Lazy Day – the brainchild of London-based songwriter Tilly Scantlebury (they/them) – make their long-awaited return, announcing their signing to Brace Yourself Records with the release of brand new single ‘Bright Yellow‘ as well as a run of May dates opening for Honeyblood.
‘Bright Yellow’ opens a window into an expansive new world for Lazy Day, marking a huge level-up for Scantlebury. It bursts out of understated beginnings, exploding into vivid swathes of colour, Robyn-inspired synths, and bounding drums. This is daring indie-pop music with ambition matched only by its finesse and determination.
The track can trace its origins back to Scantlebury’s PhD in Queer American Art, the very project which led to Lazy Day’s three-year-break. They explain:
“My research was focussed on queer representation in contemporary art. Catherine Opie’s photographic portrait series Being and Having from 1991 was the work that sparked ‘Bright Yellow’. It’s made up of the faces of 13 queer people, captured like comical mugshots against a bright yellow background: “Kings like them had never been seen.” At its very best, art can change the way that we see and think and live, acting like a window into another world — which is how I want my music and this song to feel as well.”
It’s through creating communities and inclusive spaces where Lazy Day’s music has excelled most over the years – something that has become increasingly important to Scantlebury, as they explain: “There is so much hatred still directed towards the queer community, and I feel it even more strongly since I came out as non-binary just over a year ago.” Like ‘Bright Yellow’, Scantlebury’s songs are generous explorations of love, identity, the bonds we forge and how they strengthen us.
“It feels special to return to Lazy Day with ‘Bright Yellow’, like the perfect way to kick-off this new chapter. This song is just the beginning!”
Bright Yellow’ is the first new music from Lazy Day since a run of releases across 2019 and 20 that drew support and acclaim from the likes of VICE, The Fader, DIY, Clash, Dork, The I, The Line of Best Fit and more, as well as radio airplay from folks including Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders and more.
Lazy Day have shared stages with artists including Bloc Party, Jay Som, Girlpool, and SASAMI, and have appeared at festivals including Latitude, Community and Kendal Calling. Live, Lazy Day expands with Scantlebury joined on stage by Kris Lavin (bass, backing vocals), Martin Lilley (guitar, backing vocals) and Mikey King (drums), who help usher Scantlebury’s multifaceted songs into technicolor life.
Tour dates:
May 23rd | London, UK – Oslo *
May 24th | Cardiff, UK – Clwb Ifor Bach *
May 25th | Nottingham, UK – Bodega *
* = w/ Honeyblood
Photo credit – Valentina Concordia