Stay+ Explained

Stay+ (Positive)
Origin:Manchester, England
Genre:Electronic, experimental
Years Active:2011–2015
Label:Black Butter Records, RAMP Recordings, Double Denim Records, Nest HQ
Current Members:Matt Farthing
Past Members:Moses Gold, DEERHEAD, Queenie

Stay+, also known as Stay Positive or Stay Plus (and formerly known as Christian AIDS) is an electronic music act originating from Manchester, England. Originally loosely termed a "collective",[1] the act was later known to be the solo project of London-born music producer, Matt Farthing.[2] Not much else is known about the reclusive Stay+, which chose to release only limited press shots, interviews and details about members/collaborators. One example saw a balloon artist take their place for a Radio 1 interview,[3] another saw an interview answered entirely with YouTube found footage.[4] Following a series of releases on the RAMP label (Flying Lotus, Falty DL), garnering critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork, "Crashed" was released on Black Butter Records in November 2012 and proved a commercial step up for the project; receiving heavy mainstream radio play from champions like Radio 1's Annie Mac who made it her Record of the Week.

After 2013 the act disappeared entirely; Farthing moved on apparently and began a new project, FAIK, in 2015.[5]

Discography

Name controversy

Under the previous guise of "Christian AIDS", the act was forced to change its name after a cease and desist letter from the Christian Aid charity.[6] "Stay Positive" was the name of their first release.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: GEN F: Stay+ . The FADER . Bravo . Amber . 23 December 2011 . 24 July 2013.
  2. Web site: BOTW Interview: Stay . Planet Notion . 21 July 2011 . 24 July 2013.
  3. Web site: Stay+ In Session . BBC . 4 August 2011 . 24 July 2013.
  4. Web site: A Strange Interview with Stay+ . Abeano . 24 February 2011 . 24 July 2013.
  5. Web site: Why Would A Band Of White Dudes Name Themselves Slaves? . The FADER . Cliff . Aimee . 26 March 2015 . 1 July 2023.
  6. Web site: Christian AIDS forced to change name to Stay+ | News . NME . 22 June 2011 . 24 July 2013.
  7. Web site: DD005: Christian AIDS Stay + 7" SOLD OUT . Double Denim Records. 23 May 2011 . 24 July 2013.