Fronted by charismatic singer Becky Newman, The Hot Puppies formed in December 2000. Combining edgy, often frantic melodies with intelligent lyrics referencing icons from the world of film and literature (their name is taken from a sneering Dorothy Parker poem), The Hot Puppies broke through in 2006 to justly become more than just a well-kept secret.

Prior to forming in Aberystwyth (they relocated to Cardiff in January 2005), Ben, Rupert and Luke were in a band called Soulhive Movement, who released a single on the Greenwich label Pearls For Swine. Meanwhile, Beth Gibson was playing cello for orchestras in England and Wales and former Westcountry resident Becky was studying drama at Aberystwyth University and singing in a band called LRF (Low Resolution Fox).