Bio

Phoenix Flare is the project of Bristol musicians Chris Bird and James Bragg.  Although Chris and James first met over 20 years ago it was not until 2010 that they started composing and performing together for the first time.
With a refreshing approach of using catchy melodies and hooks the blend of electronica with indie rock joins the musical journeys of Chris and James together.

So what have the band members been doing until now?
Chris performed with a number of bands in the early 80s enjoying success with both Radio one sessions and the use of his music on television notably BBC 1.Chris has also combined a career in law with his love of music. Recent years have seen him fronting function bands and recording and producing fresh talent.

James has a love of synthesisers and pianos and all things technological. He has released several albums of music and has distributed music across the globe. James has pursued his love of keyboard based music coupled with a career in medicine.

Embracing their 80′s heritage Phoenix Flare have been working to update the concept of a pop duo with a fusion of indie rock and pop mixed with sampled beats and loops.

Their live shows have included a mix of eclectic covers combined with the best of their new compositions.

For larger gigs and events Chris and James will be working with additional musicians including a live drummer and bassist as well as other musicians to expand their sonic palette.

Make sure you catch them at one of their next live performances.

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So what do you call a band that cannot be easily described?
You don’t want to saddle them with a label that ties them to a particular style or limits their appeal to a certain musical audience.
The name Phoenix Flare was selected as the name for a new musical adventure by this band to suggest not only the idea of a bird rising from the ashes to start life afresh but also to reference some unknown sightings in sky in a certain part of the USA a few years ago.
The following extract from American newspapers gives clues to these historical events and confirms the band’s love of sci-fi and all things mysterious :-

One man with a Ukulele and a box of stupid stuff playing daft songs to make the world smile. Songs about Ginger Hair, Cups of Tea, Conkers, Ninjas etc all put across with his inimitable Ukulele Hiphop Comedy style.

We're a four-piece rock band that are based in the Midlands. All of our music is self-produced and mixed/mastered by Oliver Cobbin and Adam Thraves.

Influences: Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Oasis, The Last Shadow Puppets, The Smiths, R.E.M.

Members: Oliver Cobbin, Adam Thraves, Patrick Delamere, Jack Kenny

Logo Design: Amber Thomas-Benton

We’ve been writing together since high school. Now we write a lot during February Album Writing Month (FAWM). Influences are Gospel, soul, musicals, old-school rock, and bluegrass. We are members of BMI.
J L Nelson has his own Soundcloud stream as well:

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