Embracing vintage Motown sounds with a modern twist, Los Angeles-based band Fitz and the Tantrums create soul-pop gems without employing a single guitar.
The band was founded by Michael Fitzpatrick, who had begun writing soul music for a solo project on an old church organ he had purchased.
“I got a call from my ex-girlfriend,” Fitz explains, “And she said, ‘My neighbor is moving out in a hurry and has to sell everything. And, he has this organ…”. Fitz called some movers, and seven hours later, the organ went from the curb to his living room. That night, Fitz stationed himself in front of that vintage instrument and wrote the blue-eyed soul anthem Breaking the Chains of Love.
The overflow of inspiration startled him. He’d spent years in L.A.’s music industry, writing music and working in a studio with Beck producer, Mickey Petralia. But with that organ he had finally found his voice.
Fitz added friend James King to the group as an arranger and soon after expanded the band to a seven-piece, including several horns. Fitzpatrick shares the vocal duties with Noelle Scaggs. Other members include Joseph Karnes, Jeremy Ruzumna, and John Wicks.
In just over a year, Fitz and the Tantrums went from the living room to the main stage. The group's debut EP, Songs for a Breakup, Vol. 1, was released in 2009. Dangerbird Records signed the group in 2010 and issued their first full-length album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, in August. The debut single from the record, is called MoneyGrabber.
Fitz and the Tantrums @ Myspace, Facebook, Twitter
Source: Wikipedia, Fitz and the Tantrums
No comments:
Post a Comment