News

Idiot Glee On Tour

• 15th Aug 2010

22nd year old James Friley – AKA Idiot Glee – was born and raised in Kentucky USA and still resides there. Perhaps this location goes someway to explaining why his multi-layered compositions are steeped in an ambient, idyllic charm so far removed from the hectic, spangled pace of urban life.

Having trained as a classical pianist from age 7 – and with access to a room full of baby grand pianos – a teenage Friley found the designated hours of practice quickly gave way to writing and improvising his own solo piano compositions. Having more of a pop sensibility the songs didn’t fit the repertoire of budding rock band ‘Bedtime’ and hence Idiot Glee began to take shape.

The discovery on cassette of Pet Sounds in a flea market in 2008 – “I listened to it probably 100 times over the span of a year” – was the catalyst for Friley to take the project full time. Influences come and go but currently it’s Fleetwood Mac, Brian Eno, early Roxy Music – whilst his Arthur Russell obsession is on the wane. His contemporaries on the Lexington music scene – Tiny Fights, Matt Duncan, Three Legged Race, The Butchers – provide further inspiration.

All Packed Up – Idiot Glee’s debut single for Moshi Moshi – alternates simple keyboards and looped beats around Friley’s croon-some pop vocal. A choral spectre permeates Don’t Drink The Water, a track that radiates an Arcadian ‘50’s vibe. This is post-chillenial pop to sound track a David Lynch movie.

Idiot Glee will tour the UK with Women from August 30th. Dates as follows:

30.8.10 The Harley with Women – Sheffield, UK
31.8.10 The Globe with Women – Cardiff, UK
1.9.10 Cargo with Women – London, UK
2.9.10 The Deaf Institute with Women and Zola Jesus – Manchester, UK
3.9.10 Brudenell Social Club with Women – Leeds, UK
4.9.10 Captain's Rest with Women – Glasgow, UK
5.9.10 The Cluny with Women- Newcastle, UK
6..9.10 The Hope with Women and Cold Pumas – Brighton, UK
15.9.10 Old Blue Last (Upset the Rhythm) – London, UK