Pale Waves are an English band from Manchester, formed in 2014. It was founded originally as Creek when lead singer and guitarist Heather Baron-Gracie met drummer Ciara Doran while attending university in Manchester. The band was joined by guitarist Hugo Silvani and bassist Charlie Wood, completing the lineup.
Pale Waves have been described as indie pop, rock, synthpop, dream and goth pop. The band have cited artists such as The Blue Nile, Prince, The Cranberries and Cocteau Twins as influences. Baron-Gracie has stated, "I love a lot of '80s artists like Prince and Madonna. "Purple Rain" is one of my favorite songs of all time. But I love The Cure. I love songs that give you melodies that you can sing at any time, but within those melodies, there are things that break your heart".