In 2006, Semi Precious Weapons (SPW) was formed by Berklee College of Music graduates Tranter, Whittle, Crean and Tasjan. In 2007 erstwhile manager BP Fallon brought in Tony Visconti to produce their first album, We Love You. Funded by Tranter's jewelry sales, they originally released the album as a free download.
In March 2008 the band signed a worldwide recording agreement with Razor & Tie. The band's album We Love You was re-released under this label on September 30, 2008. Semi Precious Weapons signed to Interscope Records in November, 2009. Since November 27, they have been the special guests for Lady Gaga's The Monster Ball. At the same time they began recording a new album titled You Love You, which released on June 29, 2010.
In January 2008 they caused a stir in the United Kingdom after Kate Moss attended their concert at London's Death Disco club and danced with 'six foot bisexual' singer Justin Tranter. Vogue described the band as "unashamedly crass and deliciously animated". On March 18, 2010, the band's eponymous song "Semi Precious Weapons" achieved their first number one - on New Zealand radio station The Edge.
Justin Tranter has a jewelry line called "Fetty" that sells at Barneys New York. The designs include weapons, hearts, and diamond braille. Justin Tranter was a coach on the MTV show MADE, where he helped a shy sixteen-year-old become a bassist in her own band. Their track "Magnetic Baby" is featured as a downloadable track in Rock Band 2. The band had a cameo in the video for Lady Gaga's "Telephone" and served as her opening act on her 2009-2011 tour The Monster Ball Tour.
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