Editors Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Editors band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Editors is a British rock band known for their dark, atmospheric sound that seamlessly blends elements of post-punk revival, indie rock, and synthpop. Formed in Birmingham in 2002, the group originally consisted of Tom Smith (vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Urbanowicz (guitar, keyboards), Russell Leetch (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Ed Lay (drums, percussion, backing vocals). Over the years, the lineup has evolved, with Justin Lockey (guitar) and Elliott Williams (keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, backing vocals) joining the band, among others. Editors have carved out a distinct niche with their brooding melodies and introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to bands like Joy Division and Echo & the Bunnymen.
How to Sound Like Editors
Editors' music is characterized by its moody, expansive soundscapes that balance brooding intensity with melodic clarity. The band achieves this through the use of rich, reverb-laden guitar tones, as exemplified by Justin Lockey's use of the Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster paired with effects like the Boss DD-7 Digital Delay and Electro-Harmonix XO Holy Grail Plus. This combination creates a textured, atmospheric backdrop that complements Tom Smith's emotive vocals and piano work, often performed on a Kawai MP8II Professional Stage Piano. The inclusion of synthesizers and electronic elements by Elliott Williams and Blanck Mass adds a modern, synth-driven layer to their sound, making their music both timeless and progressive.
Discography
Get the Editors Sound
Want to sound like Editors? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
