Bright Light Bright Light interview - pop, pride and pure joy come to Brighton

Brighton, get ready. Bright Light Bright Light is coming- and he’s bringing the joy with him.

The Welsh pop powerhouse, also known as Rod Thomas, is set to light up Komedia on Tues 15 April, as part of his UK tour. The show lands hot on the heels of Enjoy More, a special edition of his acclaimed album Enjoy Youth, released which was released last week. Rod is bringing his euphoric, genre- hoping sound to town. Trust us - this is not your average gig.

The iconic Brighton venue has long been on his radar. “When I used to work at a record label back in 2004… Komedia would always pop up,” he recalls. “So, it’s really nice to play at a venue that… I’ve seen as a big part of the touring circuit for so long.”

Rod’s bringing his newest release, Enjoy More, to life on this tour. But this isn’t just a re-release. It’s personal.

“I didn’t feel like the album was over,” Rod says, “I didn’t want to make that pause something depressing, but I did want to make it something very human.” That sentiment pulses through every synth stab and shimmering vocal on Enjoy More, a treasure trove of unreleased tracks, B-sides, and even full French and Welsh versions of the album’s title song.

It’s his openness that makes Rod’s music- and his live shows- hit so hard. The Brighton show promises more than just tracks. It’s a full experience.

“It’s very interactive,’ he confirms. “I’m kind of dramatic and camp and silly and I love going into the audience to sing… it’s really just about doing something uplifting and positive. That’s all I really want to do with my shows.”

He’s also spotlighting local talent at every stop. In Brighton, he’s invited drag performer Ophelia Payne to open. Her fierce performance is one you don’t want to miss.

Beyond the glitter, there’s thought. Every show is designed to feel safe and welcoming

“I was very proud that my fan base made everybody feel really safe in that space,” he says, sharing how a fan once told him it was the “safest she’s ever felt at a live show.”

Creating that atmosphere is intentional. “I really try to make sure every venue is wheelchair accessible… that every venue is queer friendly or queer owned…I support Black- owned businesses and female-owned businesses when I go to town. There’s a lot of thought that goes into the places that I play.”

Musically, Enjoy More features reworked collaborations and long- lost gems. He’s especially excited for fans to hear “Keep,” produced by Richard X. “It wasn’t a focus track… so I’m excited for newer fans to discover that one.”

His influences? A cocktail of 90s dancefloor icons and bold pop brilliance. “Grace Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Elton John, Erasure, Scissor Sisters,” he rattles off. “Basically, anything I thought that made me feel alive… that’s what I was trying to channel on this album- to give myself a bit of energy and hope.”

Rod gave us the inside scoop on how his DJ background shapes the show’s dynamic flow. “Being a DJ… helps you plan a live show because you think about the dynamics of stuff,” he explains. “Throwing in a curveball song… can be a really thrilling moment.”

When asked to sum up Enjoy More in three words, Rod doesn’t hesitate: “Dramatic. Fun. Hopeful.”

And if there’s one thing he wants fans to take away?

“That kindness is really important… for yourself and for others. The whole idea of this album is just to be a good person… and try and make [the world] as pleasant a place for you and the people around you.”

Bright Light Bright Light plays Brighton’s Komedia on Tues 15 April 2025. His new edition of Enjoy Youth, Enjoy More, is available now.

www.brightlightx2.com  

www.komedia.co.uk/shows/bright-light-bright-light

All images by Austin Ruffer

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