Brightlight City are the only band I have ever come across who sound similar to so many other bands, while having their own sound. I find it just incredible.
The start of 'Reaction' could slot into Fall Out Boys Folie A Deux album. 'The Finish Line', with a few changes could be a You Me At Six single. There's hints of Biffy Clyro and Jimmy Eat The World's sound. I just find this band mesmerizing. Instinctively I knew I just had to talk to them, to discover their influences and who they see themselves like.
Here's what happened when I caught up with Brightlight City, where a shared love for Biffy Clyro and the quest for world domination ensue.
Brightlight City, for the people who don't know, who are you ?
We are Brightlight City, from
the sweet suburbs of Epsom, Surrey.
We consist of Jamie (Vocals),
Justin (Guitar), Jono (Guitar) and Ben (Drums). Our bass player
recently stepped down so we can't announce his replacement just
yet.
People always say not to dive into things, but this has had me perplexed for months. What would you say your music style is ?
We play a mixture of rock, with
a tinge of punk / alternative, and a sprinkling of pop. We like to
keep pur sound British...as...well that's where we're from!
So what musicians do you think are similar to
yourselves ?
There are few bands that we have been compared to...I'm not going to mention them as they are all completely innacurate, ha ha. I'd say we have a mixture of: At The Drive In, Jimmy Eat World, Biffy Clyro and Foo Fighters in our music, but there are a few elements that can't be pinned down.
This year you've played a number of shows but what so far has been the best show you've played ?
We recently played a festival in Quebec, Canada, called Envol et Macadam, alongside Rise Against, in front of 7,000 people, that was pretty epic! We love the whole vibe of the music scene in Quebec, everyone was so friendly and have a genuine love and passion for music.
As a band, you've had a shot at playing festivals and touring, but what is the ulitmate direction for you ? Is it headline slots at the worlds biggest festivals and sell out tours ?
All of the above. We just want our music out there so people can enjoy it, as we do playing it. World domination is also a must.
The release of your new album 'Opportunities Are No Where' is near. In between now and then, is there anything else to look forward to ?
Our single leading up to our new album will be out in the new year. We will also gig lots, we always play at least 4-5 gigs a month, maybe more.
So alot of gigging is ahead. Who would be the best band for you to tour with if you had the choice of absolutely anyone ?
Probably Biffy Clyro, we love everything they do, they are a proper rock band who have developed into an incredible live act and musicians.
Who doesn't love Biffy Clyro ? Their albums are incredible, their genuine people and their Scottish (which is never a bad thing). What would you say to the people who love you, the way you love Biffy Clyro ?
Just thank you so much for your support, the whole reason we do this is because we want to connect with people through our music. We're not a boy band, and don't really care too much for image or fitting in, so the support we get means the world to us.
People may be discovering you for the first time right now. What would you say to those people ?
Hello to all you new people! We hope you enjoy the journey with us! Keep sharing our music with your friends, families and household pets. Unsigned bands need help now more than ever to get out there and to get noticed.
You say unsigned bands need help more than ever, something yourselves have experienced, so what advice would you give to unsigned bands ?
Keep gigging, and writing. Gigging is the key, it shapes you and your music, and it sets you above the rest, you've got to be able to cut it live. Support your local music scene, shout out to our band buddies: Best of Enemies, Bellevue Days and Nations.
Also be patient, we've all been
in bands for years, play music because you love it, not because you
want to make money.
Brightlight City you have been great, thank you for this. To finish off, what is something people might not know about you ?
Ben used to be an undertaker, which is pretty weird. And Jono used to be a ghost hunter in Australia. Jamie has a pre gig ritual of tying his shoe laces twice on each side (on the same pair of converse that he wears every gig), folding his sock over the top, and putting his trouser leg over the whole ensemble, he does it every gig without fail, weirdo.
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As for this year, Brightlight city have a couple dates left of their three month long tour which kicked off at the O2 Academy in September.
Big things are to come for this band, I'm sure of it. To see them become a headliner at Reading and Leeds would be just incredible, and its not impossible.
The bands album 'Opportunities Are No Where' is out in the new year. As for now, you can find their music on (my favourite) Soundcloud and Itunes.