Jackie O'Brien

Bass / Vocals

Curtis Roush

Guitar / Vocals

Mia Carruthers

Keys / Vocals

Juan Alfredo Ríos

Percussion

Zac Catanzaro

Drums

Austin natives The Bright Light Social Hour return with the second single from their forthcoming album Emergency Leisure (August 2, Escondido Sound). “Prefecture” showcases their love of dark synths, Afrobeat rhythms and a potent blend of electro-soul instrumentation in the context of a full indie band environment. Founded by Jackie O’Brien (bass/vocals) and Curtis Roush (guitar/vocals), and joined by Mia Carruthers (keys/vocals), Zac Catanzaro (drums) and Juan Alfredo Ríos (percussion), the band have their sights on a full North American tour, proliferating the retro-future-dance sound of their new album. It’s a track with an astonishing story, centered around newly-found tour photographer Jaycee Grover sacrificing a huge part of her life to travel and tour with the band she loved. Jaycee and her photography are featured in the unconventional Oswaldo Flórez-directed live video.

The band's music is characterized by its unique and innovative nature, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. Their discography includes four studio albums to date, with Space Is Still the Place and Jude I & II receiving high praise from critics. Not only have they composed original soundtracks for popular media outlets such as HBO, MTV, and Nintendo, but they were also commissioned by Bryan Cranston to write and record the award-winning theme for Amazon's "Sneaky Pete." Their live performances are renowned for their explosive energy and have been featured at high-profile festivals such as Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, as well as opening for notable acts like Aerosmith, Osees, and The Flaming Lips. Their innovative sound has garnered critical acclaim from esteemed publications such as CLASH, NPR, The Wild Honey Pie, Earmilk, and many others.

"'Prefecture' is the story of Jaycee, a fan who left her life in Utah—along with her marriage and the Mormon church—to join us on tour as a photographer, eventually becoming a dear friend and creating the art for the upcoming album. The first half reclaims autonomy from an oppressive religion or lover. The instrumental second half embodies the ecstatic lightness of newfound freedom, of finding God on the dance floor." –Jackie O'Brien

Previous single “Not New” showcases a band reaching peak song-writing prowess, a tight yet bewildering journey with groove-rich drums, psychedelic synths and a dirty dancefloor payoff that would make Nile Rodgers blush. With further singles, a new album, and much touring on the horizon, 2023 is looking like an incredible year for the Austin-based outfit.

"'Not New' is a late night smoldering in a Québécois alley punctuated by three-part harmony, dusty driving drums, fat Mustang bass, glitter and congas. It’s our first single as a renewed band in advance of our fifth album, a homespun moody after hours soundtrack to strange times called Emergency Leisure." -Curtis Roush