A conversation with Rod Thomas of Bright Light Bright Light

By John Hill

If you were to ask Americans about a musician named Rod Thomas, many would confuse the name with Rob Thomas, lead singer for Matchbox Twenty. 

However, those in the know will instantly recognize Rod Thomas as the man behind UK pop act Bright Light Bright Light. As Rod describes it, the music is “melodramatic 90s tinged pop,” but the sound is fresh and current while still paying homage to the music that inspired it.

 In advance of playing multiple shows in New York this week, Rod agreed to talk about his new single “Feel It,” his Scissor Sisters connection, going on holiday in St. Tropez, and maintaining a fan base in the US. 

John Hill: Your current single "Feel It" has a fun video that was partially shot on the streets of New York. Was that during one of your trips to play shows in NYC?

Rod Thomas: I shot it in NYC in July when I was over yes. It was a blast. It was one of the nicest teams I've worked with.

JH: Early on in the video, (Scissor Sisters member) Del Marquis shows up for a cameo. While a lot of Americans may not know you, a lot more of them know Scissor Sisters. How did the collaborations with Del begin?

RT: We met in NYC back in 2009 when I was over for a few shows and meetings. He'd released some solo material that I really liked, so I emailed him and asked if he was around for a drink while I was in town, and he was. We saw Depeche Mode together and talked about music, what we were working on, and just clicked. I sent him the demo of “Cry at Films” and he liked it so he added vocals and guitar, and so started a great collaboration and friendship!

JH: And then on top of that, you've just been added as an opening act to the Scissor Sisters' UK tour. That has to be a huge bonus for your visibility in the UK.

RT: It's amazing. I mean, it's easy to forget that they have sold MILLIONS of records!! They've been one of my favourite bands since I used to play 'Laura' on its first release on my student radio show. I literally couldn't be more excited. And yes it's a huge bonus - the venues are great and I'm sure the crowds will be super fun and up for a dance.

JH: Aside from Del’s cameo, the revelation in the video is that the diva voice on "Feel It" actually comes from a man. Where did the inspiration for putting Mykal Kilgore on the record come from?

RT: Del sent me a song a few months back that had Mykal singing on it, literally a week after I'd recorded 'Feel It' and when I heard him sing I just thought "he HAS to sing on this track" - so I wrote the answering lines and asked Del if he would put us in touch and Mykal did the most AMAZING job singing those vocals. Del recorded them in his studio, so I was really happy we managed to get all three of us in the video.

JH: How is it trying to cultivate a US fan base when your visibility here is limited?

RT: It's hard. When you come from the UK you really have no idea how vast America is, but I think even at this point I've tapped into a really great kind of fan base. The NYC shows have been really, really important to me - I love that people from the other side of the world have even heard of me, let alone want to come watch, and I've met some great people. I can't wait until I get chance to tour the US properly. It's difficult to properly focus on starting the fan base in the US with so many work commitments over here, but things like Twitter and Facebook have been a really good and fun way to reach out.

JH: It seems you stumbled on an inadvertent way to get visibility in the US this summer when you were on holiday in St. Tropez with Elton John and what seemed like an entourage of hot men. How does something like that even come about?

RT: Haha. Nicely phrased! I've been friends with him quite a long time now. I used to be managed by his management company, and we kept in touch over the years. He's been very supportive of my album, so we've been talking a lot this year. I was in France, he was in France, so we went for lunch. Basically, two friends were in the same country and we met up. It just sounds insane to say that when one of your friends is one of the most iconic musicians in the world!! I'm amazed that someone as busy and as established as he is has time to constantly listen to new music, but he does. I guess it's a great way to make interesting new friends!

JH: I remember you saying a year or so back that you were working with different people to eventually have a video for every track on (BLBL’s full-length album) Make Me Believe in Hope. Is that still a thing?

RT: Yes it's still a thing. It takes time, but it's very close.

JH: What's the plan once the Scissor Sisters tour is over with and "Feel It" runs its course?

RT: There's plenty more to come don't worry.

JH: Last question...will there be a full-fledged US tour?

RT: Yes, it's just a case of when. And it can't really come soon enough!

Bright Light Bright Light is making three appearances in New York this week: October 9th at Westgay (a dance pop set); October 10th playing a solo piano set at Mercury Lounge and premiering a brand new song; and October 11th DJing at Nowhere Bar. The official release of “Feel It” is on October 29^th, but his full-length Make Me Believe in Hope is out and available now. For all things Bright Light Bright Light, check out the website at www.brightlightx2.com.