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With rousing choruses, cinematic soundscapes and undeniable spirit, Hartford, Connecticut based rockers Bronze Radio Return, recently dropped their new album Light Me Up. The guys latest project is without a doubt an indie dance party with a rock-pop sensibility, it is pure sonic goodness.
GroundSounds recently caught up with the band to talk about their new album and more, check out the exclusive interview below.
Can you tell us about working on your latest album Light Me Up and bringing it to fruition?
I started working on writing the songs for Light Me Up sometime last year in Hartford. After having some rough demos sketched out, I spent some time in Maine working on lyrics. In October of 2014, we flew to a studio on a pecan farm in a small town outside El Paso, TX. We spent a little under a month there recording songs for the album and returned back to the Northeast in time for Thanksgiving. A couple weeks later we headed to Norman, OK, where our producer has a studio. We spent two more weeks working on the material and mostly finishing up the tunes. Then, we flew back home in time for Christmas and had a couple weeks off. In early 2015 we all met up again in CT for a few more days and made a few tweaks and last minute adds. This was our first time making a record where we had time off and time to reflect on the songs—before, it was all done at one time. It was awesome having the time to immerse ourselves in the music, step back, and then jump back in again.
What inspired the album title Light Me Up?
The album title was inspired by the lead single, “Light Me Up.” We all agreed that the energy and the message was something we could title our record. It’s funny, we get along beautifully in the studio—everyone has a voice and we all do a good job listening to each other. When it comes time to name an album, this is where we run into issues. Fortunately, this time around we all agreed right away.
Can you tell us about the writing and creative process involved with the title track “Light Me Up?”
The song “Light Me Up” was one of the last tunes we recorded for this album. The demo of the song sounded entirely different—more mellow and a version of the chorus was the verse of the song. Our producer, Chad Copelin, got in under the hood and helped us steer it in a more upbeat direction.
You guys have hit up some pretty awesome festivals this year, between Lollapalooza, Firefly and Bonnaroo, which one did you guys enjoy the most and why?
We were really lucky to be a part of some rad festivals last year. It was a new experience for me, as I had never been to a large scale music festival before. It was cool having my first experience at one of these things be as a performer. Every festival was a different experience, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. From a production stand point, it was so impressive to see how these festival organizers put these things together. There are thousands of people who all need food, beer, bathrooms, and entertainment.
What was the inspiration for the track “Only Temporary?”
“Only Temporary” is one of those double meaning songs. I like to use literal scenarios that could also apply to larger concepts. On the surface, this tune talks about a relatable scenario: when you are into someone who is involved with someone else, and probably doesn’t care a bunch about them. “He only calls you when he needs you.” The larger look on this tune would be about being a true fan—something more than only temporary.
You guys will be on a U.S. headlining tour very soon, what are you looking forward to most?
We are on a tour right now (I’m typing these questions in-between load in and sound check). It feels good to be back out on the road! We are looking forward to playing some of these new songs in a live setting. I feel like we’ve been in studio hibernation and now are entering the world again. It feels good : )
What do you guys enjoy most about being on the road?
I love traveling to different cities around the country. Sometimes we don’t get to see much of the places we play in, but when we do I feel really lucky to go out and experience things we don’t have at home. I also love seeing the groups of people we’ve met over the years in different cities.
What musicians/bands are you guys currently listening to?
We have a pretty eclectic mix of music going on in the van right now. It’s not uncommon to hear jazz being played during the late night drives. Personally, I’ve been listening to The Tallest Man on Earth, Mac Demarco, and Ry Cooder a lot lately.
What’s next for Bronze Radio Return, what can fans look forward to?
We will be touring through the rest of the year, mainly in the Midwest and Northeast. Early next year we will start up a more extensive national run, and will hopefully see our first time in Europe as a band. If all goes according to plan, we will end back up on those festival stages next summer too. Fingers crossed!
