Local Limelight: Les Sages

For local band Les Sages (pronounced lay-SAWJ, as in Taj Mahal), “Free Music at a Fraction of the Cost!” is more than just a clever album title; it’s a way of life.

“Free Music at a Fraction of the Cost!” released Aug. 21, marked a pivotal point in the band’s musical career as their first full-length album. And, if it’s not enough for them to co-write all the music and alternate between guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocals (with the exception of drummer Conrad Gibby), they can boast exclusive rights as their own producers, since the musical brainchild of Les Sages emerged from their very own basement studio.

As a self-proclaimed ambient rock band, Les Sages is comprised of four brothers, Larson, Kris, 26, Peter, 24, Andrew, 23, Joe, 21, and honorary inductee Conrad Gibby, 23. Kris, Peter, and Conrad live in Provo and attend BYU, while Andrew and Joe live in Salt Lake and attend LDS Business College. However, in January UVU will be able to claim Joe Larson as one of its own when he begins matriculation for the spring 2009 semester.

Les Sages derives their name from the French phrase, dubbing them “the wise,” which is more than reflected in the context of their morally-driven lyrics. But what really sets them apart from the crowd is that “[their] roots lie in complex vocal harmonies and counterpoint melodies.

“We’re more interested in getting our music in people’s hands than getting our hands in people’s pockets,” said band member Kris Larson, 26.

And that’s just what they do. Remember that album, “Free Music at a Fraction of the Cost!”? Now imagine you can download the entire album right now for free. Okay, stop imagining and go do it, because this is not a fire drill. As of right now, Les Sages is offering a free download of their entire album when you visit: http://www.lessages.com/free

Don’t miss their next live performance, scheduled for a Nov. 1 battle of the bands in celebration of the opening of the new venue Dynamics @ The Ozz located at 390 N. Freedom in Provo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the first band takes the stage at 6:00 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door with a student ID and $7 without. Visit the band’s Web site at http://www.lessages.com for more information.