Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Tim DeLaughter of The Polyphonic Spree
Dec 6, 2023
Tim DeLaughter, an Emmy-nominated singer and the creative force behind The Polyphonic Spree, shares his fascinating journey from heartbreak to creating symphonic magic with 23 collaborators. He discusses the spontaneity of songwriting and the emotional power of performance, reflecting on how music helps overcome challenges like depression. Delaughter also touches on the joy of family involvement in music, early influences from Disney records, and the transformative connections forged during live shows, underscoring the communal spirit of their art.
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First Show
- The Polyphonic Spree's first show had 28 friends and family members, some of whom had never performed before.
- The band wore white robes to neutralize individual appearances and project images, but later abandoned this as the band itself became the visual focus.
South by Southwest Breakthrough
- The Polyphonic Spree's South by Southwest performance in a banquet hall with fluorescent lights was initially deemed a terrible venue.
- However, it turned out to be a huge success, garnering attention from journalists across the country and leading to more gigs.
Power Outage Triumph
- Following their South by Southwest success, David Bowie invited the Polyphonic Spree to perform at his UK festival.
- During a show at Royal Festival Hall, a power outage led to an impromptu acapella performance that captivated the audience and further boosted their popularity.