[1] He originally began by sampling sounds from toys to use in his electronic music, but after disassembling a Texas Instruments Speak & Spell he realised he could modify them to produce new sounds, turning the toys themselves into instruments.
[1][2] He began looking in car boot sales and skips for more electronic toys to modify and use in performances.
[3] Duffy describes the intent behind his music as “an interest in the surplus value and hidden potential of seemingly redundant technology.”[4] In 2006, the Modified Toy Orchestra was expanded from a one-man project by Brian Duffy to a full six-piece band, to have more possibilities when playing live.
New live members are: Laurence Hunt (Pram), Darren Joyce (Dreams of Tall Buildings), Mike Johnston (Plone, Mike in Mono), and visual projection artist Chris Plant (Colour Burst).
Previous performances have included the Royal Institute, and supporting bands Heaven 17 and Melt Banana.