Agent Sumo

Consisting of Edinburgh native Martin Cole and the Leeds-born Steven Halliday, the electronica duo Agent Sumo took its name from two words put together from suggestions by friends. Although the two lived in Leeds at the same time for a period and frequented the same clubs, it wasn't until 1998 when the pair were living in London that they were introduced by a mutual friend. Together they produced a mix of the Seahorses' song "Love Is the Love," getting a copy to the band's John Squire (who was apparently non-plussed). An early independent release, 1999's "Sunflowers," made a name for them among the club community and Agent Sumo was signed to Virgin. Their first single for the label was "24 Hours," which found favor among fans of the genre and preceded the full-length album Do It Yourself (We Did), which was released in 2002. ~ Tom Demalon, Rovi