Foxy Shazam, the rabble-rousing rockers who were lauded by USA Today for their "stadium-sized anthem" and praised by MTV for their "audacious glam-rock-meets-prog-pop," are the first signing to the re-launched I.R.S. Records, a newly minted joint venture between Crush Management and EMI.
The Cincinnati, Ohio-based sextet - Eric Nally (vocals), Loren Turner (guitar), Daisy (bass), Sky White (piano), Aaron McVeigh (drums) and Alex Nauth (horns) - released three albums to critical and fan acclaim.
Their fourth, as yet untitled album, drops in January 2012 on IRS/EMI, and the band has seen major support in the past via multiple video game and TV synchs from EA Sports, Cartoon Network, ESPN, CW, Activision, NFL, American Idol and more.
Upcoming are extensive tours with The Darkness (UK) and Panic at the Disco (US).
Previous releases from Foxy Shazam are: 2008's INTRODUCING; and 2010's FOXY SHAZAM, and spawned the anthemic "Unstoppable."
"I Like It," the first single from Foxy Shazam's forthcoming I.R.S./EMI debut, furthers the band's irrepressible mystique and solidifies their stellar vocals and musicianship. "I Like It" is currently premiering on Facebook.
Stream Foxy Shazam - "I Like It":
I.R.S. Records will be operated in a new partnership between EMI Music, and Crush Management's Jonathan Daniel and Bob McLynn, who were instrumental in the recent re-emergence of Train as well as developing artist/ songwriters including Butch Walker, Panic! At the Disco, Gym Class Heroes, and Cobra Starship into gold and platinum acts.
I.R.S. Records was launched in 1979, and was the home to groundbreaking artists including R.E.M., The Go-Go's, The Alarm, The Buzzcocks, John Cale and The Dead Kennedys during its 17-year history. As Daniel noted, "We want I.R.S. Records to recapture the spirit of artistic freedom its original groups like R.E.M. and the Dead Kennedys represented. To quote the immortal words of Joe Strummer, 'the future is unwritten.'"
Foxy Shazam's live show has earned the band raves for its over-the-top energy and star quality, most notably while touring 2009's Lollapalooza, 2010's Warped Tour, and opening for Hole and The Strokes.
It's no wonder their "soulful, groove-laden punk" (American Songwriter) helped the sextet win the Cincinnati Entertainment Award two consecutive years for "Best Rock Act." Or as MTV noted: "Foxy Shazam are here to put a little pomp and circumstance into your daily dose of rock 'n' roll... [They] make audacious glam-rock-meets-prog-pop-meets-musical-theater. ... Recalls everything from Elton John and The Stooges to T. Rex."
Compelling frontman Nally has his own take on what Foxy Shazam is: "When I listen to a Foxy Shazam record I think of Evel Knievel, Bruce Springsteen, my childhood, Van Morrison, my old friends from high school I don't talk to anymore, Elton John, the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond, Iggy Pop and my first kiss."
To experience the aural and visual phenom that is Foxy Shazam, check the band out live (tour dates below) and online.
Foxy Shazam 2011 tour dates w/ Panic! At The Disco:
(Dates and information subject to change.)
October 2011
10/9 Reno, NV KNITTING FACTORY – RENO
10/10 Sacramento, CA ACE OF SPADES
10/11 Anaheim, CA CHAIN REACTION
10/12 Ventura, CA VENTURA THEATRE
10/13 Tucson, AZ RIALTO THEATRE
10/16 Albuquerque, NM SUNSHINE THEATRE
10/18 San Antonio, TX BACKSTAGE LIVE
10/19 Austin, TX LA ZONA ROSA
10/20 New Orleans, LA TIPITINAS UPTOWN
10/22 Jacksonville, FL JACK RABBITS
10/23 Tampa, FL THE RITZ YBOR
10/24 Athens, GA NEW EARTH MUSIC HALL
10/26 Richmond, VA THE NATIONAL
10/27 Clifton Park, NY NORTHERN LIGHTS
10/28 Portland, ME STATE THEATER
10/29 Providence, RI LUPO'S HEARTBREAK HOTEL
10/30 Huntington, NY PARAMOUNT THEATER
10/31 Washington, DC 9:30 CLUB
November 2011
11/2 Buffalo, NY TOWN BALLROOM
11/3 Philadelphia, PA TROCADERO
11/4 Sayreville, NJ STARLAND BALLROOM
11/5 Grand Rapids, RI THE INTERSECTION
11/6 Cincinnati, OH, BOGART'S
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Foxy Shazam Official Website
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Foxy Shazam Twitter
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