I'm Rod Thomas and make music as Bright Light Bright Light.
I live and work from my studio in London, but grew up very near Alun back home in the Welsh valleys.
I make my own music - a type of electronic synth-based pop that draws influence from the late 80s / early 90s - and remix other artists, collaborate and DJ regularly in London.
2010 was an important year for me establishing my music and coming up with the visual identity to accompany Bright Light Bright Light. Because we'd always swapped ideas on a friend basis, I approached Alun about being involved with the project on a creative direction basis, and it seemed to be a perfect fit. We clubbed together as the 90s turned into the 00s, and he's been part of my life in London throughout, so he knows my reference points inside out.
We had our first photo shoot back in 2009 where Alun made a fantastic set to reflect the sound I was creating. At the time the tracks I'd done were 'A New Word To Say' and 'Disco Moment', and the fragmented set he made perfectly mirrored the mood of the songs. We then spent months planning how we thought things should be presented - both me and the world around me - and then worked together (with Tom Levinge) to make the 'Love Part II' video in his studio. We made a small room feel like a different world and had so much smoke it was like being in Laserquest, and ended up making something we were both extremely proud of that fit the song, and cemented a great working relationship. We learn a lot from each other - me about fashion and set design, and him about live music and making music.
This year I'm finishing off the debut album 'Make Me Believe In Hope' as well as doing lots of writing with other people, remixes, festivals and some live shows. I have set up a 90s clubnight with another fellow Neath export David Oh, which we're running in London called 'Another Night' playing club classics and some rarer treats from 1990-1999 .
Together, Alun and I are working on more video ideas, further exploring the visual side of the project, and continuing to have a total blast while working hard, which is the best way I can think to spend 2011!
Bright Light Bright Light live at Koko London
There are free downloads of my work and remixes at www.brightlightx2.com
A DJ mixtape is up at http://dj-set-november-2010
and 'Another Night' has a home at http://anothernightclub.blogspot.com
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