Initially started as a quirky college project in Limerick a decade ago, the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra has continued to grow legs since its "reformation" a few years ago, and now has fourteen of them in all; with somewhat recent additions bolstering its ranks to seven members.

Following on from the release of their second EP 'Small Contradictions' at the start of this year, BPLO have knuckled down to the serious business of recording their debut album. Speaking ahead of Thursday's show at Dolan's, BPLO's Ann Blake hopes the album "will be ready for public consumption by early 2008."

Taking very much an independent route, Ann admits that the bulk of the work falls to her brother David, who set up the band along with another brother, James. "We're recording it ourselves. David, who writes most of the songs, has been constantly learning new stuff over the last few years. I have to say it's 99% him at the moment. Well, 98% really, cos two other band members have now brought a song each! There is no rule that nobody else is allowed to write songs or anything; it is just that he is very prolific. He turns up at practise with like three new songs the whole time!"

While the task currently at hand is getting the record made, Blake acknowledges that there is plenty more to consider. "At the moment, the job is getting it done, but we do need to start planning what happens with it, and what songs we select for Itunes and all that."

"There is one song that we are all really excited about. I suppose some people might have thought that we were a bit of a quieter band, but over the last year, we have definitely started to play some livelier, more upbeat songs. We feel this one 'Last December' just has a really nice uplifting feel to it."

Part of the business of taking it somewhat more "serious" has seen the band pick up copious amounts of airplay on the likes of Today FM, Lyric and Radio 1. Indeed, their reunion of sorts was sparked by an appearance from Ann and David on Ray Darcy's 'Even Better Than The Real Thing' compilation.

"It means we know have a bit of a foot in the door when we come back around again," says Ann. This summer BPLO featured on The Ryan Tubridy radio programme, when Anton Savage was deputising in his absence. "It was great, and yes, we turned up in our full garb at 8am. We were referred to as the Best Dressed Band on radio!"

Given that Ann herself is a well-know theatre practitioner locally, it should be no real surprise that there is a subtle air of flamboyance to the BPLO. While it is there in the music, she is also keen that it is shown in the snazzy dress-sense that the band has. "I think people like the idea that you get the full package. When you are not world-famous or whatever, you need to give people something to latch onto other than a weird name."

This week, all seven members of the Brad Pitt Light Orchestra will be present and playing, which isn't all the way. "There are lots of weddings and babies to contend with, but we are fairly flexible, and can play as three or four if need be," says Ann. "But seven is the ultimate experience!"

Brad Pitt Light Orchestra play Dolan's this Thursday, December 13.

Doors are at 8pm, and tickets are priced €11 (available from Dolan's at 061-314483 / www.dolans.ie). More info at http://www.myspace.com/bplo.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment