Central Track Contributor
The Polyphonic Spree Eats, Drinks, And Busks Their Way Around Brussels.
There's no question that the Polyphonic Spree is quite literally the biggest band in town. All jokes about dozen-plus member outfit aside, the group has also arguably been Dallas' most noteworthy musical export for the past decade. But rarely has anyone ever peeled back the curtain and gotten to really know the personalities of the group's individual members — or seen them sans stage uniforms, for that matter. As the band embarks on a world tour in support of its new Yes, It's True LP, all 15 of the band's touring members have agreed to contribute to a daily behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to hit the road with the Polyphonic Spree. Read more about the band members who will be contributing to these daily dispatches here. Then just hang on. It's gonna be quite the ride.
See Also: Dispatch No. 5: A Week Into The World Tour and The Polyphonic Spree Is Flying High.
Elizabeth Evans, choir. In Brussels, Belgium.
Is Mike St. Clair busking or entertaining a bench neighbor? You decide.
Natalie Young, choir. In Brussels, Belgium.
It was a very Polyphonic day in Brussels. Here's my two fav things I found today in Belgium. A close third was obviously “TITI” sings viva America.
Buffi Jacobs, cellist. In Brussels, Belgium. Touristy things I did in Brussels: Food tasted: Favorite hang: Jennie Kelley, choir. In Brussels, Belgium. Brussels was great but I feel like half the time we just slept because no one had any energy left. I think traveling through all these different time zones has started to take a toll on us physically. We play in France tomorrow at a festival in the middle of nowhere. In order to do so we are staying at a house, also in the middle of nowhere. Sebastian [Poncelet], our tour guide/host, and I walked into the city center this morning to get groceries and food for the next 24 hours. Where we are staying has no store or restaurant. It's a good thing then that the band has a professional cook… me. Bach [Norwood], Matt and Chris have all said they will be my sous chefs. We shall see.
Pics to follow, but now, I think I'll get a blanket and lay down for a bit in the grass. I heard there are some sheep outside that I need to check out. #worldwind
Natalie Young, choir. In Brussels, Belgium. “Man! That was lame. There were all these pompous old ornate pianos and things and I was like 'Where are the guitars?' They didn't even have any. Just some old gourds.”
Jennie Kelley, choir. In Brussels, Belgium. During our “mini” busking session.
The freshest of fish in Bruxelles.
Mike St. Clair, trombonist. In Brussels, Belgium. Preparations for dinner: Sebastian and Mark [Pirro] make fire!
Sebastian Poncelet, tour guide/translator. In Brussels Belgium. Barbecue party about to happen.
Read more about the band members contributing to these daily dispatches right here.
Highlights of the trip from Sydney to Brussels:
23 hour flight = major suck! I'm pretty sure there was a kid crying loudly at every single moment.
I visited the instrument museum, saw the fountain that I call “The Little Pisser” (I think the real name is Mannequin), and enjoyed the four-dogs-in-a-fountain trick.
Belgian waffle! Yum. Best thing ever. And steak kabobs!
I couldn't stay awake the first night. I slept from 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Then I woke up and went out with Tim [DeLaughter], Matt [Bricker], Jennie Kelley, Chris Michaels, Nick [Earl], and Natalie [Young]. We stayed out till dawn. What a night!
The days and nights are all starting to run together. We don't really have any kinda schedule anymore. We sleep when we're tired, eat when we're hungry, and play music whenever we can.
Also I forgot to mention quote of the day yesterday from Nick Earl. Some folks went to an old music museum with some rad antique instruments. Nick's thoughts on the place?
Outside the hostel in Brussels. Sums up the trip nicely.
Our gracious host Mr. Dupuis fell asleep while relaxing outside reading a magazine. I hope someday my daily life will be something like this. An outdoor nap in such beautiful countryside must be what a nap is truly supposed feel like. We'll see how the day progresses, but right now I'm regretting finishing that coffee earlier.
We have foods.
