Lightning Bugs
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Lightning Bugs

Royal Oak, Michigan, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF

Royal Oak, Michigan, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2010
Band Alternative Rock

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Music

Press


"Limbo-Inspired Music Video From I Love Lightning Bugs: "Not The Hopeless Kind""

I Love Lightning Bugs are obviously huge fans of indie platformer Limbo, and have created an inspiring video based on the game for their song "Not the Hopeless Kind." Not only is it based on Limbo, but it has tons of cryptozoological imagery. I dig it, daddy-o. You can buy the album here. - G4TV


"Limbo-Inspired Music Video From I Love Lightning Bugs: "Not The Hopeless Kind""

I Love Lightning Bugs are obviously huge fans of indie platformer Limbo, and have created an inspiring video based on the game for their song "Not the Hopeless Kind." Not only is it based on Limbo, but it has tons of cryptozoological imagery. I dig it, daddy-o. You can buy the album here. - G4TV


"Local Geeks Make for One Great, Creative Rock Band"

Detroit area rock band I Love Lightning Bugs is returning to the stage today after a two month break from playing shows. The self-described indie rock and space pop group will be playing the 11th Annual Berkley Art Bash today from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

We last talked to the group leading up to their performance at last year’s Arts, Beats, and Eats festival. Since then, members Reid Adon, Rob Shelby, and Angie Kaiser have made for one busy band, not only releasing their debut LP but also a fantastic self-produced music video and a bonus edition LP complete with an original comic book.

The band is currently preparing a follow-up EP to be released soon.

The band’s connection to comic books runs deep and the extension of their music to the comic book world is a natural one, says Shelby. The band rented a booth at this year’s Motor City Comic Con and plans to do the same at the Toronto Comic Con and the Detroit Fan Fair.

“We are geeks. 100% through and through,” said Shelby. “I think we find it much easier to relate to those who have their nose in comic books and video games.”

The comic book is packaged along with their debut LP as a bonus edition. Adon wrote the story and dialog for the comic and the band recruited friend Mindy McPeak to illustrate the book.

“Creating this first comic felt so natural that I don’t see it ever stopping,” said Shelby. “We are now releasing at least one comic per album or EP we release.”

The recently released video for the song “Hopeless Kind” is itself comic book influenced. It was also produced by bandmate Reid Adon.

“Reid became sort of a mad professor obsessed with the video,” said Shelby. “We were worried. He had crazy eyes.”

It really is a great music video, creative and fantastically produced. And despite the apparent disconnect between the lyrical matter and the video’s theme, it works.

“The song, of course, is about love but who wants to see a romantic video? Maybe chicks–I don’t know–but we are sci-fi geeks and that would be boring to us.”

This article brought to you by the good folks at Urbane Apartments Royal Oak Michigan, Urbane Apartments Ferndale Michigan,and Urbane Apartments Birmingham Michigan - The Urbane Life


"Sunday, December 2, 2012 I Love Lightning Bugs "Kensington”"

(Fake Latin) Sounds like a working U2 cover band deciding to change course and do an original rock opera instead. In other words…awesome!
Posted by Roctober Magazine Reviews: at 12:36 AM - Rocktober Reviews


"Sunday, December 2, 2012 I Love Lightning Bugs "Kensington”"

(Fake Latin) Sounds like a working U2 cover band deciding to change course and do an original rock opera instead. In other words…awesome!
Posted by Roctober Magazine Reviews: at 12:36 AM - Rocktober Reviews


"Day 246: I Love Lightning Bugs"

I Love Lightning Bugs is a Michigan based indie-rock trio bringing a new wave of energy and excitement to the Detroit music scene. Having formed only two years ago, the band has already made quite an impression on both audiences and critics.
I Love Lightning Bugs

Photo courtesy of I Love Lightning Bugs

After playing shows throughout much of their infancy, I Love Lightning Bugs (or ILLB, as they’re lovingly referred to by their fan base) began to gain a strong following, playing gigs in Ferndale, Berkley and much of the metro-Detroit area. For months this past year, I Love Lightning Bugs worked hard to put out a great first album for these devoted supporters. And they did not disappoint; the band’s self produced debut LP, Kensington (which they recorded in bassist Rob Shelby’s basement), was released in late 2011 to rave reviews.

The praise of their introductory album is not the first of the acclaim that I Love Lightning Bugs has received, however. After a stellar performance at the Metro Times Blowout in Hamtramck, I Love Lightning Bugs was named the CW50’s 2011 Blowout Band early in the year. Because of this honor, coupled with the band’s uniquely energetic and uplifting 90s rock sound, I Love Lightning Bugs was invited to play at such events as the Detroit River Days Festival, Ferndale’s DIY Music Fest, and Arts, Beats and Eats in Royal Oak.

The sound that has attracted such invitations is one that has been carefully honed since the band’s inception two years ago. Guitarist and lead vocalist Reid Mclellan has been compared to the likes of Bono and Frank Black, bringing an inspiring vocal charm to each of the melodies that he and bassist Rob Shelby have created. Shelby’s bass lines bring a powerful intricacy while Angie Kaiser on drums rounds out the band’s sound with driving energy and fullness.
I Love Lightning Bugs

Photo courtesy of I Love Lightning Bugs

Though I Love Lightning Bugs may produce intricate melodies and rhythms, the band still has a wonderful simplicity. Many of the band’s songs, which have a wonderful 90s throwback feel, still bringing fresh and unique sound and are great sing along tracks.

I Love Lightning Bugs, as intelligent musicians, also have an eye on the future. Rob Shelby says, “In the near future we are releasing our first I Love Lightning Bugs comic book and music video. We also will have an EP or two out in 2012.” And having played shows as far as Brooklyn, New York, the fan base that these future endeavors will reach is limitless.

So check out the band’s website, where you can read reviews, listen to and purchase their debut album, Kensington, and even watch the music video for “Stars”. And be sure to like I Love Lightning Bugs on Facebook! ~Hayley Serr, Feature Writer - Awesome Mitten


"Day 246: I Love Lightning Bugs"

I Love Lightning Bugs is a Michigan based indie-rock trio bringing a new wave of energy and excitement to the Detroit music scene. Having formed only two years ago, the band has already made quite an impression on both audiences and critics.
I Love Lightning Bugs

Photo courtesy of I Love Lightning Bugs

After playing shows throughout much of their infancy, I Love Lightning Bugs (or ILLB, as they’re lovingly referred to by their fan base) began to gain a strong following, playing gigs in Ferndale, Berkley and much of the metro-Detroit area. For months this past year, I Love Lightning Bugs worked hard to put out a great first album for these devoted supporters. And they did not disappoint; the band’s self produced debut LP, Kensington (which they recorded in bassist Rob Shelby’s basement), was released in late 2011 to rave reviews.

The praise of their introductory album is not the first of the acclaim that I Love Lightning Bugs has received, however. After a stellar performance at the Metro Times Blowout in Hamtramck, I Love Lightning Bugs was named the CW50’s 2011 Blowout Band early in the year. Because of this honor, coupled with the band’s uniquely energetic and uplifting 90s rock sound, I Love Lightning Bugs was invited to play at such events as the Detroit River Days Festival, Ferndale’s DIY Music Fest, and Arts, Beats and Eats in Royal Oak.

The sound that has attracted such invitations is one that has been carefully honed since the band’s inception two years ago. Guitarist and lead vocalist Reid Mclellan has been compared to the likes of Bono and Frank Black, bringing an inspiring vocal charm to each of the melodies that he and bassist Rob Shelby have created. Shelby’s bass lines bring a powerful intricacy while Angie Kaiser on drums rounds out the band’s sound with driving energy and fullness.
I Love Lightning Bugs

Photo courtesy of I Love Lightning Bugs

Though I Love Lightning Bugs may produce intricate melodies and rhythms, the band still has a wonderful simplicity. Many of the band’s songs, which have a wonderful 90s throwback feel, still bringing fresh and unique sound and are great sing along tracks.

I Love Lightning Bugs, as intelligent musicians, also have an eye on the future. Rob Shelby says, “In the near future we are releasing our first I Love Lightning Bugs comic book and music video. We also will have an EP or two out in 2012.” And having played shows as far as Brooklyn, New York, the fan base that these future endeavors will reach is limitless.

So check out the band’s website, where you can read reviews, listen to and purchase their debut album, Kensington, and even watch the music video for “Stars”. And be sure to like I Love Lightning Bugs on Facebook! ~Hayley Serr, Feature Writer - Awesome Mitten


"Indie Band I Love Lightning Bugs Debuts Album & Comic Combo @ Motor City Comic Con"

Detroit's I Love Lightning Bugs are reissuing their debut album Kensington along with a comic book in which they are the protagonists in an otherworldly adventure. It's the first step in an emerging direction for the band that includes appearances at comic conventions and future releases combining EP's, videos and comics.

Today's comic book release by I Love Lightning Bugs presents the "band members as characters in a rock n’ roll adventure" but they have clearly cast themselves as heroes in their own adventure:

"Reminiscent of Frank Black and Bono, lead vocalist Reid Mclellan captivates the crowd with palpable energy and charisma, while the intricate bass lines of Rob Shelby drive the melodic songs. Rounding out the on-stage trio is Angie Kaiser on drums, whose creative style makes the three-piece group sound much larger."

I Love Lightning Bugs - Not The Hopeless Kind

Last fall they released the full length digital debut Kensington and it received some fine reviews. Today, May 15th, they're releasing the album in physical form with a related comic book that begins a tale of "big foot, Nessie, aliens, moth man, shadow people, ghosts, flying pyramids and bunnies" in which they are the stars.

Though Reid Mclellan animated the above video for the single Not The Hopeless Kind, he wrote the comic book tale turning illustration duties over to Mindy McPeak. I should note that Joe Querio did the album cover art for Kensington and, though the styles differ, the black and white motif and otherworldly themes tie the art together quite nicely.

I Love Lightning Bugs debut their new approach to art and marketing at this week's Motor City Comic Con 2012 where they'll have a booth. The bonus reissue of Kensington paired with a comic, the release of the above video and the Comic Con appearance are the basic elements in their new strategy moving forward.

They have more appearances planned with booths at similar events for which they'll book related shows. Further down the line they will be focusing on EP releases paired with comics along with convention appearances and live performances.

Once they find their groove with this new strategy, it should be interesting to see how it works out for I Love Lightning Bugs. Comic convention fans are a potentially strong market with a lot of rock music fans in the mix. Rock music fans who aren't so obsessed by comics still tend to appreciate them so the combination could be quite powerful.

In addition, EP releases make a lot of sense now that digital downloads have undermined the full album approach. They also allow for quicker releases and open up the possibilities for experimenting a bit with somewhat lower stakes than a full album. Plus, you can then do a collection of the best tunes to release as a full-length deluxe album which could be quite popular with diehard fans.

Hypebot Features Writer Clyde Smith blogs about business at Flux Research: Business Changes and about dance at All World Dance: News. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
- Hypebot


"Indie Band I Love Lightning Bugs Debuts Album & Comic Combo @ Motor City Comic Con"

Detroit's I Love Lightning Bugs are reissuing their debut album Kensington along with a comic book in which they are the protagonists in an otherworldly adventure. It's the first step in an emerging direction for the band that includes appearances at comic conventions and future releases combining EP's, videos and comics.

Today's comic book release by I Love Lightning Bugs presents the "band members as characters in a rock n’ roll adventure" but they have clearly cast themselves as heroes in their own adventure:

"Reminiscent of Frank Black and Bono, lead vocalist Reid Mclellan captivates the crowd with palpable energy and charisma, while the intricate bass lines of Rob Shelby drive the melodic songs. Rounding out the on-stage trio is Angie Kaiser on drums, whose creative style makes the three-piece group sound much larger."

I Love Lightning Bugs - Not The Hopeless Kind

Last fall they released the full length digital debut Kensington and it received some fine reviews. Today, May 15th, they're releasing the album in physical form with a related comic book that begins a tale of "big foot, Nessie, aliens, moth man, shadow people, ghosts, flying pyramids and bunnies" in which they are the stars.

Though Reid Mclellan animated the above video for the single Not The Hopeless Kind, he wrote the comic book tale turning illustration duties over to Mindy McPeak. I should note that Joe Querio did the album cover art for Kensington and, though the styles differ, the black and white motif and otherworldly themes tie the art together quite nicely.

I Love Lightning Bugs debut their new approach to art and marketing at this week's Motor City Comic Con 2012 where they'll have a booth. The bonus reissue of Kensington paired with a comic, the release of the above video and the Comic Con appearance are the basic elements in their new strategy moving forward.

They have more appearances planned with booths at similar events for which they'll book related shows. Further down the line they will be focusing on EP releases paired with comics along with convention appearances and live performances.

Once they find their groove with this new strategy, it should be interesting to see how it works out for I Love Lightning Bugs. Comic convention fans are a potentially strong market with a lot of rock music fans in the mix. Rock music fans who aren't so obsessed by comics still tend to appreciate them so the combination could be quite powerful.

In addition, EP releases make a lot of sense now that digital downloads have undermined the full album approach. They also allow for quicker releases and open up the possibilities for experimenting a bit with somewhat lower stakes than a full album. Plus, you can then do a collection of the best tunes to release as a full-length deluxe album which could be quite popular with diehard fans.

Hypebot Features Writer Clyde Smith blogs about business at Flux Research: Business Changes and about dance at All World Dance: News. To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact: clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com.
- Hypebot


"TEDxDETROIT"

I Love Lightning Bugs was the headlining music act at TEDxDETROIT. We had a great response! - TEDxDETROIT


"Our Interview On Patch.com For Our Appearance At Motorcity Comic Con"

Please click on the URL for the whole article. - patch.com


"Our Interview On Patch.com For Our Appearance At Motorcity Comic Con"

Please click on the URL for the whole article. - patch.com


"Review of I Love Lightning Bugs From Berkley Art Bash"

Please see the URL for the whole interview. - Urbane Life


"Geeks Of Doom spotlights I Love Lightning Bugs at Motorcity Comic Con"

ut conventions like this are also a good place for smaller, local talents to find a wider audience. I Love Lightning Bugs, a band heralding from Royal Oak, Michigan, had a booth showcasing both their music and a new comic book illustrated by local artist Mindy McPeak featuring the band members adventures into the paranormal. First looks suggest a Gorillaz-esque alternative reality but with protagonists based on real people. - Geeks Of Doom


"Geeks Of Doom spotlights I Love Lightning Bugs at Motorcity Comic Con"

ut conventions like this are also a good place for smaller, local talents to find a wider audience. I Love Lightning Bugs, a band heralding from Royal Oak, Michigan, had a booth showcasing both their music and a new comic book illustrated by local artist Mindy McPeak featuring the band members adventures into the paranormal. First looks suggest a Gorillaz-esque alternative reality but with protagonists based on real people. - Geeks Of Doom


"John Shelton Ivany Raves about Kensington"

"Kensington" by I Love Lightning Bugs is an amazing album just for me. This is where the soul of man never dies. the greatest legacy of the music is the sense of soulful menace that many singers will try to imitate but never will. A "must buy" album. - John Shelton Ivany


"Motorcity Blog raves about Kensington"

…Starting things off with a brilliant blast of guitar on “What I Deserve”, ILLB’s “Kensington” quickly answers the question that they are indeed as good in studio as they are live. In fact, there’s a shiny polish applied to the songs on “Kensington” that take the fine vocals of Reid McCLellan to new heights. The hobbling bassline of “Not the Hopeless Kind” evolves into an inspiring singalong track with touch a of shoegaze…

To read more: http://motorcityblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/album-review-i-love-lightning-bugs.html - Motorcityblog


"Motorcity Blog raves about Kensington"

…Starting things off with a brilliant blast of guitar on “What I Deserve”, ILLB’s “Kensington” quickly answers the question that they are indeed as good in studio as they are live. In fact, there’s a shiny polish applied to the songs on “Kensington” that take the fine vocals of Reid McCLellan to new heights. The hobbling bassline of “Not the Hopeless Kind” evolves into an inspiring singalong track with touch a of shoegaze…

To read more: http://motorcityblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/album-review-i-love-lightning-bugs.html - Motorcityblog


"Tunecore interviews I Love Lightning Bugs"

You’ve got some pretty serious production credits under your belt- working with artists like Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops and Otis Williams (just to name a few!). How have those experiences played into producing and engineering your own music?
Oh yes! Roquel Payton (of the Four Tops) really took me under his wing and forged my production style. At that time in my life I was recording a lot of indie and punk. So I think I have a pretty unique style of production. I’ve also learned to RECORD EVERYTHING! Sometimes a musician’s warm up take ends up being the best take.

Tell me about your instrumentation process. Do you write all of the parts before hitting the studio? Or do some things just come together organically during recording?

The basic parts would be planned. But we have a lot of guest musicians on this. Dave Challinor, an old friend of mine in Sydney Australia from the band Sounds Like Sunset has a few guitar tracks on Kensington. I sent Dave a few songs via email and said “Dave, please send me some feedback parts for this”.

We also have Dave Feeny of American Mars on Pedal Steal and members of the Juliets on Cello and Violin. If we recorded this in a professional studio, there is no way we could have afforded all this. Luckily we recorded this in my basement…

To read more go to: http://blog.tunecore.com/2011/12/i-love-lightning-bugs.html - Tunecore


"Metrotimes reviews Kensington"

Even better is the new album from I Love Lightning Bugs, Kensington (self-released). Remember when U2 meant something? Imagine that, with some pop-punk and some anthemic indie rock (Arcade Fire or something) thrown in. The songs are obviously impassioned and the band are furious musicians. Magnificent work. - The Metrotimes


"I Love Lightning Bugs _Stars Video Leaked"

This is our version of the Stars video. Our version was produced by I Love Lightning Bugs and Erin Brown. CW50 filmed it for us and they have their own version on Vimeo. The effect is the narrative. Fading in from darkness and burning out in an all consuming light. - YOU TUBE


"I Love Lightning Bugs _Stars Video Leaked"

This is our version of the Stars video. Our version was produced by I Love Lightning Bugs and Erin Brown. CW50 filmed it for us and they have their own version on Vimeo. The effect is the narrative. Fading in from darkness and burning out in an all consuming light. - YOU TUBE


"Album Review: I Love Lightning Bugs "Kensington""

Having seen I Love Lightning Bugs (ILLB) play live more than a few times and observing their magical meld of 90's brit-pop guitar, soaring vocals and bouncing basslines, I've been eagerly anticipating the chance to hear their music on a format I can listen to outside of the clubs.Starting things off with a brilliant blast of guitar on "What I Deserve", ILLB's "Kensington" quickly answers the question that they are indeed as good in studio as they are live. In fact, there's a shiny polish applied to the songs on "Kensington" that take the fine vocals of Reid McCLellan to new heights. The hobbling bassline of "Not the Hopeless Kind" evolves into an inspiring singalong track with touch a of shoegaze.
I'll give you a couple of comparisons that give you a some idea of ILLB's sound, imagine capturing Pavement's most accessible moments and crossing them with epic sensibilities of Echo and the Bunnymen. The guitar sparkles and the rhythm chugs along where the band sounds just as comfortable with a slow tempo, check "The Last Time," as they do with the faster moving tracks like "Breathless." You can find "Kensington" on iTunes, Amazon and bunch of other places, doesn't matter where you get it, just be sure you do. Also, be sure to check ILLB this Friday, Dec. 9th at the Rustbelt Market in Ferndale.

Here are soundcloud links to 2 tracks:
"Not The Hopeless Kind" http://soundcloud.com/illb-2/hopeless-kind
"Stars" http://soundcloud.com/illb-2/stars - Motor City Blog


"I Love Lightning Bugs: Behind The Scenes Of Their New Album “Kensington”"

Michigan-based band I Love Lightning Bugs just released a new album that’s got listeners all aglow. The album, “Kensington,” was masterfully produced by the trio’s singer/guitarist Reid Mclellan and bassist Rob Shelby, all in Shelby’s basement. Ron Vensko is the band’s live drummer. Read on as Shelby, also a producer and studio engineer with serious credits under his belt, discusses the sound of the new album and all that went into putting it together.

Without using the words “rock,” “alternative,” or “pop,” describe your sound.
Well, the bass is played more like a guitar, the guitar more like a bass, and it’s all very melodic. That said, if you like Pixies, Modest Mouse, Built To Spill or The Cure, you’ll probably like I Love Lightning Bugs. There is a big 90s feel about it!

Your album Kensington hit stores early this month. Was this album a long time coming? Or did it come together pretty quickly?
The songs came together quickly, but the recording took months. It seemed the flu, shows, and life in general kept getting in the way of recording. I also built an isolation room in my basement to mix Kensington in, which took a lot longer than expected!

What’s your songwriting process like? Do you, Reid, and Ron collaborate? Or write more individually?
Reid and I have a great dynamic. I’ll write a bass line; usually a verse and chorus. I’ll record it for Reid and 2 days later he’ll come back with an almost finished song! Since we are a three piece, the drums are a big part of our sound. Angie Kaiser is actually the drummer on this album. We wouldn’t waste her time writing in front of her. That’s not fun for any drummer. We’d wait until we had an idea of what the song should be like and bring it to her. Often she would write a drum beat that was so great, that we would completely rewrite the song around it!

Tell me about your instrumentation process. Do you write all of the parts before hitting the studio? Or do some things just come together organically during recording?
The basic parts would be planned. But we have a lot of guest musicians on this. Dave Challinor, an old friend of mine in Sydney Australia from the band Sounds Like Sunset has a few guitar tracks on Kensington. I sent Dave a few songs via email and said “Dave, please send me some feedback parts for this”.

We also have Dave Feeny of American Mars on Pedal Steal and members of the Juliets on Cello and Violin. If we recorded this in a professional studio, there is no way we could have afforded all this. Luckily we recorded this in my basement.





What did you use to record the album?
Over the past 12 years I’ve acquired a lot of recording equipment. We used my Pro Tools HD system with a Lynx interface. I used FiveFish mk500 preamps for overheads, bass, strings and background vocals. The mk500 is very clean and can be driven pretty hard. On the snare and vocals I used the Pre73. For all other tracks, we used my friend David Krofchok’s home made preamps. He is a genius and his preamps are the best I’ve ever used! I bet if he sold them, he could get $3000 or more per channel!

Unlike many digital engineers, I compress and EQ between the preamp and the hard drive. I love Aphex compressors and EQs. They are pretty damn transparent and inexpensive.

If you do plan on recording your own album, make do with what you already own. Don’t purchase everything at once! I would buy one or two things every time you record a new album. Before you know it, you’ll have a studio worth of equipment. Don’t upgrade your digital recording software unless there is something in the new version of that software that you need. I mean, is it going to make your album sound any different? Probably not.

What do you do if you’re trying to record and it’s just not working for you?
The best thing to do is to a break or come back to it another day. It can’t be forced. We do have a rule of trying every idea any band member has. I have to admit, most the ideas I thought would be a waste of time end up being my favorite parts of the album. I actually rewrote the bridge of “Stars” while recording just because it was just not working.

You’ve got some pretty serious production credits under your belt- working with artists like Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops and Otis Williams (just to name a few!). How have those experiences played into producing and engineering your own music?
Oh yes! Roquel Payton (of the Four Tops) really took me under his wing and forged my production style. At that time in my life I was recording a lot of indie and punk. So I think I have a pretty unique style of production. I’ve also learned to RECORD EVERYTHING! Sometimes a musician’s warm up take ends up being the best take.

My advice to anyone that wants to record their own album is: Track your drums in real studio. Track all your overdubs and vocals at home. Roll the low-end off almost every track. Listen to a lot of other albums while you are mixing.

I know yo - Tunecore


"The Most Interesting Acts of Friday at the Blowout 2011"

MTBXIV – Friday Poll
Posted by jrc on March 5, 2011 at 12:01 am

You went. You saw. You liked? Who entertained you the mostest? You can vote for up to 12 acts. I don’t believe you saw more than 12 that were great, let’s be honest.

The Most Interesting Acts of Friday?
I LOVE LIGHTNING BUGS (28%, 79 Votes) - Eat This City - MTBXIV


"The Most Interesting Acts of Friday at the Blowout 2011"

MTBXIV – Friday Poll
Posted by jrc on March 5, 2011 at 12:01 am

You went. You saw. You liked? Who entertained you the mostest? You can vote for up to 12 acts. I don’t believe you saw more than 12 that were great, let’s be honest.

The Most Interesting Acts of Friday?
I LOVE LIGHTNING BUGS (28%, 79 Votes) - Eat This City - MTBXIV


"Ferndale Bands Well-Represented at this Year's Metro Times Blowout"

Band: I Love Lightning Bugs
Performing: Friday, March 4, Whiskey In The Jar, midnight

I Love Lightning Bugs are new to the Blowout this year and are already shooting for the stars. The grandiose moves of U2, Psychedelic Furs, the National and New Order can be heard in its melodramatic, bass-guitar-driven brand of rock. Its uplifting music for a depressing time. Below, bassist Rob Shelby sheds some light.

Ferndale Patch: What can people expect from your band at this year's Blowout?
Rob Shelby: We are gonna give it our all. Some new songs, a new drummer and a new band logo all being debuted at the Blowout.

Ferndale Patch: What's your favorite memory of Blowout over the years?
Shelby: When (now defunct local band) A Thousand Times Yes played "Attack Of The Demographics."

Ferndale Patch: Post-show meal poll: Hit up something in Hamtramck or head back to Ferndale and grab some Taco Bell?
Shelby: It's got to be Taco Bell. Isn't that what that Lady Antebellum song is all about? - Ferndale Patch


"Ferndale Bands Well-Represented at this Year's Metro Times Blowout"

Band: I Love Lightning Bugs
Performing: Friday, March 4, Whiskey In The Jar, midnight

I Love Lightning Bugs are new to the Blowout this year and are already shooting for the stars. The grandiose moves of U2, Psychedelic Furs, the National and New Order can be heard in its melodramatic, bass-guitar-driven brand of rock. Its uplifting music for a depressing time. Below, bassist Rob Shelby sheds some light.

Ferndale Patch: What can people expect from your band at this year's Blowout?
Rob Shelby: We are gonna give it our all. Some new songs, a new drummer and a new band logo all being debuted at the Blowout.

Ferndale Patch: What's your favorite memory of Blowout over the years?
Shelby: When (now defunct local band) A Thousand Times Yes played "Attack Of The Demographics."

Ferndale Patch: Post-show meal poll: Hit up something in Hamtramck or head back to Ferndale and grab some Taco Bell?
Shelby: It's got to be Taco Bell. Isn't that what that Lady Antebellum song is all about? - Ferndale Patch


"I Love Lightning Bugs named the Best Blowout Band 2011"

CW50 recently named I Love Lightning Bugs Best Blowout Band 2011. In a online competition, they won the CW50 Viewer's Choice Challenge and won a video produce by CW50 and FOX Television Detroit. The bands first single, "Stars" was chosen for the video and will be shoot at the Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, Michigan.

I Love Lightning Bugs wants to give a special thanks to all our fans, friends and families for voting everyday for a month. ILLB - CW50 Fox Detroit


"I Love Lightning Bugs named the Best Blowout Band 2011"

CW50 recently named I Love Lightning Bugs Best Blowout Band 2011. In a online competition, they won the CW50 Viewer's Choice Challenge and won a video produce by CW50 and FOX Television Detroit. The bands first single, "Stars" was chosen for the video and will be shoot at the Rustbelt Market in Ferndale, Michigan.

I Love Lightning Bugs wants to give a special thanks to all our fans, friends and families for voting everyday for a month. ILLB - CW50 Fox Detroit


Discography

Lightning Bugs have 2 albums. Kensington released in 2012 and Conquistadors in 2015.

Photos

Bio

Lightning Bugs are an indie rock band molded in the Spirit of Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie. They bring their inspired songwriting and dynamic live performances to the stages of Metro Detroit. They've just released their brand new sophomore E.P. "Conquistadors". Conquistadors is an impassioned Indie rock album that captures pavements most accessible moments and crosses them with the epic sensibilities of MTV's 120 minutes.

Lightning Bugs were formed in 2010 by 3 friends that got together just for fun, yet they soon found themselves as staple performers in Metro Detroit festivals like the Metro Times Blowout , Arts Beats and Eats and Ferndale's DIY Fest. They have opened for international touring artists Frontier Ruckus, Bear hands and Civil Twilight.

In March 2011, the band was dubbed CW50's 2011 Best Blowout Band after a stellar performance at the Metro Times Blowout which brought Ryan Allen of Patch.com to rave about their melodramatic, bass guitar driven style, and their "grandiose moves of the Psychedelic Furs, the National and New Order." Allen says, "It's uplifting music for a depressing time.”

From there, notoriety grew, and they performed at such venues as The Majestic Theater, the Music Hall, The Gem Theater and The Magic Bag. They’ve also performed as far away as Brooklyn, New York.

They released their fist album “Kensington” in 2012. It propelled them to the top of the local scene as they became a highly sought after live act. They were invited to play the TEDX Detroit conference at the GEM Theater on the strength of their animated video and stellar single “Hopeless Kind”. They have been played on local radio and appeared on Channel 4 and CW50. Lightning Bugs were also invited to NXNE 2013 and 2014.

The Bugs are currently writing their third album and will be in the studio in December.







Band Members