The Pleasures, a dynamic band led by the renowned singer-songwriter Catherine Britt and modern troubadour Lachlan Bryan, are gearing up for an exhilarating journey across the United States. Their latest single “Paranoid,” a captivating blend of Merseybeat drum grooves and hillbilly harmonies, is already making waves in Australia and is set to enchant American audiences.
With their debut album The Beginning of the End spending three months on the Americana Album Chart and receiving rave reviews, The Pleasures have solidified their position as a captivating force in contemporary country music scene. Their unique sound, which effortlessly combines raucous blues with delicate country folk elements, promises a musical experience like no other.
Formed in 2022, The Pleasures have quickly risen to prominence, gracing major festivals and receiving accolades across Australia, the UK, and the USA. Their debut on the Australian ARIA Country Album chart at #2 is a testament to their growing influence in the music industry.
As they prepare to showcase their talents at the Folk Alliance International in Kansas City and the upcoming Golden Guitar Awards in Australia, The Pleasures are set to captivate American audiences with a series of exclusive shows. From Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to Nashville, Tennessee, and beyond, fans can expect an unforgettable musical journey filled with soulful harmonies and infectious melodies.
The Pleasures promise to deliver an authentic and electrifying performance at every stop along the way. As they take their music from Newcastle to Nashville, The Pleasures invite audiences to join them on a voyage of discovery and celebration of the universal language of music.
We sat down with them to discuss their journey to Nashville, as well as their latest album and songwriting.
Q: How does it feel to have the opportunity to play iconic venues like The Bluebird in Nashville?
A: Lachlan: Nashville is home to so much music we love – it’s always been a kind of meeting place for songwriters, including many of our own favourites like Guy Clark, Steve Earle…Townes Van Zandt. In fact, the three of them made a live recording together at The Bluebird which I love very much – and Emmy-Lou is on it too. So to sit where those kind of writers and artists sat feels like being a part of history. To do it with a couple of my very best friends makes it extra special.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re in Nashville, besides playing music?
A: It’s hard to resist daydreaming in vintage guitar stores, but vintage clothes stores are a bit more realistic, so we’re likely to end up in a few of those. It’s also a great town to find and watch music in – so many great musicians and songwriters playing every night.
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the title and concept of your debut album, The Beginning of the End?
A: It’s almost a concept album. It charts a whole relationship from start to finish and then the aftermath. We were both in a kind of cynical place when we started writing – but the good thing about that is we were kind of wild and carefree with the writing process and that made for a pretty intense record.
Q: The Beginning of the End is described as a break-up record from both directions. Could you elaborate on what this means and how it distinguishes your album from traditional break-up albums?
A: Lachlan: Break-up records are usually one-sided – but in reality break-ups are more complicated than that. On this album, and in this band, we get to tell you a more complete picture – sometimes we’re screaming at each other, sometimes we’re reflecting on the good times.
Q: Can you describe your collaborative process and how you merged your individual styles to create a cohesive musical narrative?
A: Lachlan: Generally speaking, we write together, in person. We didn’t know it til we started working together, but Catherine and I really bounce off each other. We write fast – we seem to be uninhibited in the way we discuss ideas with each other – and I think what we come up with together is different to anything we’d do if we were just writing for ourselves.
Q: How important is authenticity and vulnerability in your songwriting?
it’s everything, really. It’s the artist’s job take risks and tackle the big questions on behalf of everybody – so being authentic and vulnerable is the very first step. Without it the work is meaningless.
Q: How do you translate the energy and storytelling of The Beginning of the End into your live performances?
A: Catherine: in this band, most of us are out of our comfort zone – playing roles we haven’t played before in our careers. So it’s always on the edge – always exciting for us. And that gives us the energy to take these songs to another level when we’re playing live.
Q: What’s next for The Pleasures?
A: Lachlan: We’re making some new music while we’re in town, then we go home to Australia for some shows and festivals before we head to Europe to tour in June and July. We hope to be back in the US later in 2024.
The Pleasures Upcoming Tour Dates
- Feb 14 – Docey’s Dock, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
- Feb 15- The 5 Spot, Nashville, TN
- Feb 16 – The Bluebird, Nashville, TN
- Feb 21 – 24th- Folk Alliance International Showcase, Kansas City, MO
- Feb 25-Central Stage, St. Louis, MO
- Feb 26 Woodsongs Radio Hour, Lexington, KY
- Feb 27- Preservation Pub, Knoxville, TN
- Feb 29- Eddie’s Attic, Atlanta, GA
For more information on The Pleasures, visit https://thepleasuresmusic.com/.
