Indigo Listen was a electronic band based in Bristol in the 1980s. [1]
Originally (1983) the band had only two members, Ally Patterson-Fox vocals and Neil Bailey guitars and synthesizers. In the duo days the band was simply known as 'Listen' and they performed live with the aid of backing tapes in local venues. In 1984 Steve Thomas was brought in as keyboard player. Thomas was very different to the existing members and considered slightly wild . Thomas's songwriting skills changed the direction of the music towards dance music. The live performances consisted of: Thomas playing synthesizers, drum programming and bass; Bailey on guitar; and Patterson-Fox vocals. By 1985 the band were pulling in large audiences at all the best local venues.
At this point the band decided to use a live drummer - John Furlong. Furlong proved that he could outperform the best digital drum technology and the high energy music remained. The band released their first single 'Whatever' in 1985 which was featured on the Radio 1 John Peel show.
Late 1985 and 1986 the band change the name to Indigo Listen and they started headlining at the major gigs. Unlikely gigs happened (such as support band for King Kurt on the Cocking All Over the World tour) and venues such as Ashton Court Festival and Glastonbury Festival. Johnnie Walker introduced Indigo Listen live on stage at The Thekla in July 1986 as 'an amazing and original bunch of musicians'. However, at this time band members were to keen to explore other styles and amicably went their own ways.
Thomas wrote and performed a single with DJ Dave Barrett and has played several gigs with a very large synthesizer and computer set-up along with Tad Korbusz who took care of the lighting and visuals. During this time Thomas worked with many other artists, such as Cindy Stratton (ex-Joy Poloi) and contributed to Steve Jolliffe, ex Tangerine Dream, two albums: Zanzi and Temennu. Thomas has released three solo albums including 'More People Have Been to the Moon' and formed Musicave Productions. He has written television and film music and in 1997 formed Musicave Productions.
The other Indigo Listen members have since joined various local bands.