Indigo Peak

Indigo Peak are an alternative pop duo and occasional television personalities, consisting of brothers Yannik and Andre Cassenove. To date, the pair are noted for eleven of their sixteen singles hitting the number one spot and three of their five albums sharing the same accolade, all of which are certified diamond - making them the most successful group in Urapopstar history.

Following a decade long hiatus, the duo announced a musical comeback in November 2020.

Formation and Discovery (2005-2008)
Indigo Peak formed in early 2005, initially as a fourpiece and later a duo consisting of brothers Yannik and Andre Cassenove. Prior to forming the group, both brothers had experienced minor success writing songs for various acts in their native Bulgaria.

Moving to London, England in 2006 - the brothers secured a selection of performances in and around Londons nightclub scene, becoming particular favourites of G-A-Y, who showcased the pair on three seperate occasions as a warm up act.

In 2007, the duo self funded "Mix Tape," a selection of songs written and produced by the duo, with limited copies distributed in independant music stores. NME were among the first press to review the duo when they listed them as "2008's one's to watch," during an end of year round up in 2007.

The brother's hand delivered copies of "Mix Tape," to various labels, with Wired Records being the first to reply, offering Indigo Peak a one single deal, which eventually became a remastered version of "Mix Tape," track "Beat Junkie."

Sex Sells (2008)
Main article: Sex Sells Beat Junkie proved an unexpected success when it debuted at number four during March 2008. Seeing their potential, Wired offered the duo a three album deal and Indigo Peak began writing and recording tracks for their debut LP "Sex Sells."

A second single featuring a then relatively new face China was released the following June. "Song 4 China"/"Forget Me," became the brothers breakthrough hit when it rose to number one on it's second week of release. It's album also took the top spot, earning diamond certification for over 1000,000 copies sold almost a year later.

The third single to be lifted from "Sex Sells," was Izzy collaboration "Active Duty"/"Fever," providing Indigo Peak with their second number one and the highest selling single of 2008. The track 'Fever', was a vague cover of the Peggy Lee hit of the same name, containing retooled vocals and additional verses. Supporting this release was "Social Rehab," a collaborative covers album.

Following soon after was their third number one, "Dr Go Faster," a firm fan favourite which also featured in the highest selling singles of 2008. Alongside this came a re-release of "Sex Sells," containing new tracks, mixes and a cover of "I Begin to Wonder," originally popularised by Dannii Minogue in 2002. This re-release returned the duo to the top of the albums charts a second time.

Although content with their success, the brothers publicly fell out with Wired when the label pressured the duo into recording tracks similar or almost identical to the tracks on Sex Sells. The duo toured briefly to critical acclaim before leaving their contract early in a much publicised legal battle and signing a new deal with Ensemble Entertainment.

Arcadium (2008-2009)
Main article: Arcadium Arcadium the second studio album from the duo featured 16 new tracks, many of which had been brought over from sessions with Wired and remastered to fit with the duo's desired sound. Though many critics feared a rush released second album would prove a negative factor in Indigo Peak's then short career, it's lead single "Grand Theft Auto," served as their fourth number one single whilst the album became their second to also hit the top spot.

"Kissing A Cobra," was chosen as the second single. It too hit the number one spot upon release giving the duo their fifth chart topping single, and was quickly followed up with "Filthy Preacher"/"Shoot to Kill," a collaboration with then label mate Alesha.

During promotion for the single, the trio's antics and attitude towards their peers generated much press, however despite fears and the fact that they had branded various celebrities "Paedophiles," the single still managed a number one position, at the same time propelling a re-release of "Arcadium," to the top spot as well. Soon after, "Arcadium," was certified diamond and succeeded in selling more copies than its predecessor.

The final single to be lifted from "Arcadium," was "Red Raw." The track had originally been intended as a collaboration with Jack Stevens, however scheduling conflicts left the brothers to record the track on their own. "Red Raw," also hit the number one position despite a much publicised chart battle with Alex Washington. Supporting "Red Raw," was a remix album, "Cut the Fuck Up," which reached the number two position upon release.

In just over a year the brothers had succeeded in notching up seven number one singles.

Long Live (2009)
Main article: Long Live Early July 2009 saw the brothers announce a new single when Cold War was revealed via popjustice. The single premiered to extremely positive reviews, many noting the "creative shift," to a harder edge as a standout factor. Cold War became the duo's eigth number one when it debuted on the official UK top 40 during the first week of August 2009. Having been knocked off the top spot by Sophie Ramone's "Suck My Tits," the single returned to the number one position the following week - beating competition from Jack Stevens.

"Long Live," became the duo's third LP to debut at the number one spot when it charted in August 2009.

Finger, Button, Push and Space Invaders became the second single to be lifted from the third LP and it debuted at #1 in September 2009, making the release the duo's ninth consecutive number one.

The third single to be taken from "Long Live," was a remixed version of Izzy collaboration "Electric Eccentric," which was also partially rewritten to include additional vocals from Jack Stevens. Coinciding with the single was "Scraps: Volume One," - a compilation of the duo's b-sides and rare tracks to date. Alongside previously unreleased material, the brothers included their versions of tracks later given to other artists. Electric Eccentric became the duo's tenth number one single and as a result Indigo Peak now hold the record for most number ones held by a group.

"Long Live: The Motion Picture," became the duo's first feature film when it was released to critical acclaim in October 2009. The DVD featured a video story set to the soundtrack of their album of the same name as well as interpolations of the official music video's from that era.

The fourth single to be lifted from Long Live was the China collaboration "Fire! Scream!"/"Pornographic," the former of which had been included on China's third album "Fortune Favours The Bold." The single was released on December 14th, 2009 in a race for the Christmas number one against competition from Ben Johnston and newcomer Logan Cross. The trio won gaining Indigo Peak their eleventh number one and second Christmas number one for Yannik.

A re-release of Long Live and a new single Killing Games were cancelled in early 2010 with the duo favouring a short hiatus prior to recording their fourth studio album.

Brand New Blindfold (2010)
Main article: Brand New Blindfold In late March 2010, it was announced via the duo's official website that a new studio album was in process of recording, with a reported nine tracks completed. Later the same week, official release schedules were updated with a slated single and album release for May 24th and 31st respectively. The site reported a move towards a clubbier sound, incorporating trademark Indigo Peak electropop with house, new wave and warmer electronica. The report suggested an additional incoporation of dubstep, being the first time the duo had experimented with a more urban genre.

March 31st 2010 saw the duo's official website close with a new holding page featuring a 7 day countdown. With no explanation as to what this countdown was for - fans speculated that it would be the premier of a new song, however the official reveal came in the form of a single and album announcement the following week, confirming the single "Manhunt," and the album "Brand New Blindfold," scheduled for a late May release.

The album was a critical failure, whilst it's only single "Manhunt," saw moderate success when it debuted at number 3. A lack of promotion and management choices led to a decreased popularity in the group. After dissapointing performances of both the album and single, the duo scrapped the project and retreated from the public eye.

What You Leave Behind (2010)
The second half of 2010 saw the duo announcing their first hits collection in the form of "What You Leave Behind," accompanied by it's lead single "By Any Other Slave."

The collection, the first album in their new deal was universally praised by critics though the controversial decision to effectively "erase," Brand New Blindfold from their discography drew some negative press.

The collection included a selection of new and previously unreleased tracks, with critics praising the duo on a "return to form," and noted "the duo's departure from Ensemble has been a blessing in disguise [...] breathing new life into the group."

The Times dubbed the collection "a solid body of work," additionally praising "By Any Other Slave," calling it "an arms in the air celebration of a whirlwind three years."

Both the single and album propelled Indigo Peak back into the top three when they both debuted at #2 on their respective charts.

The second single to be released from the collection was the Putanovska collaboration of "Insanity," doubled up with a re-recorded version of Putty's track "Young Blood." The single was released to the highly competitive Christmas chart at the end of 2010 where it debuted at number two remaining in the top ten for three weeks in total.

Revised interest in the group saw the duo bring forward their planned studio album from March to February 2011.

Hunter/Prey (2011)
In a November 2010 interview with Muse, Yannik McQueen confirmed that following the success of their greatest hits collection - the duo had returned to the studio to work on new material for a fifth studio album, with an official announcement in January 2011.

Writing and recording for the album began as early as May 2011, when the duo visited Sweeden during their hiatus. Unsuitable tracks would go on to be used for "What You Leave Behind."

Though keeping the project secret for some time prior to announcing their deal with Saturdays, demo's and leak's arose leading fans to speculate that the duo had returned to the studio.

"Hunter/Prey," was released February 14th 2011 alongside it's lead single "Hold Me Back." Early reviews heralded a return to their critical peak with many commenting on the duo's "grassroots return to the music that made them sucessfull initially." The Times highlighted the single as "a slow burning track that gathers as much speed towards the end as the duo's quick return to form.''"

Critically, the album saw great success and garnered Indigo Peak their best review's since 2009's "Long Live." At the time frontman Yannik McQueen commented "it's great to be back!" and announcing that a nationwide tour was in the planning stages.

"Hold Me Back," debuted at number two whilst "Hunter/Prey," became the duo's highest charting album in over 12 months when it took the number one position upon release.

"Love is Violence," was announced as the second single, released on April 25th 2011. The single mix featured an interpolation of "The Hunted," a hit for previous collaborator Alesha.

Legacy
Indigo Peak have easily cemented their status as one of the biggest acts of the past decade, with international success added to their string of number one's in the UK. In 2009 The Times reported the brothers to be among the highest earners in the world musically.

Their work continues to receive high praise from music press, both their own and that of the production for others. Their music has become a staple for what many acts have professed to be an influence to their own albums.

Creatively and visually, many praise the brothers for being at the forefront of popular culture. In 2008 NME described the brothers as "always on the pulse of the next big trend," when discussing their second studio album Arcadium.

Their reputation as a "tour de force," in the production world has resulted in many successful collaborations on other artists albums. The number one hit "Tune Me In Stereo," became what many would consider pop songstress China's signature tune when it hit the top spot in early 2009.

The pair - in particular Yannik, are celebrated for their outspoken, no-holds-barred attitudes. Though many of their opinions have landed them in hot water, most note their honesty (however brutal) to be refreshing, particularly The Observer who stated "in a world full of air kisses, winks and nudges - they're a light at the end of the tunnel."

Yannik Cassenove
Yannik Cassenove was born September 28th, 1986 in Bulgaria.

Andre Cassenove
Andre Cassenove, born April 26th 1984 is the producer and programmer behind Indigo Peak. Preferring to take a more behind the scenes role with Indigo Peak, Cassenove is best known for his production skills.

Yannik
Yannik is openly gay and was once married to veteran popstar Jake. The two separated in 2012 with divorce papers citing "irreconcilable differences," as the reason. Though neither party has publicly addressed the subject. Together, they have one son Thomas Pikachu McQueen born in July 2009.

In 2020 media speculation that the star had embarked upon a relationship with Justyce proved true when the pair went public with their situation in November of that year.

Andre
Andre is bisexual and has had a number of high profile flings during his career. His most famous and public relationship with Jack Stevens was purported to be nothing more than a PR tactic. The two shared a torrid relationship from 2009 culminating in their marriage and divorce during the same week of August 2010.

The pair remained friends, eventually reigniting their relationship officially in late 2020.

Andre is a Vegan. He regularly attends meat eating debates.

Discography
Main Article: Indigo Peak Discography


 * Studio albums
 * Sex Sells (2008)
 * Arcadium (2008)
 * Long Live (2009)
 * Brand New Blindfold (2010)
 * Hunter/Prey (2011)


 * Other releases
 * Social Rehab (2008)
 * Cut the Fuck Up (2009)
 * Scraps: Volume One (2009)
 * Collectors Box (2010)
 * What You Leave Behind (2010)


 * DVDs
 * Active Duty - Live in London (2008)
 * Arcadium Live (2009)
 * Long Live: The Motion Picture (2009)

Awards

 * Urapopstar Awards 16
 * Best Single "Grand Theft Auto" - Nominated
 * Best Album "Arcadium" - Nominated
 * Best Group - Won
 * Best Pop/Dance - Nominated
 * Best Newcomer - Won
 * Best Video "Active Duty" - Nominated
 * Best Collaboration "Active Duty"/"Fever" - Nominated
 * Best Collaboration "Partners In Crime"/"Not Tonight Santa" - Won
 * Best Promotion - Nominated
 * Best Songwriter - Won
 * Best Banner "Active Duty"/"Fever" - Nominated
 * Best Artwork "Arcadium" - Won
 * Best Live - Nominated


 * Urapopstar Awards 17
 * Best Single "Cold War" - Nominated
 * Best Album "Long Live" - Nominated
 * Best Group - Won
 * Best Pop/Dance - Nominated
 * Best Video "Cold War" - Nominated
 * Best Collaboration "Filthy Preacher"/"Shoot to Kill" - Nominated
 * Best Live - Nominated
 * Best Songwriter - Nominated
 * Best Album Artwork "Arcadium" (Filthy Preacher Edition) - Won
 * Best Banner "Cold War" - Nominated
 * Best Misc Art "Stage Invaders 2010" - Nominated
 * Best Promotion - Nominated


 * Urapopstar Awards 18
 * Best Group - won


 * Other
 * 2009 VMAs - Best Group Video "Grand Theft Auto" Won
 * More Magazine - July 2009 "Fittest Gay I'd Like to Tap: Yannik McQueen," Won
 * GQ Magazine - August 2009 "Best Dressed: Yannik McQueen," Won
 * Heat Magazine - August 2009 "Best Buns in Pop: Andre Cassenove," Won

Trivia

 * Indigo Peak hold the record for most number one's by any group with 11. In addition, member Yannik McQueen has 12, including the second highest selling single of all time "Partners in Crime," and "Not Tonight Santa."
 * Yannik McQueen has one child with husband Jake - Thomas Pikachu.
 * Both brothers are well known for their affinity to science fiction and fantasy. This particular interest led them to provide music to cult US TV show "Dollhouse."
 * Aside from his celebrated production skills, instrumental arrangements and backing vocals - Andre Cassenove is talentless, rarely providing solo vocals and only doing so under strict vocodering and/or auto-tuning.