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{{Short description|Australian pop band}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}}
{{refimprove|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = Operator Please
| name = Operator Please
|image = OperatorPleasePRphotoByDanielBoud.jpg
| image = OperatorPleasePRphotoByDanielBoud.jpg
|image_size = 150
| image_size = 150
|caption = Operator Please in 2008. L - R: Henderson, McConnell, Wilkinson, Commandeur, Gardiner
| caption = Operator Please in 2008. L–R: Henderson, McConnell, Wilkinson, Commandeur, Gardiner
|landscape = yes
| landscape = yes
|background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
|alias =
| alias =
|origin = [[Gold Coast, Queensland]], Australia
| origin = [[Gold Coast, Queensland]], Australia
|genre = [[Indie rock]], [[indie pop]], [[pop rock]], [[New wave music|new wave]], [[dance-punk]], [[teen pop]]
| genre = [[Indie rock]], [[indie pop]], [[pop rock]], [[New wave music|new wave]], [[dance-punk]], [[teen pop]]
|years_active = [[2005 in music|2005]]–2011
| years_active = 2005–2011
|label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin/EMI]]<br />[[Brille Records|Brille]]
| label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]<br />[[EMI Music Australia]]
|associated_acts = [[Colour Coding]]
| associated_acts = [[Bossy Love]], [[Colour Coding]]
|website = [http://www.operatorpleaseband.com/ operatorpleaseband.com]
| website =
|current_members =
| current_members =
|past_members = Amandah Wilkinson<br />Taylor Henderson<br />Tim Commandeur<br />Chris Holland<br />Ashley McConnell<br />Sarah Gardiner<br />Stephanie Joske<br />Kieran Richards
| past_members = [[Amandah Wilkinson]]<br />Taylor Henderson<br />[[Tim Commandeur]]<br />Chris Holland<br />Ashley McConnell<br />Sarah Gardiner<br />Stephanie Joske<br />Kieran Richards<br />Blake Ross
}}
}}


'''Operator Please''' were an Australian [[Pop music|pop]] band, originating on the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] of [[Queensland]], in 2005. Their final line-up consisted of vocalist and guitarist Amandah Wilkinson, drummer Tim Commandeur, keyboardist Chris Holland, bassist Ashley McConnell and violinist Taylor Henderson.
'''Operator Please''' were an Australian [[Pop music|pop]] band, originating in the [[Gold Coast, Queensland]], in 2005. Their final line-up consisted of vocalist and guitarist [[Amandah Wilkinson]], drummer [[Tim Commandeur]], keyboardist Chris Holland, bassist Ashley McConnell and violinist Taylor Henderson. They are best known for their 2007 single "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]", which won an [[ARIA Music Award]] at the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007 ceremony]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,22548616-5007184,00.html|title=Ping Pong proves a winner for indie band Operator Please|author=Braithwaite, Alyssa|date=8 October 2007|access-date=15 November 2007|publisher=News Limited}}</ref>

The original members met and formed Operator Please as students of [[Elanora State High School]] in order to compete in the school's "[[Battle of the Bands]]" competition.<ref name="triplej">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/events/ausmusicmonth_06/next_crop/operator_please.htm|title=Operator Please|publisher=[[Triple J]]. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=15 November 2007}}</ref> In 2007, Operator Please released singles "[[Get What You Want]]", "[[Leave It Alone (Operator Please song)|Leave It Alone]]", "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]" and their debut studio album, ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''. "Just a Song About Ping Pong", their most successful single to date, was nominated for two [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA Awards]] in [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007]], winning one for Breakthrough Artist – Single.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,22548616-5007184,00.html|title=Ping Pong proves a winner for indie band Operator Please|author=Braithwaite, Alyssa|date=8 October 2007|accessdate=15 November 2007|publisher=News Limited}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===2005–2011===
Operator Please was formed in early 2005 by [[lead singer]] Amandah Wilkinson in an attempt to compete in her high school's annual "[[Battle of the Bands]]" competition. After winning the contest, the five members, aged 17 to 19, started working on getting their name out through an independently produced [[Extended play|EP]], ''[[On the Prowl (EP)|On the Prowl]]''. Their second EP, ''[[Cement Cement]]'', generated interest both locally and internationally, from a combination of word of mouth and exposure on the Australian youth radio network [[Triple J]] (which featured their first single, "Crash Tragic", taken from the EP, on high rotation for quite some time).<ref>
Operator Please formed in early 2005 by [[lead singer]] and guitarist [[Amandah Wilkinson]] and students of [[Elanora State High School]] in an attempt to compete in the high school's annual "[[Battle of the Bands]]" competition, which they went on to win.<ref name="triplej">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/events/ausmusicmonth_06/next_crop/operator_please.htm|title=Operator Please|publisher=[[Triple J]]. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=15 November 2007}}</ref>
{{cite web
|title = A&R Worldwide Reports
|publisher = Radio & Records
|url = http://www.lelandgrant.com/anr.pdf
|accessdate = 22 August 2007
}}</ref> Within months, and with the help of a record label sponsored showcase in [[NYC]], they had agreed a deal with [[Virgin Records|Virgin/EMI Records]] for Australia, and for the UK with indie label [[Brille Records]].<ref>
{{cite news
|title = Give us more Operator Please
|publisher = The Courier Mail
|url = http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22172422-5003421,00.html
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
| first=Catriona
| last=Mathewson
| date=2 August 2007
}}</ref>


After winning the contest, the five members, aged 17 to 19, recorded and self-released the [[Extended play|EP]] ''[[On the Prowl (EP)|On the Prowl]]'' in 2006, limited to 300 handmade copies. The EP included an early version of the song "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]". The band released a second EP, ''Cement Cement'', in 2006, which generated interest both locally and internationally from a combination of word of mouth and exposure on the Australian youth radio network [[Triple J]], and the band were signed to Virgin Records.<ref>
"[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]" was one of the most added songs at Australian commercial radio with the Hot 30 and [[Nova (radio network)|Nova]] [[Radio broadcasting|radio stations]] nationally leading the charge. The [[music video]] for the song was played on music programmes around Australia, UK, and Europe including [[MTV]],<ref>{{cite web
{{cite news|title = Give us more Operator Please|publisher = The Courier Mail|url = http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22172422-5003421,00.html|access-date = 21 August 2007| first=Catriona| last=Mathewson| date=2 August 2007}}</ref> The band opened for [[Arctic Monkeys]] and [[Kaiser Chiefs]] on their 2007 Australian tours.<ref>{{cite web|title = Kaiser Chiefs / Wolf And Cub / Operator Please|publisher = Rave Magazine|url = http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/4807/82/|access-date = 22 July 2007}}</ref>
|title = The NME Chart
|publisher = MTV UK
|url = http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtv2/shows/the_nme_chart_vote
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> [[Channel V]],<ref>{{cite web
|title = Top 50 Most Requested Songs
|publisher = Channel [V]
|url = http://channelv.com.au/V/Requests.aspx
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> and [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]'s ''[[Rage (TV program)|rage]]''.<ref>{{cite web
|title = Playlist Saturday, 18&nbsp;August 2007
|publisher = ABC
|url = http://www.abc.net.au/rage/archive/s2007722.htm
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> It was featured on the front page of [[MySpace]] and [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite web
|title = Operator Please - Just A Song About Ping Pong
|publisher = [[YouTube]]
|url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmHqsSblXg0
|accessdate = 22 July 2007
}}</ref> Operator Please has since been labelled as "our favorite new band" and "the next big thing" by celebrity blogger [[Perez Hilton]].<ref>{{cite web
|title = Listen To This: Our New Obsession
|publisher = Perez Hilton
|url = http://perezhilton.com/?p=1487
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|title = Listen To This: The New Wave!
|publisher = Perez Hilton
|url = http://perezhilton.com/?p=956
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref>


In July 2007, the band released a re-recorded version of "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]" as their debut single. The song peaked at number 12 on the ARIA Charts and at the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007]]; the song won the [[ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist – Single]].<ref name="aria">{{cite web|title = ARIA Nominees Announced|publisher = SameSame.com.au|url = http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/1368/ARIA-Nominees-Announced.htm|access-date = 21 September 2007}}</ref> Celebrity blogger [[Perez Hilton]] labelled Operator Please as "our favourite new band" and "the next big thing".<ref>{{cite web|title = Listen To This: Our New Obsession| date=15 July 2007 |publisher = Perez Hilton|url = http://perezhilton.com/?p=1487|access-date = 21 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Listen To This: The New Wave!| date=5 July 2007 |publisher = Perez Hilton|url = http://perezhilton.com/?p=956|access-date = 21 August 2007}}</ref>
Since the announcement that the band were to play the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] in August, Operator Please continued to play industry showcases in the UK.<ref name="uktour">{{cite web
|title = Operator Please UK Tour Dates
|publisher = Music-News Unsigned
|url = http://www.music-news.com/ShowNews.asp?nItemID=14816
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> The single "Just a Song About Ping Pong", released in Australia on 28 July 2007, was added to national UK radio station [[BBC Radio 1]] and [[London]] station [[Xfm|XFM]], following an ''[[NME]]'' feature which named them one of EMI's buzz bands. The single debuted in the [[ARIA Singles Chart]] on 6 August 2007at No.&nbsp;15, and topped out at No.&nbsp;12.<ref name="charts">{{cite web
|title = Singles Charts
|publisher = Australian Record Industry Association
|url = http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> The single is nominated for two [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA Awards]] in [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007]]: Best Pop Release and Breakthrough Artist – Single,<ref name="aria">{{cite web
|title = ARIA Nominees Announced
|publisher = SameSame.com.au
|url = http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/1368/ARIA-Nominees-Announced.htm
|accessdate = 21 September 2007
}}</ref> and won the award for Breakthrough Artist – Single. Also, this was on the same night of their television performing debut performing that single.


In October 2007, the band released "[[Get What You Want]]", which peaked at number 27 on the ARIA Charts.<ref name=aus/> This was followed by the band's debut studio album, ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]'', in November 2007, which peaked at number 28 on the ARIA album chart.<ref name=aus/>
The band recorded their debut [[studio album]], titled ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]'' at The Groves, on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia,<ref>{{cite web
|title = Believing the hype.
|publisher = The Courier Mail
|url = http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=916604&id=879000706
|accessdate = 8 February 2007
}}</ref> which was released on 10 November. It charted at number 28 on the ARIA Albums Chart on the week beginning 19 November.<ref>[http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1G50 Australian Top 50 ARIA Albums Chart]. [[Australian Recording Industry Association]]. Retrieved on 18 November 2007.</ref> A track titled "Zero! Zero!" was heard on the ''Top Shelf'' program of Australian radio station [[Triple J]] on 2 October.<ref>{{cite web
|title = Zero Zero (Operator Please)
|publisher = JPlay
|url = http://www.jplay.com.au/JSite/ViewSong.aspx?SongID=11087
|accessdate = 3 October 2007
}}</ref> The band also opened for [[Arctic Monkeys]] and [[Kaiser Chiefs]] on their Australian tours<ref>{{cite web
|title = Kaiser Chiefs / Wolf And Cub / Operator Please
|publisher = Rave Magazine
|url = http://www.ravemagazine.com.au/content/view/4807/82/
|accessdate = 22 July 2007
}}</ref> and then went on tour in the UK, [[Europe]], and [[Asia]].<ref name="tour">{{cite web
|title = All Shows for Operator Please
|publisher = MySpace
|url = http://collect.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandprofile.listAllShows&friendid=42470861&n=Operator+Please
|accessdate = 21 August 2007
}}</ref><ref>[http://www.stv.tv/content/out/gallagherstravels/display.html?id=opencms:/content/out/gallagherstravels/The_ones_to_watchx_130907_20070913 The Ones to Watch?], stv.tv blog, 7 September</ref> The band finally released ''Yes Yes Vindictive'' in the UK on 17 March 2008. The band toured as a support act for [[The Futureheads]] and [[Lightspeed Champion]]; and played many festivals across Europe including [[Glastonbury Festival]]. They have also covered two songs: "[[Push It (Salt-n-Pepa song)|Push It]]" by [[Salt-n-Pepa]] and "[[Whip It (Devo song)|Whip It]]" by [[Devo]]; videos of these can be seen on YouTube.


In 2008, the band toured throughout [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]<ref name="tour">{{cite web
Operator Please spent most of 2009 composing their second album. They confirmed that two songs, "Logic" and "Back and Forth" will be in the album. The band stated that the new album will have a more electronic feel than ''Yes Yes Vindictive''. A demo version of "Back and Forth" was used on an update video of their progress on album number 2<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2eYLJ8GKNg Operator Please Album number 2 update], Operator Please's YouTube Channel, 9 April 2009</ref> which featured Wilkinson writing text onto paper and small slides of instruments, as well as shots of Commandeur and Wilkinson. On 15 January 2010, the band revealed their first single, "Logic", from the new album. "Logic" was released as a single on 8 February 2010. On the official website, "Logic" was available as a free download. Also on 8 February, the album title was revealed as ''Gloves'', and fans could pre-order it signed. On 13 February, the video for "Logic" premiered on ''[[Video Hits (Australian TV series)|Video Hits]]''.
|title = All Shows for Operator Please|publisher = MySpace|url = http://collect.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bandprofile.listAllShows&friendid=42470861&n=Operator+Please|access-date = 21 August 2007
}}</ref> and released ''Yes Yes Vindictive'' in the UK on 17 March 2008.


Operator Please spent 2009 composing their second album. On 8 February 2010, the band released the album's lead single, "Logic". The band's second album, ''[[Gloves (album)|Gloves]]'', was released on 23 April 2010 in Australia and 31 May 2010 in the rest of the world. The album peaked at number 20 on the ARIA album chart.<ref name=aus/>
''Gloves'' was released on 23 April 2010 in Australia and 31 May 2010 in the rest of the world. Three more singles have been released from the album since its release: "Back and Forth", "Like Magic" and "Volcanic". All three have also had accompanying music videos. In June 2010, the band completed their first headlining tour since late 2008; supported by Perth band [[Tim & Jean]] and Sydney band Chaingang. Shortly afterwards, they would play a variety of festivals, including [[Splendour in the Grass]] and [[Canberra]] festival Stonefest. They also played the Australian leg of the 2011 [[Big Day Out]] festival. March and April 2011 saw the band tour Australia, this time as the main support for Sydney musician [[Sparkadia]]. "Catapult" was released in January 2011 as the fifth and final single from ''Gloves''.


In June 2010, the band completed their first headlining tour since late 2008; they were supported by Perth band [[Tim & Jean]] and Sydney band [[Chaingang (band)|Chaingang]]. Shortly afterwards, they would play a variety of festivals, including [[Splendour in the Grass]] and [[Canberra]] festival Stonefest. They also played the Australian leg of the 2011 [[Big Day Out]] festival. March and April 2011 saw the band tour Australia, this time as the main support for Sydney musician [[Sparkadia]]. "Catapult" was released in January 2011 as the fifth and final single from ''Gloves''.
Although the band have not officially split,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/homeandhosed/blog/s3339635.htm|title=Has Operator Please Called It Quits? No!|work=Home & Hosed - New Australian Music blog|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|accessdate=12 December 2013}}</ref> they have been inactive since 2011 and the band members are currently part of other projects; Wilkinson has adopted the moniker Bossy Love, collaborated with other musicians and released her debut EP ''Me + You'' in October 2013;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/press/bossy-love-announces-debut-ep-me-you-out-october-21st-2013|title=Bossy Love Announces Debut Ep 'Me + You' Out October 21st 2013|publisher=[[Contactmusic]]|accessdate=12 December 2013}}</ref> Holland and Commandeur formed the duo [[Colour Coding]] and released their debut EP ''Proof'' in March 2012, later announcing a hiatus for that project in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ColourCoding/posts/594799530586705|title=Colour Coding - It is a little sad to announce, but we...|publisher=[[Colour Coding]] on [[Facebook]]|accessdate=12 December 2013}}</ref>

===2012–present===
Although the band have not officially split,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/homeandhosed/blog/s3339635.htm|title=Has Operator Please Called It Quits? No!|work=Home & Hosed - New Australian Music blog|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|access-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> they have been inactive since 2011, and the band members are currently part of other projects. Wilkinson has adopted the moniker [[Bossy Love]], collaborated with John Baillie Jnr of [[Dananananaykroyd]], and released her debut EP ''Me + You'' in October 2013;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/press/bossy-love-announces-debut-ep-me-you-out-october-21st-2013|title=Bossy Love Announces Debut Ep 'Me + You' Out October 21st 2013|date=17 September 2013 |publisher=[[Contactmusic]]|access-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> Holland and Commandeur formed the duo [[Colour Coding]] and released their debut EP ''Proof'' in March 2012, later announcing a hiatus for that project in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ColourCoding/posts/594799530586705|title=Colour Coding - It is a little sad to announce, but we...|publisher=[[Colour Coding]] on [[Facebook]]|access-date=12 December 2013}}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
{{col-begin}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
{{col-2}}
|+ List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
<big>'''Studio albums'''</big><div style="padding: 10px;">
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Title
* 2007: ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]'' AUS No.&nbsp;28, UK No.&nbsp;157
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"| Details
* 2010: ''[[Gloves (album)|Gloves]]'' AUS No.&nbsp;20
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
{{col-2}}
|-
<big>'''Extended plays'''</big><div style="padding: 10px;">
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref name=aus/>
* 2006: ''[[On the Prowl (EP)|On the Prowl]]''
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Official Charts|UK]]<br /><ref name=uk>{{cite web|url=http://zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_O.HTM|title=Chart Log UK 1994–2010: The O – Ozric Tentacles|website=zobbel.de|access-date=4 September 2022}}</ref>
* 2007: ''[[Cement Cement]]''
|-
</div>
! scope="row"| ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''
{{col-end}}
|
*Released: November 2007
*Label: [[Virgin Records|Virgin]] (5137072)
*Format: [[Compact Disc|CD]]
| 28 || 157
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Gloves (album)|Gloves]]''
|
*Released: 23 April 2010
*Label: Virgin, [[EMI Music]] (50999 6290472 8)
*Format: CD, [[Music download|DD]]
| 20 || —
|}

===Extended plays===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|+ List of EPs, with selected details
! Title
! Details
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[On the Prowl (EP)|On the Prowl]]''
|
*Released: 2006
*Label: Operator Please
*Format: CD
|-
! scope="row"| ''Cement Cement''
|
*Released: 2006
*Label: Scorpio Management, Virgin (3864422)
*Format: CD, DD
|}


===Singles===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions
!Year
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Title
!Song
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"| Year
!style="width:3em"|{{small|[[ARIA Charts|ARIA Singles Chart]]}}
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions
!style="width:3em"|{{small|[[Triple J Hottest 100]]}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album
!style="width:3em"|{{small|[[UK Indie Chart|UK Indie Singles Chart]]}}
|-
!style="width:3em"|{{small|[[UK Singles Chart]]}}
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref name=aus>Australian chart peaks:
!Album
*All top 50 peaks: {{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Operator+Please|title=Discography Operator Please|website=australian-charts.com|access-date=4 September 2022}}
*Top 100 (ARIA) peaks to December 2010: {{cite Ryan|page=209}}</ref>
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[UK Singles Chart|UK]]<br /><ref name=uk/>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]"
|rowspan="3"|2007
|rowspan="3"|2007
|"[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]"
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|rowspan="4"|''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''
|rowspan="4"|''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''
|-
|-
|"[[Get What You Want]]"
!scope="row"|"[[Get What You Want]]"
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|27
|align="center"|77
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|121
|align="center"|121
|-
|-
|"[[Leave It Alone (Operator Please song)|Leave It Alone]]"
!scope="row"|"[[Leave It Alone (Operator Please song)|Leave It Alone]]"
|align="center"|62
|align="center"|62
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|133
|align="center"|133
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"[[Two for My Seconds]]"
|2008
|2008
|"[[Two for My Seconds]]"
|align="center"|93
|align="center"|93
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"[[Logic (song)|Logic]]"
|rowspan="4"|2010
|rowspan="4"|2010
|"[[Logic (song)|Logic]]"
|align="center"|47
|align="center"|47
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|rowspan="5"|''[[Gloves (album)|Gloves]]''
|rowspan="5"|''[[Gloves (album)|Gloves]]''
|-
|-
|"[[Back and Forth (Operator Please song)|Back and Forth]]"
!scope="row"|"[[Back and Forth (Operator Please song)|Back and Forth]]"
|align="center"|84
|align="center"|84
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
|"Like Magic"
!scope="row"|"Like Magic"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
|"Volcanic"
!scope="row"|"Volcanic"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|-
!scope="row"|"Catapult"
|2011
|2011
|"Catapult"
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|align="center"|—
|-
|}
|}

Operator Please's first single "Just a Song About Ping Pong" reached its peak of No.&nbsp;12 on the [[ARIA Charts|ARIA Singles Chart]]<ref name="charts"/> and reached No.&nbsp;10 on the [[UK Indie Chart]].<ref name="indie charts">{{cite web|title = Uk Indie Singles Charts|publisher = Official Charts Company|url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles.shtml|accessdate = 27 August 2007}}</ref> The following single "[[Get What You Want]]" debuted at No.&nbsp;40 on 5 November and later peaked at No.&nbsp;27.<ref name="charts"/> Their debut album ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]'' peaked at No.&nbsp;9 on the UK Indie Album Chart.

==Departed members==
There are three former official band members: Kieran Richards, Stephanie Joske and Sarah Gardiner. Gardiner, an original member and co-writer on ''Yes Yes Vindictive'', left the band in early 2008 after a two-month break from touring. She can now be found on the Adult Website "Abby Winters" under the alias of Tricia L. <ref name="top forty">{{cite news| url=http://www.take40.com/news/14344/Operator-Please-Keyboardist-Quits| title=top forty news| publisher=top forty.com | accessdate=18 April 2008}}</ref><ref name="nme.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.nme.com/news/operator-please/35989| title=nme.com news| publisher=nme.com| accessdate=18 April 2008}}</ref> Joske also co-wrote many of the tracks from ''Yes Yes Vindicitive'' including "Just a Song About Ping Pong" and "Get Want You Want", though chose to leave the band in 2006 to pursue classical violin. She appears on the early EPs and played with the band up until their signing with EMI.

==Performances==

===Festivals===
[[Image:Operator Please Concert - Brisbane Valley Fiesta 2008.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Operator Please Performing at Valley Fiesta, Brisbane, Australia.]]
*[[Good Vibrations Festival]] (2007)
*[[Big Day Out]] (2007)
*Great Escape Festival
*[[Camden Crawl]] (2007)
*[[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] (2007)
*[[Splendour in the Grass]] (2007)
*[[Homebake]] (2007)
*Coca-Cola Live 'n Local Up Close (2007)
*[[Falls Festival]] (2007)
*[[Big Day Out]] (2008)
*Saint Kilda Festival (2008)
*[[Hurricane Festival]] (2008)
*[[Glastonbury Festival]] (2008)
*Southside Festival (2008)
*Wakestock Festival (2008)
*Roxy Festival (2008)
*Slottsfjell Festival (2008)
*Melt Festival! (2008)
*Grazzhopper Festival (2008)
*Festival Of The Sun (2008)
*Fisher's Ghost Festival (2008)
*Valley Fiesta (2008)<ref name="Valley Fiesta">{{cite news| url=http://www.ozmusicscene.com/operator-please-play-valley-fiesta/| title=Operator Please Play Valley Fiesta| publisher=B5Media| accessdate=29 October 2008}}</ref>
*Dusty Days ([[Wagga Wagga]]) (2009)
*Clipsal 500 (2009)
*Northbeat (2009)
*Future Music Festival (2010)
*MySpace Secret Show (2010)
*[[Splendour in the Grass]] (2010)
*One Movement Festival (2010)
*Stonefest(2010)
*Pyramid Rock Festival (2010)
*Soundscape Festival (2011)
*Big Day Out (2011)

===Television===
*21st Annual [[ARIA Awards]] – 28 October 2007
*''[[The Sideshow]]'' – 3 November 2007
*''[[Rove (TV series)|Rove]]'' – 18 November 2007
*''[[Sunrise (TV program)|Sunrise]]'' – 16 December 2007
*''[[Later... with Jools Holland]]'' – 2 May 2008
*''[[Rove (TV series)|Rove]]'' – 15 June 2008
*''BBC Sound'' – 14 June 2008
*[[Virgin Australia|Virgin Blue]] commercial (featuring "Get What You Want"; 2007)
*''Basement Sessions'' (2007)
*''[[Hey Hey It's Saturday]]'' (2010)
*''Eclipse Music TV'' (2010)
*''[[Rage (TV program)|rage]]'' guest programmer 22–23 May (2010)
*''[[Good News Week]]'' (2010)
*''[[Chuck (TV series)|Chuck]]'' "Chuck Versus the Fear of Death" (season 4, episode 8; featured "Zero, Zero"; 2010)


==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==

===ARIA Awards===
===ARIA Awards===
The [[ARIA Music Awards]] is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of [[Australian music]].
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Year
! Year
Line 271: Line 153:
! Work
! Work
! Result
! Result
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007]]
| rowspan="3"| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007]]
| Breakthrough Artist – Single
| [[ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist – Single|Breakthrough Artist – Single]]
| "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]"
| "[[Just a Song About Ping Pong]]"
| align="center" style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
| align="center" style="background: #ddffdd"| Won
| rowspan="3"| <ref name="ARIA2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2007 |title=ARIA Awards – History: Winners by Year 2007: 21st Annual ARIA Awards |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) |access-date=13 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118143950/http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-year.php?year=2007 |archive-date=18 November 2007 }}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Pop Release
| [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop Release]]
| "Just a Song About Ping Pong"
| "Just a Song About Ping Pong"
| align="center" style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
| [[ARIA Award for Best Pop Release|Best Pop Release]]
| [[Magoo (Australian producer)|Magoo]] for "Just a Song About Ping Pong"
| align="center" style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
| align="center" style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2008|2008]]
| rowspan="2"| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2008|2008]]
| Breakthrough Artist – Album
| [[ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist – Album|Breakthrough Artist – Album]]
| ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''
| ''[[Yes Yes Vindictive]]''
| align="center" style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
| align="center" style="background: #ffdddd"| Nominated
| rowspan="2"|<ref name="ARIA2008">{{cite web| url = http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2008| title = Winners by Year: 2008| publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)| access-date = 5 June 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090813152819/http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-year.php?year=2008| archive-date = 13 August 2009| url-status = dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Pop Release
| Best Pop Release
Line 292: Line 181:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Operator Please}}
{{Commons category|Operator Please}}
*{{Official website|http://www.operatorpleaseband.com}}

*{{twitter|Operator_please}}
*{{YouTube|user = ividdythou|Operator Please (old account)}}
*{{YouTube|user = OperatorPleaseAus|Operator Please (current account)}}
* [http://www.supersweet.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=491&Itemid=27 Interview with SUPERSWEET], October 2007
* [http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/11821/Operator-Pleases-Big-Day-Out.htm Interview with FasterLouder], January 2008
* [http://www.digital-photo.com.au/v/video_hits_-_youth_week/operator_please Collection of photographs of Operator Please in concert]

{{Operator Please}}
{{Operator Please}}
{{ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist}}
{{ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Queensland musical groups]]
[[Category:Queensland musical groups]]
[[Category:Australian indie rock groups]]
[[Category:Australian indie rock groups]]
[[Category:ARIA Award winners]]
[[Category:ARIA Award winners]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2005]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2011]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Australian indie pop groups]]
[[Category:Australian indie pop groups]]
[[Category:Australian New Wave musical groups]]
[[Category:Australian new wave musical groups]]
[[Category:Musicians from the Gold Coast, Queensland]]
[[Category:Female-fronted musical groups]]

Latest revision as of 21:26, 6 August 2024

Operator Please
Operator Please in 2008. L–R: Henderson, McConnell, Wilkinson, Commandeur, Gardiner
Operator Please in 2008. L–R: Henderson, McConnell, Wilkinson, Commandeur, Gardiner
Background information
OriginGold Coast, Queensland, Australia
GenresIndie rock, indie pop, pop rock, new wave, dance-punk, teen pop
Years active2005–2011
LabelsVirgin
EMI Music Australia
Past membersAmandah Wilkinson
Taylor Henderson
Tim Commandeur
Chris Holland
Ashley McConnell
Sarah Gardiner
Stephanie Joske
Kieran Richards
Blake Ross

Operator Please were an Australian pop band, originating in the Gold Coast, Queensland, in 2005. Their final line-up consisted of vocalist and guitarist Amandah Wilkinson, drummer Tim Commandeur, keyboardist Chris Holland, bassist Ashley McConnell and violinist Taylor Henderson. They are best known for their 2007 single "Just a Song About Ping Pong", which won an ARIA Music Award at the 2007 ceremony.[1]

History

[edit]

2005–2011

[edit]

Operator Please formed in early 2005 by lead singer and guitarist Amandah Wilkinson and students of Elanora State High School in an attempt to compete in the high school's annual "Battle of the Bands" competition, which they went on to win.[2]

After winning the contest, the five members, aged 17 to 19, recorded and self-released the EP On the Prowl in 2006, limited to 300 handmade copies. The EP included an early version of the song "Just a Song About Ping Pong". The band released a second EP, Cement Cement, in 2006, which generated interest both locally and internationally from a combination of word of mouth and exposure on the Australian youth radio network Triple J, and the band were signed to Virgin Records.[3] The band opened for Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs on their 2007 Australian tours.[4]

In July 2007, the band released a re-recorded version of "Just a Song About Ping Pong" as their debut single. The song peaked at number 12 on the ARIA Charts and at the ARIA Music Awards of 2007; the song won the ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist – Single.[5] Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton labelled Operator Please as "our favourite new band" and "the next big thing".[6][7]

In October 2007, the band released "Get What You Want", which peaked at number 27 on the ARIA Charts.[8] This was followed by the band's debut studio album, Yes Yes Vindictive, in November 2007, which peaked at number 28 on the ARIA album chart.[8]

In 2008, the band toured throughout Europe and Asia[9] and released Yes Yes Vindictive in the UK on 17 March 2008.

Operator Please spent 2009 composing their second album. On 8 February 2010, the band released the album's lead single, "Logic". The band's second album, Gloves, was released on 23 April 2010 in Australia and 31 May 2010 in the rest of the world. The album peaked at number 20 on the ARIA album chart.[8]

In June 2010, the band completed their first headlining tour since late 2008; they were supported by Perth band Tim & Jean and Sydney band Chaingang. Shortly afterwards, they would play a variety of festivals, including Splendour in the Grass and Canberra festival Stonefest. They also played the Australian leg of the 2011 Big Day Out festival. March and April 2011 saw the band tour Australia, this time as the main support for Sydney musician Sparkadia. "Catapult" was released in January 2011 as the fifth and final single from Gloves.

2012–present

[edit]

Although the band have not officially split,[10] they have been inactive since 2011, and the band members are currently part of other projects. Wilkinson has adopted the moniker Bossy Love, collaborated with John Baillie Jnr of Dananananaykroyd, and released her debut EP Me + You in October 2013;[11] Holland and Commandeur formed the duo Colour Coding and released their debut EP Proof in March 2012, later announcing a hiatus for that project in November 2013.[12]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[8] 		UK
[13]
Yes Yes Vindictive
  • Released: November 2007
  • Label: Virgin (5137072)
  • Format: CD
 28 157
Gloves
  • Released: 23 April 2010
  • Label: Virgin, EMI Music (50999 6290472 8)
  • Format: CD, DD
 20 —

Extended plays

[edit]
List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
On the Prowl
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Operator Please
  • Format: CD
Cement Cement
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Scorpio Management, Virgin (3864422)
  • Format: CD, DD

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[8] 		UK
[13]
"Just a Song About Ping Pong" 2007 12 — Yes Yes Vindictive
"Get What You Want" 27 121
"Leave It Alone" 62 133
"Two for My Seconds" 2008 93 —
"Logic" 2010 47 — Gloves
"Back and Forth" 84 —
"Like Magic" — —
"Volcanic" — —
"Catapult" 2011 — —

Awards and nominations

[edit]

ARIA Awards

[edit]

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.

Year Award Work Result Ref.
2007 Breakthrough Artist – Single "Just a Song About Ping Pong" Won [14]
Best Pop Release "Just a Song About Ping Pong" Nominated
Best Pop Release Magoo for "Just a Song About Ping Pong" Nominated
2008 Breakthrough Artist – Album Yes Yes Vindictive Nominated [15]
Best Pop Release Yes Yes Vindictive Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Braithwaite, Alyssa (8 October 2007). "Ping Pong proves a winner for indie band Operator Please". News Limited. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  2. ^ "Operator Please". Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 November 2007.
  3. ^ Mathewson, Catriona (2 August 2007). "Give us more Operator Please". The Courier Mail. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
  4. ^ "Kaiser Chiefs / Wolf And Cub / Operator Please". Rave Magazine. Retrieved 22 July 2007.
  5. ^ "ARIA Nominees Announced". SameSame.com.au. Retrieved 21 September 2007.
  6. ^ "Listen To This: Our New Obsession". Perez Hilton. 15 July 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
  7. ^ "Listen To This: The New Wave!". Perez Hilton. 5 July 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
  8. ^ a b c d e Australian chart peaks:
    • All top 50 peaks: "Discography Operator Please". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
    • Top 100 (ARIA) peaks to December 2010: Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 209.
  9. ^ "All Shows for Operator Please". MySpace. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
  10. ^ "Has Operator Please Called It Quits? No!". Home & Hosed - New Australian Music blog. ABC. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Bossy Love Announces Debut Ep 'Me + You' Out October 21st 2013". Contactmusic. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  12. ^ "Colour Coding - It is a little sad to announce, but we..." Colour Coding on Facebook. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  13. ^ a b "Chart Log UK 1994–2010: The O – Ozric Tentacles". zobbel.de. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  14. ^ "ARIA Awards – History: Winners by Year 2007: 21st Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 18 November 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  15. ^ "Winners by Year: 2008". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 13 August 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
[edit]
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