Albarn has written the lyrics to nearly every song released by the band since their formation. Before long the band was signed to Food Records and changed its name to Blur.Īs of today, Blur has released eight full-length albums, five of which went to #1 in the United Kingdom and all of which reached the top 15. With the addition of Dave Rowntree, the band began playing as 'Seymour'.

After recording a number of demo tapes together, the two formed 'the Circus,' at which point Coxon introduced Albarn to Alex James. In 1988, Albarn enrolled at Goldsmiths College in New Cross, London, England he took a part-time course which he claims he did 'just to get on campus'. At the age of fifteen, he won an award for 'Young Composer of the Year'. Some of the songs he wrote in his early recording days later became Blur songs, such as 'Birthday' on their debut album, Leisure. He concluded after one year's stay that he was a terrible actor and instead took up writing and performing music. He met future Blur guitarist Graham Coxon at school and found they both liked similar bands, such as the Jam, the Kinks, and the Human League.Īfter finishing secondary school, Albarn moved to London to attend the East 15 Acting School, losing contact with Coxon. Albarn then attended Stanway Comprehensive School. When he turned ten, his family moved to Colchester, Essex, England due to the needs of his father's teaching career. His family then lived in Turkey for a few months. Born in Whitechapel, London England, Albarn's early life was spent living in Leytonstone with his parents Hazel and Keith and his sister Jessica.

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