Len Whatever Happened to the Band Behind Steal My Sunshine

Len: Whatever happened to the one hit wonder group behind 'Steal My Sunshine'

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I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.

If you remember the summer of 1999, then you might remember the pop hit Steal My Sunshine. By the group Len. Hailed the song of the summer back then, it was pretty much inescapable, but whatever happened to the group Len? That’s what were going to explore in today’s video.

Len would be The brainchild of brother and sister Sharon and Marc Costanzo the pair grew up together in Montreal before the family moved to Toronto in the late 80’s.Influenced by punk rock and hip hop, Marc started a punk rock group in 1991. His sister Sharon would join the band a year later, but Marc’s own admission his band’s musical talent was limited and usually resulted in the group’s members smashing their instruments on stage since it seemed to attract more people.

Soon enough Marc grew tired of playing in a failing band. It was during this time he bought equipment to create his own home studio and started recording other bands. He would soon meet some other musiciansincluding DJ Moves and D-Rock who would become future members of Len. It was these chance meetings that led Marc to start creating his own beats. Soon enough Len would be born and the group would release 2 rock and pop oriented albums in 1995 and 1997 on their own indie label Funtrip along with a lone EP. According to Billboard, each independent LP sold around 10-15,000 copies.

In 1995 and 1997 Len would release their first two albums, on their own indie label Funtrip along with a lone EP. According to billboard each independent LP sold about 10-15,000 copies.Marc Costanzo who would also go by the name burger pimp would draw on influences including the beastie boys, ll cool j and the fat boys. He would remark on the music scene in the late 90’s saying to the LA Times “The reason why we listen to a lot of old-school is that new-school hip-hop--besides underground [stuff]--is so lost,

Len’s lineup would consist of the brother sister pairing along with a revolving cast of studio and touring musicians. The band would sign a deal with Sony subsidiary Work. Their time in that punk rock band i previously discussed would come in handy as the band subscribed to the punk rock ethos of DIY. Even after signing with a label they had it written in their agreement that they direct their own videos in addition to taking care of the art for their albums.The band would also launch a feature on their website in 1999 called Len TV that would allow fans to see old home movies of the group.

Titled “You can’t Stop the Bum Rush”, the album’s name would influenced by the 1987 public enemy albu, of a similar name.. The group’s major label debut would be recorded in Marc’s home studio and contain their hit single Steal My Sunshine. The song was actually a sleeper hit and it would first gain traction months before their album came out when it was included in the teen film Go. The soundtrack contained tracks from No Doubt, Natalie Imbruglia and Fatboy Slim. Out of all the songs on the soundtrack, radio seemed to gravitate towards Steal My Sunshine. LA radio station KROQ would add the song to it’s playlist dubbing it and i quote “the song of the summer.” Soon enough other radio stations started playing the track. The song would peak at number 3 in the US on the pop charts and number 9 in canada and become a top ten hit in several other countries. The success of the single helped the group’s album sell 2 million copies. Len would also achieve a rare feat being selected by both vh1 and mtv as the young new act to follow.
The label who was astonished at the song’s success moved up the release of their album and a video was shot for the single. But the success of the song took both Marc and Sharon Costanzo by surprise
Marc would explain the origin of the song telling the Guardian newspaper
"We were at this huge three-day rave and I ended up partying, partying, partying. We went back to my house and Brendan Canning from Broken Social Scene was DJing and played More, More, More by Andrea True Connection. I ended up sampling it that morning and looped it, it sounded great. Somewhere in the next couple of days I recorded it, I know Deryck Whibley from Sum 41 was there in the room when I put down the lyrics. It's just a song about what happened that night of the party."
Meanwhile Sharon would tell the washington

[rometimed]

Basically this was the song that ended the 90s. Chill, cool and slightly odd but real.

[brianuke]

Their hit song is still so catchy to this day

[rickdarris]

They made some coin, had a blast and didn't take themselves seriously. Pretty cool.

[OmahaGTP]

I remember watching them on VH1’s One Hit Wonders and they were super chill about it. Something like “if you ever have a chance to become a one bit wonder you should totally take it” with big smiles

[fowmoufpunk]

Used to DJ a disco themed night at a dive bar. Occasionally I'd play "More, More, More" and loop the break. I'd let it play until someone started singing "Steal My Sunshine", which happened each and every time without any prompt from me. Good times, great song.

[chancevonfreund]

His sister is such a doll! So cute and I loved this song! Many memories.🎹🎶

[edgarp]

I love steal my sunshine song. I summarizes late 90’s summer vibes so well.. dont care if it never makes most peoples radar. This song is awesome!

[biekgiek]

"Steal my Sunshine" has always been one of my "hidden pleasures". Thanks!

[wallypizza]

Awwww. Sharron's voice is the 90's. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Sharron, I love you!

[user]

“Steal my Sunshine” was such a fun, Summer song. I remember it like it was yesterday.

[mayhampol]

This video literally made me miss a million miles of fun.

[zciliyafilms]

That was a refreshingly positive rock story.

[Daehawk]

Glad they're happy and that they love their song. I hear it and am taken back to the 1990s when I was in my 20s and my wife was alive and the world was new to us.

[vincenzopinto]

This song, and Butterfly Sugar ALWAYS remind me of late 90s summers. I wish I could go back

[QueLoKevin]

Steal My Sunshine is my all time favorite summer song. It has the perfect vibe

[just_Janet]

This song was my epic summer song! OMG I miss music like this!!! COME BACK!!!

[pdzombie]

Steal my sunshine is one of my favorite 90s one hit singles, I always wanted to know more about the band... Thanx!!!!

[SteveMHN]

I liked Steal My Sunshine, it's a fun song that puts a smile on your face. I remember their album and I thought it was pretty good, though I don't remember any of their other songs.

[Errcyco]

Steal my sunshine was a great song. I miss 1999

[vwharman]

Honestly, I didn’t hate these guys. I had the album, and it had so many different styles being tried out. As a kid at the time, it was a fun record, it introduced me to Biz Markie, had some hip hop influence, some punk influence, and as a 14 year old in a small town, was one of the first records that made me go chasing the artists they referenced.