A Brilliant Lie is an explosively-energetic alternative rock band from Orlando, FL.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Tara Lightfoot: Vocals / Guitar

Matthew Movens: Guitar / Vocals

Jason Lemrond: Guitar

Nick Scout: Bass

James Christopher Lane: Drums / Vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to (insert band/artist name here)? How long has the band been around?

We were all involved in awesome bands throughout the Florida scene (I Am The Sea, Hydrosonic, Burn After Reading…to name a very small few).  The interesting thing is that working in all of our separate projects eventually led us all to be friends/bandmates.

What A Brilliant Lie is now is about 4-years old.  However, it was a brainchild for a few years prior.  Like most artists, we had some lineup changes and were still trying to find ourselves musically. But hey – that’s to be expected. LOL.  And that path brought us here. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Funnily enough, this is a big talking-point between us and listeners. 

“A Brilliant Lie” has been our name since the inception.  It’s wonderful to hear the ideas on what our band name means to individuals…because it varies from person-to-person.  To be honest, we used to have a big explanation about the meaning.  To us, a lot of our lyrical content is about doubt that eventually leads to hope, and the quest to truly be open and honest with yourself.  We always said, “The most brilliant lies are the ones you tell yourself.”  And that can weigh heavy to MANY people in MANY different ways. 

But…we’ve been approached by many friends and fans whom have given us their own explanations about what “A Brilliant Lie” means to them.  And honestly…that’s really beautiful.  The fact that the name resonates and we can have conversations about it with friends (and even strangers) means more than we can ever explain.     

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Our writing process is a democracy (sometimes to a fault LOL).  We all have diverse backgrounds in music…and we’re all very stubborn.  The process can be difficult…but also extremely enlightening. 

There isn’t a true “formula” to our writing process.  Sometimes, we’ll be fiddling with an idea in the rehearsal room.  Other times, a member might compose an idea and present it to everyone (and then we all rip it apart 47 times and put it together again).  

Regardless, we always try to create songs that are emotive…even before any lyrics are put to them. 

As far as lyrical topics…well…that is something that we would hope people would listen and read lyrics…and eventually attribute their own ideas. Poetry should be fluid and relatable on many levels.  What a song means to us now might mean something completely different in five years. 

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

We each have a pretty diverse list of inspirations, actually.  However, we think that has become a strength in our writing.  We can take bits and pieces from all of our different influences, and apply it to our own songs…which (we think) gives us a unique sound overall.

There are definitely bands we can all agree on, too.  They range from bands like Thrice, Taking Back Sunday, Death Cab For Cutie, Anberlin, Manchester Orchestra, AFI, and more. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I think that’s different for all of us. But I think we all have had that incredible moment when we’ve been in the audience at a concert…and something clicks.  Almost like a light switch in your head.  When you look up at the people on stage and you think to yourself, “That.  I want to do THAT.”

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

LOTS of stretching and yoga.  Chris will warm up on his practice pad…everyone else does guitar exercises…Tara does a pretty hardcore vocal warmup session.  Then…we party. 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Eh…it’s hard to pick just one.  In 2018, we played some major festivals like Rocklahoma and Warped Tour.  We were direct support for Our Lady Peace, Matt & Kim, Fuel, Relient K, The Fratellis, and more. Also, we were thrilled to get endorsed by some really great companies (such as PRS Guitars, Ernie Ball, Seymour Duncan, Strymon, and Intune Guitar Picks).

So yeah! We have a lot of highlights that we’re very proud of.  And we’re looking forward to the rest of the year to see what happens next!

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Thrice would be a big one for most of us.  We all appreciate what they do musically and feel there are some parallels between us and them.  Foo Fighters would be another one, because…well…they’re awesome.  But Dave Grohl seems like he would be an awesome tourmate. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

2+2 = 4

Umm…nope that’s it.