Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles
| Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles | |
|---|---|
 Band members Billy Bibby, Matt Thomas, Rob Jones and Mike Pearce at Telford's Warehouse | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Llandudno, North Wales, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | Unsigned |
| Associated acts |
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| Members |
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Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles are an English indie rock band formed in the autumn of 2015 in Llandudno, North Wales. The band is fronted by former lead guitarist and founding member of the English indie rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen who parted ways with the band in the summer of 2014. Soon thereafter, Billy Bibby began writing songs and playing acoustic shows in various UK cities in order to test public response to his new music. In the spring of 2015, Billy Bibby began seeking musicians to form a new band. Auditions were conducted with the help of Simon Jones, formerly of The Verve. Band members Rob Jones (lead guitar), Matt Thomas (bass), and Michael Pearce (drums) were selected to form the four-piece ensemble.
Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles released their debut single "Waitin’ for You" on 3 November 2015. The song has received radio play on BBC Radio Wales, Radio X, UIC Radio Chicago, RKC, and other independent radio stations. The band played their first live show at Telford's Warehouse in Chester, UK on 28 November 2015 and toured extensively throughout the UK playing more than 20 shows from January–March 2016. Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles released their debut EP Bide Your Time on 5 February 2016. It was recorded at Orange Sound Recording Studio in Penmaenmawr, North Wales with record producer Russ Hayes who had previously worked with Bibby on two EPs released by Catfish and the Bottlemen. All songs on the debut EP are written by Billy Bibby.
Billy Bibby names Elvis Presley, Fleetwood Mac, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Noel Gallagher, and George Harrison of The Beatles as key musical influences. Bibby's music was described by Radio X DJ Clint Boon as "That classic sort of British songwriting with a strong nod to Americana".
Discography
EPs
| Year | Title | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bide Your Time | Independent | CD, digital download |
External links
References
- ↑ Blore-Bizot, Julie. "Billy Bibby is Back – Former Catfish and the Bottlemen Lead Guitarist Embarks Upon a New Musical Journey". Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ↑ Seaman, Duncan. "Gig Preview – Billy Bibby at Milo Leeds". Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ↑ Castle, Jill. "Billy Bibby on Catfish and the Bottlemen, Fresh Starts, and 'Mental' Scottish Crowd Antics". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ↑ http://sonicpr.co.uk/artists/billy-bibby
- ↑ Blore-Bizot, Julie. "The Name of the Band is Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles". Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ↑ http://www.eventhestars.co.uk/2016/02/billy-bibby-interview.html