The Bright Light Social Hour

The Bright Light Social Hour
Origin Austin, Texas, United States
Genres Psychedelic rock, neo-psychedelia, blues rock, indietronica, dance-punk, neo soul, future, southern
Years active September 2004–present
Labels Frenchkiss Records, MapleMusic Recordings (Canada)
Associated acts Shreddward & Mirasole
Website thebrightlightsocialhour.com
Members Jack O'Brien
Curtis Roush
Edward Braillif
Joseph Mirasole
Past members Ryan O'Donoghue
Thomas Choate
A.J. Vincent

The Bright Light Social Hour is a psychedelic rock band from Austin, Texas. Born out of a university art-rock collective, the band first gained attention in Austin from their incendiary live performances and innovative vision of rock and roll, melding southern rock, hard-dance, psychedelic blues, and deep-soul. Their self-titled debut album led to heightening critical acclaim, national touring, and a rare sweep of six awards at the SXSW 2011 Austin Music Awards, including Band of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ("Detroit").

Following their album release, The Bright Light Social Hour embarked on a heavy touring rotation, playing over four hundred shows throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including performances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Sasquatch and Hang Out music festivals, and opening for Aerosmith at the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. The Bright Light Social Hour released their second full-length LP, Space Is Still the Place, on March 10, 2015 via Frenchkiss Records (worldwide) and MapleMusic Recordings (Canada).[1][2]

The band currently features Jack O'Brien on bass guitar and vocals, Curtis Roush on guitar and vocals, Edward Braillif on synthesizers and guitar, and Joseph Mirasole on drums.

History

Formation and Early Work (2004-2010)

In September 2004, Southwestern University students Curtis Roush (guitar), Thomas Choate (drums) and Jack O’Brien (vocals/keyboards), along with Ryan “Badcock” O’Donoghue (bass) began playing together as a post-hardcore art rock collective. They were often billed with area hardcore bands such as 25 Dollar Massacre, Thumbscrew and At All Cost and quickly grew a reputation for their visceral live shows. The band took a year hiatus while Roush studied audio engineering and O’Brien studied linguistics and Flamenco guitar in Madrid, during which time Choate moved away to study eco building.<ref name='Southwestern_Newsroom>"Jack’s experiences in Spanish cultural and literary studies roused his passion for creative storytelling.". Retrieved 2013-12-28.</ref>

In October 2006, upon O’Brien’s return, the band brought in Joseph Mirasole, a drummer from a local high school drum line, via Craigslist.[3] During this period the band recorded their first studio EP, Touches. Soon after, the band relocated to Austin where O’Brien and Roush enrolled in Master’s programs at the University of Texas. They parted ways amicably with Badcock, with Jack taking over bass duties and Roush helping with vocals.[4]

In 2008 they released the EP Love Like Montopolis, which showcased a more delicate, downtempo post-rock sound, and brought on local singer-songwriter A.J. Vincent on keys.[5]

The Bright Light Social Hour (2010–2014)

The band continued to grow their reputation with consistent high energy shows in southern states, their sound evolving to include elements of soul, southern rock and psychedelia.<ref name='Austin_Chronicle>"Austin_Chronicle_Biography". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 2011-05-23.</ref> The band released their debut full-length album in late 2010, entitled The Bright Light Social Hour. The album was recorded in Austin during summer 2010 with producer Danny Reisch.

Momentum built for the band, and in March 2011 they swept the 29th Annual Austin Music Awards during SXSW,[6] with an unprecedented 6 awards, including Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year (for their song "Detroit").[7] Subsequently, The Bright Light Social Hour began a relentless touring schedule, playing over 400 shows across the United States, Canada and Mexico.<ref name='Official_Page>"Tour_Dates". Retrieved 2011-05-23.</ref> In July 2012 they opened for Aerosmith in Quebec City, and in 2013 played such festivals as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Hangout Music Festival, Wakarusa Music Festival and Ottawa Bluesfest.[8]

In January 2013, citing growing personal and creative differences, Vincent was replaced by touring keyboardist/guitarist Edward Braillif.<ref name='On_the_Reel>"Here's a Light That Will Never Go Out". Retrieved 2013-03-09.</ref>[9]

On June 25, 2013 Mirasole, Roush and O'Brien were in attendance at Senator Wendy Davis' famous filibuster of Texas Senate Bill 5. Inspired by the ferocity of the crowd gathered in the Capitol, they rushed to their studio and by the morning had released the song "Wendy Davis," with an accompanying video made in part with protest footage taken on the band's phones.[10]

In May 2013 the band announced they'd begun work on their second full-length album, to be performed, produced and engineered by Roush, O'Brien and Mirasole.[11]

Space Is Still the Place (2015–present)

On January 19, 2015, after a severe and protracted battle with bipolar I disorder, Alex O'Brien, the band's long-time manager and Jack's brother, committed suicide. Jack discovered him outside the band's home studio where he resided soon after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He had resigned his position as manager months earlier, but continued to advise the band until his death.[12]

On January 20, the band announced via The Huffington Post[13] that their newest album, "Space Is Still The Place" would be released March 10, 2015 on Frenchkiss Records.

On February 17, 2015, Jay Z's Life+Times premiered the music video for their first single, Infinite Cities, directed by bassist/singer Jack O'Brien.[14]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles


Band members

Former members

See also

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bright Light Social Hour.