Butterflies On Strings
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Butterflies On Strings

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE

London, England, United Kingdom | INDIE
Band Alternative Pop

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"PRS for Music New Music"

In December, London based Butterflies On Strings took shelter in a remote studio in the outskirts of Devon with their producer of choice Peter Miles (The King Blues, Martin Grech). The result of which is their stunning debut single What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?, brimming with catchy hooks, exquisite harmonies and a hopeful energy that takes influence from both sides of the Atlantic. The classic tunesmithery of the best of Britpop meets the refinement of American indie to create something that is both fun and beautiful. From the opening punch line of ‘I don’t know how to progress’ via the soaring chorus right through to the final refrain, Butterflies On Strings have reaffirmed their ability to craft simple graceful melodies with bite. Shrouded in bittersweet lyricism, the reflective verse slinks whilst the chorus pulsates in a fiendish cocktail of adrenaline and hooks-a-plenty.

Butterflies On Strings are part of a growing movement embracing a do-it-yourself ethos which for decades has been synonymous with the punk scene. The Kaleidoscope Label is the brainchild of Butterflies On Strings which came about in a bid to preserve all that they have revered from the DIY sensibilities of the punk scene by applying it cross-genre, as the likes of Saddle Creek and Sub Pop Records have done for years in the United States. What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again? is the label’s first release and will be available through the Rough Trade and Banquet Records stores, as well as a digital download from iTunes.

Butterflies On Strings prove that art and pop do not have to be mutually exclusive terms. Butterflies On Strings deliberately dance the line between being a viable pop commodity and a serious indie band that pride themselves on their integrity.

‘What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?’ was released on the 1 April 2011 through The Kaleidoscope Label. - PRS for Music Members Magazine


"LS Radio - University of Liverpool"

First of all, I love the originality in the song title and band name. And then the song kicks in and... YES!... The creativity is still wholly apparent! What did John Stuart Mill Say Again? is a brilliantly stylish song mixing whimsical ways with excellent song craft - Pop Folk at its best. I'm not so sure their band name really fits their sound; I was expecting some sort of Muse esque post modern classical. I think I've just made a new term up to go with all the rest of the buzz words in this review -Butterflies on Strings create ‘Music al dente'. - LS Radio


"Butterflies On Strings Single Review"


[EP] BUTTERFLIES ON STRINGS don’t know WHAT they DID to make JOHN STUART MILLS SAY that thing AGAIN?
i don’t know how to progress, it’s just a lack of confidence

? Butterflies on Strings – What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?

There is something about Butterflies On Strings that seems transplanted straight from the mid-Nineties. That friendly alt-pop bounce and easy-breezy sing along vibe instantly brings me back to the early days of my love affair with music. “What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?” is crisp guitar work, big hooks, and both “oooh”s and “aaahs,” making it an instant pleasure to my ears. “What Did” is the London band’s debut single and is released April 1st as a sort of mini-EP with 2 b-sides. “The Suitcase Kid” is more ramshackle rock fun while “The Funniest Joke” is a tenderer affair, slowly picking up steam as is takes off into full churning breakdown. It’s all a bit of fresh air in this time of fuzzed out this or synthesized that. Nice. - The Burning Ear


"Soup of the Day: Butterflies On Strings"

Do you like beautiful voices? Do you enjoy perfectly crafted, evocative songwriting? Yeah? Well find a place for Butterflies On Strings on your iPod/iPhone/iPad/iSomething. Formed in 2008 by Allan Harrod and Patrick Baker, the band have gone from bedroom pop duo, comprised of Harrod and Baker, to a fully fledged live band. Butterflies On Strings present an infectious brand of indie pop, one that is introspective, yet accessible. Sounds similar to Bright Eyes? Sort of, but it’s much more than that. Sure, the band aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, with elements of Death Cab For Cutie and Wilco both seeping into their tunes. But what presents Butterflies On Strings as so much more is their captivating live show. The band have a very full sound, made even more accomplished by Harrods excellent vocal delivery. He sings in a poignant, time stopping style, in which all eyes on the room are upon him, yet, in a modest way, as if we are being invited into something special and personal. The band are releasing their first single next month, “What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?” which was produced by Peter Miles (The King Blues). Depending on your co-ordinates/level of cool, you can either catch them at the Bang Bar in Basingstoke on April 3rd or at Cafe 101, Brick Lane, London on April 6th for the single launch party. - Decibel Soup


"BBC Introducing"

Please visit link below for interview - BBC


"Jim Gellatly's New Music"

I love this.”
Jim Gellatly's New Music Scotland - Jim Gellatly's podcast


"Best Of Myspace Review"

“Butterflies on strings meld the summery tunesmithery of The Shins with the college rock sensibilities of your Modest Mouse or Postal Service. Classic breezy pop”.
Gill Mills, Best Of Myspace - Gill Mills


"Danielle Perry Q Radio"

“Butterflies on Strings somehow blend delicate counterpoint with a driving beat which results in something quite beautiful.”
Danielle Perry, Q Radio - Q


Discography

New EP ‘What Did John Stuart Mill Say Again?’ produced by Peter Miles (The King Blues, Martin Grech) will be released on 20th February 2012 on The Kaleidoscope Label. It has been played on BBC London, BBC Introducing in the south and Q Radio.

In April 2011, Butterflies On Strings were invited to record at Red Bull Studios in London, and the results were released as the 'Live From London Bridge' EP.

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Bio

Butterflies On Strings are an indie rock, London based 4-piece. Drawing inspiration from bands like Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, Modest Mouse and Okkervil River, they have managed to create their own unique sound: "hopeful indie-pop with the occasional bit of post-rock thrown in for shameless self indulgence." The EP's lead track is produced by Peter Miles (The King Blues, Martin Grech) and is getting a full general release on The Kaleidoscope Label early 2012.

Butterflies On Strings - named after a friend’s recurring dream - started life as an electronic indie duo, armed with an iPod of backing tracks and some electronic drum arrangements. It wasn't until they found the two missing members, that the band began to redefine their sound and make their mark on the London scene.

Butterflies On Strings recently featured as Gary Crowley’s ‘London Calling’ act for his BBC Radio London show. The band were then featured on Gill Mills’ 'Best of MySpace' show and were invited to play Danielle Perry and Kate Lawler’s Kerrang & Q Radio's 'New Music' night at 93 Feet East. In June 2011 Butterflies On Strings were the featured artist of the month for the PRS For Music. They were then invited to record a live session at the Red Bull Studios in London, which resulted in their “Live From London Bridge” EP.

2011 was a whirlwind year for Butterflies On Strings, but they refuse to rest. 2012 sees the release of this EP before they head into the studio to record new tracks for their follow-up and more.