Bradford, the city of Culture, formed the broken-beat-maker Joe Smith, also known as Polite Bureaux. Smith is joined on stage by his Blood Sister Maya Lili and Raver Viv Maher, introducing Ying and Yang energy live.
2023: Polite Bureaux supported Benefits, also hitting the stage later that year, performing at The Great Escape Festival 2023, releasing their single UAMELON, and gaining airplay on BBC Introducing with Melita Dennett and Callum French. While gaining support from the famous music & culture magazine Louder Than War.
2024: Has seen Polite Bureaux on a UK support tour with Meryl Streek, with a Debut DIY Album release, already selling out 100 Limited Edition Vinyl Records - announcing their September Headline UK Tour ‘MADE IN BROKE BRITAIN’ . And gaining airplay on BBC6 Music with Deb Grant and Tom Ravo with their track ‘SCRATCHCARD’ from Their Debut DIY Album.
Polite Bureaux and Dyslexic Smith attributes his words to the diabolical truths of John Cooper Clarke. Other influences stem from Underworld, Joy Division, The Prodigy, and Sleafod Mods. Ultimately, Polite Bureaux's sound is upbeat and genre-mashing.
The siblings, born in the big cities of London and Keighley, have a family history of Irish and Filipino Malay roots. Their youth was spent much across the country than in one place. Strong family unity is what elevates Polite Bureaux from the crowd. With words that hit home and stand out as most ordinary in today’s world, Championing his youngster from the sidelines is wordsmith and poet Rob. Smith’s father plays a significant role in the lyricism of Polite Bureaux, as his poetry is used as power to pride and break stigma through the performance of music.
Expect brutal honesty and true energy in his venting on stage and in your ears. It’s always more than just a play on words.
“Next up, Polite Bureaux filled out the new Water Bear venue ahead of their loud and boisterous set. Leaning into the crowd with snarls and spits, the four-piece commanded the attention of the crowd who bounced along to the bass-heavy riffs.” - Louder Than War (The Great Escape Festival 2023)
GODS IS IN THE TV
TRACK BY TRACK - POLITE BUREAUX DEBUT ALBUM
‘Vital, skilled, talented, and whip-smart, Brighton-based broken-beat-makers Polite Bureaux have been making waves at their high-energy live shows and on BBC Radio 6. Formed by Joe Smith and joined on stage by his blood sister Maya Lili and Raver Viv Maher, the band buzzes with righteous kinetic energy and razor-sharp political commentary. London-born, Bradford-formed, Joe uses bass lines and beats with alt-electronic production, reflecting the diabolical truths of John Cooper Clarke. Today they release their debut album C*nt Monday exclusively on Bandcamp – together with the video for ‘Broke Biscuits.’ The first half of a double A-side single which will be available on 28th March when the album is available to stream on all platforms.
‘Scratchcard ‘has already been played on BBC Radio 6 Music as part of their New Music Fix by Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft, with Deb saying, “I’m really enjoying that one. I’m enjoying the cut of their jib,” as well as being played by Melita Denitt on BBC Introducing They were handpicked for the Sound of 2024 at GIITTV and are the prescient voice of our times
“Vital, skilled, talented, and whip smart. Polite Bureaux are definitely ones to watch. The band buzz with righteous kinetic energy and razor sharp political commentary”
— GIITV
“They’re fast moving up the ones not to miss list, with an always frenetic performance and some masterful spoken-word lyrics from Joe Smith that veer towards the story-telling style of John Cooper Clarke” - Siobhan
Photo Credits: https://www.shotbytrendy.com