Maria Mar’s Local Radar: For The Foxes

Locals, we meet again. First and foremost, I was thrilled to be getting some feedback on Cara Salimando, finding out that you guys were digging her style. She is going to have a big year, so be sure to keep her on your radar. Each and every week, I try to bring to your attention some of the biggest, or the next big acts. As you noticed, last week I dedicated my entire column to one singer, and this week I’m going to follow that trend, for I have a lot to say about my next band. I’m about to embark on the journey of what is a pop/indie band from Barnegat, NJ, who are on the road to tearing it up one state at a time. They’re currently signed to Hopeless Records, the home of many talented young acts.

Now, you may ask yourself, “How do some bands get signed? How can my band from New Jersey get to tour the world?” Listen, I may not be a musician, but I know how you feel; in fact, a lot of musicians have felt this way. From what I’ve seen on the inside end of the industry, climbing the band success ladder may not be as hard as you think it is. It depends on what you define as “making it.” It doesn’t have to be big money or a big mystery. If you’re in the company of band members who are truly success minded, there are no boundaries to what you can accomplish. Yes, to become successful will take effort on your part, but combined with a lot of drive and desire, and the right knowledge of what your goals are, anything is possible; this band is living proof. They are about to hit the road this March with The Summer Set, Go Radio and The In Crowd, and have been added to the full lineup on the 2013 Vans Warped Tour. Intrigued? Ladies and gents, please allow me to introduce to you, For The Foxes.

For The Foxes have done a lot in their four years as a band, and the previous paragraphs back this statement up to the fullest. Hailing from Barnegat, the boys had a dream of making it big. Some of them even went to the same high school, sticking together and achieving their goals. I’m sure they could only dream of becoming a signed artist and touring the world in their school days, but it’s refreshing to see how certain dreams are not that far out of reach. Their latest EP, The Revolution, is a fundamental change in pop/indie sound. I instantly fell in love with the title-track, and put it on repeat until I found out more about this band. It’s that song that you blast with your windows down in the car, singing at the top of your lungs, and letting your hair down. I found myself singing parts of this tune in my head for hours, piece by piece, until it burrowed into my brain, yearning for more. At some point, everything became clear, and it was the only thing I wanted to listen to. In fact, the official and live music video to this song will make you an even bigger fan.

First, I want to touch on Nicholas, the lead singer. He has a crazy tone with a very distinctive sound. I love the song “Kids Too Young,” for it’s completely different and extremely catchy. I realized after this track that I was listening to a band that was truly original. Suddenly, it all became very exciting. This isn’t something that happens very often. Amongst all the competition, they continue to have their own unique style of songwriting mixed with unique singing that really makes them stand out. I hate to admit it, but nowadays, pop rock music is usually following somewhat of the “you’ve heard one song you’ve heard them all” method. Basically, what I mean is, there are only so many ways you can talk about a broken relationship, a cheating devil girl, or your desire to branch out of your hometown and move to Los Angeles.

They’re still a relatively new band, and I know they are going to hit it big. I think their EP proves that they have enough staying power to stick around for a while. Climbing up the popularity scale, I feel that their spring tour with The Summer Set is the perfect match for them, as they’ll be playing in front of sold-out crowds with giant exposure. For The Foxes refuse to bow down and join the masses of bands that write songs about pitying themselves, as they love their lives and show it in their music. The whole band fits together like a glove in every aspect and on every instrument. Many of the great popular songs have simple lyrics that are meaningful to most people, or say something that speaks to most of us, and this is the emotion I feel from For The Foxes. Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourselves.

For The Foxes will be touring for almost all of 2013. Whether it’s on the Wake Up And Be Awesome Tour or the 2013 Vans Warped Tour, be sure to check the dates and buy some tickets. (On a side note, I’m not sure if you’ve seen the full lineup for this year’s Warped Tour, but it’s one of the best ones yet!) Anyway, the band’s music is uplifting and refreshing for its genre, and so many other groups out there don’t quite rock to the same beat as they do. For me, I look for originality; it doesn’t have to be completely different, or break the mold of music itself, because let’s face it, that’s not realistic these days. It’s impossible to list how many local bands there are in New Jersey, and it satisfies me so much to write about bands making it big. Whether it’s in the pop, rock, indie, punk, or any other genre, all news is just as exciting for a local lover like myself. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this band, for I just know it is going to be bright.

Hopefully week by week in the Local Radar we will be breaking big news of artist signings, shows being headlined, albums being released, bands going on tour, and so much more. I love nothing more than being able to break news to you all, so hopefully it’s digesting well! I will be back next week with some more artists of your liking, and in the meantime, if you know of any local bands you want spotlighted or want to learn more about, keep the messages coming!