[3] Singer and guitarist Kingsley Chapman claims that they formed because they were "bored of watching bands who sounded f-k all like anything".

The band released their first single, the double A-side "You Are Not Me" / "You Think You're Funny", on 8 October 2007 through local Stockton label Don't Tell Clare Records.

They were chosen by a panel that included DJs Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, and Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody.

[10] The Chapman Family's second single, "Kids", was released on 27 April 2009,[9] and accompanied by a promo video from director Blake Claridge.

"[13] In March 2010, the band played alongside Everything Everything and the Drums as part of the NME Showcase at the annual South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

The newly formed line-up released their first collective record Cruel Britannia through the London independent label Best Before Records on 18 June 2012; the band's variated[clarification needed] sound has been compared to that of the Smiths and received highly rated reviews, with the likes of NME describing it as "angsty, cliché-free brilliance."

In July 2013 following the announcement of their split, the Chapman Family played their final, farewell gig at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton.