Zero 7 is a European downtempo duo formed by producers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, who began their music careers as tea boys at a London recording studio before working with notable British musicians in the '90s. After adopting the name Zero 7 from a Honduras nightclub, they gained recognition through remixes for artists like Radiohead and Terry Callier. Their debut EP 1 in 1999 quickly sold out, leading to subsequent successful releases including EP 2 and their acclaimed first album, Simple Things, in 2001 featuring collaborations with vocalists Mozez, Sia Furler, and Sophie Barker.
Following the Grammy-nominated Garden in 2006, Zero 7 faced a transition when Sia Furler departed, leading to a new partnership with vocalist Eska Mtungwazi and a shift towards pop music. Their 2009 release Yeah Ghost showcased a blend of pop-influenced electronica and ambient jazz, accompanied by international touring. Despite lineup changes, Zero 7 continued to evolve their sound and maintain a dedicated following beyond the downtempo genre.