[AIDS]] benefit album ''[[Offbeat: A Red Hot Soundtrip]]'', produced by the [[Red Hot Organization]].

Laika's second album, ''[[Sounds of the Satellites]]'', was released in early 1997. Many of the previous album's more abrasive edges were smoothed away in favour of a sleeker, though not much less experimental, dance tone. The group continued to attract a lot of press attention, particularly when they supported [[Radiohead]] on tour, and continued to be an underground favourite, despite not having a hit. A third album, ''[[Good Looking Blues]]'', was released in 2000. The same year, Fiedler played in [[PJ Harvey]]'s backing band on an extensive world tour promoting Harvey's album ''[[Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea]]''. On this tour, she played guitar, [[cello]] and other instruments.<ref name="mcginnis2"/> In 2003, Laika released a collection of singles, B-sides, and rarities entitled ''Lost in Space: Volume 1 (1993–2002)''.<ref name=dumbingofamerica/>

===2003: Final recordings and hiatus===
Up until 2003, each Laika release had been a full band recording involving, at the very least, Elliot and Frenett as players. This changed in 2003 with ''Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing'', which was recorded by Fiedler and Fixsen alone but with Lou Ciccotelli remaining as the percussionist. The band were dismayed by the album's poor commercial reception, apparently selling less than any of its predecessors. Fiedler has subsequently blamed online [[file sharing]] for Laika's sudden dip in sales, commenting: "We (had) sold steadily more and more until the last one which didn't do so well. And that coincided time-wise with everyone getting broadband. People were still coming to see the live shows, so go figure."<ref name=dumbingofamerica/>

At around this time, Fiedler and Fixsen ended their romantic relationship. Although they maintained their musical partnership, the band's working life began to become strained. In 2009, Fiedler commented that "we were a couple both personally and professionally for a long time – over ten years – and the personal side of that is over and sometimes it's difficult to work together", citing the recently defunct [[Stereolab]] as a similar example of a band driven by a central romantic partnership which suffered professionally once that relationship had ended.<ref name=dumbingofamerica/>

In 2005, Fiedler opted to devote most of her time to law school, something which she has cited as ensuring that "the band stopped being a going concern". Fixsen also took time out in order to travel the world.<ref name=dumbingofamerica/> There were no formal announcements of a Laika break-up but the band has not released anything since ''Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing''. Laika is also no longer listed in the roster on the Too Pure homepage.

===Post-Laika work and possible future activity===
Fixsen continues to work as a sound engineer and producer. He co-produced English musician [[Lonelady]]'s 2010 album ''[[Nerve Up]]''.<ref>((cite web|last=Raposa|first=David|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14006-nerve-up/|title=LoneLady: Nerve Up|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=8 March 2010|accessdate=2 June 2020))</ref> Fiedler, now known by her married name of Mags McGinnis, has divided time between several ventures, including music, writing, [[candlemaker|candlemaking]], working in copyright law for the [[BBC]], and running the rights clearance service Mineral Point Music Ltd.<ref name="mcginnis2">((cite web|url=http://www.magsmcginnis.com/press.html|title=margaret fiedler mcginnis|website=Magsmcginnis.com|accessdate=2 June 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113074524/http://www.magsmcginnis.com/press.html|archivedate=13 January 2020|url-status=live))</ref><ref name="mcginnis1">((cite web|url=http://www.magsmcginnis.com/press.html|title=Mags McGinnis|website=Magsmcginnis.com|accessdate=27 June 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714020928/http://www.magsmcginnis.com/press.html|archivedate=14 July 2011|url-status=dead))</ref> She played [[rhythm guitar]] for English rock band [[Wire (band)|Wire]] on their 2008 tour of Europe and North America, replacing [[Bruce Gilbert]].<ref name="mcginnis1"/> Fiedler has stated that "the decline of album sales due to illegal downloads made [her] recording and songwriting careers less financially viable".<ref name="mcginnis1"/>

Fixsen has claimed that Laika are "taking a break" with about half of an album already recorded, and that he and Fiedler will reconvene and complete the tracks at a future date. While Fiedler has not entirely discounted this suggestion or stated that Laika have formally split up, she has cited the difficulties of working with a former romantic partner on any project, as well as the obstacle of her current work. She has, however, admitted that it would be "great to finish (the album)" as well as to play some shows and tour some of the places which Laika did not visit during the band's active lifetime.<ref name=dumbingofamerica/>

==Sound==
Musically, the band drew from a variety of sources, including [[dub reggae|dub]], [[trip hop]], and [[drum and bass]], as well as more atmospheric and "dreamy" pop approaches.<ref>((cite web|last=Ankeny|first=Jason|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/sounds-of-the-satellites-mw0000028580|title=Sounds of the Satellites – Laika|website=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=2 June 2020))</ref> Their work utilizes both [[electronic music|electronic]] and organic approach to songwriting with [[drum set|live drums]] and [[percussion]], together with [[guitars]] and [[music sample|samples]], creating a complex layered and [[polyrhythmic]] blend of beats and diverse [[Analog signal|analogue]] sounds that defies simple categorization. They were among the first wave of bands to be classified as [[post-rock]];<ref>((cite web|last=Abebe|first=Nitsuh|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/article/6088-the-lost-generation/|title=The Lost Generation|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|date=11 July 2005|accessdate=2 June 2020))</ref> in a 1994 article in ''[[Melody Maker]]'' profiling the genre, journalist [[Simon Reynolds]] described Laika's sound as a "blend of machine-music and flesh-and-blood funk... combining the 'magical', superhuman effects of [[Sampling (music)|sampling]] with the 'warmth' that comes from real-time interaction between players".<ref>((cite magazine|last=Reynolds|first=Simon|authorlink=Simon Reynolds|title=R U Ready to Post-Rock?|magazine=[[Melody Maker]]|date=23 July 1994|pages=42–43))</ref>

==Discography==
'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Silver Apples of the Moon (Laika album)|Silver Apples of the Moon]]'' (1994, Too Pure)
* ''[[Sounds of the Satellites]]'' (1997, Too Pure)
* ''[[Good Looking Blues]]'' (2000, Too Pure)
* ''Wherever I Am I Am What Is Missing'' (2003, Too Pure)

'''Compilations'''
* ''Lost in Space: Volume 1 (1993–2002)'' (2003, Too Pure)

'''Singles and EPs'''
* ''Antenna EP'' (1994, Too Pure)
* ''Almost Sleeping EP'' (1997, Too Pure)
* ''Breather EP'' (1997, Too Pure)
* "Uneasy" (2000, Too Pure)
* "Black Cat Bone" (2000, Too Pure; 12" vinyl only)
* "Badtimes" (2000, Too Pure)

'''Tracks on various artists compilations'''
* "If You Miss (Laika Virgin Mix)" (from ''Macro Dub Infection'', 1995)
* "Lower Than Stars" (from ''Volume 12'', 1995)
* "German Shepherds" (from ''Whore: Various Artists Play Wire'', 1996)
* "Looking for the Jackalope (236 Remix)" (from ''Beat Experience'', 1997)
* "Black Cat Bone" (from ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Radio Sunnydale – Music from the TV Series]]'' (UK version), 2003)

==References==
((Reflist))

==External links==
* [http://www.laika.org/ Official website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041009114553/http://www.toopure.com/laika/discography.html Discography from official Too Pure website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040815054927/http://www.toopure.com/laika/biography.html Biography from official Too Pure website]
* [https://lorseau.hinah.com/concert-laika-black-sessions Concert photos] by Laurent Orseau (Black Session)

((Laika))

((Authority control))

((DEFAULTSORT:Laika))
[[Category:English alternative rock groups]]
[[Category:English electronic music groups]]
[[Category:English experimental musical groups]]
[[Category:English post-rock groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1993]]
[[Category:1993 establishments in England]]

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