Fitz And The Tantrums Give A Little Heart & Soul

Fitz and the Tantrums is a Los Angeles-based band known for their soulful sound.

Their debut album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, is out now. Fitz and the Tantrums are playing the Kanrocksas Music Festival this weekend.

Singer-songwriter Michael Fitzpatrick wrote in to discuss his first time onstage, musical inspirations and recording the band’s debut album in his living room.

For more info on Fitz and the Tantrums, check out http://fitzandthetantrums.com/.

How did Fitz and the Tantrums first come together?
I was suffering through a breakup and needed an outlet so i started pouring my heart into the first songs that became Fitz and The Tantrums.  I called my friend James King to help and he started laying down horn sections.  I told him i wanted a fierce female vocal and he recommended Noelle Scaggs.  A few more phone calls and we had put the band together.
Do you remember your first time onstage?
Yes, it was in a little coffee shop in front of all my friends and family. I was so nervous I had to go down the street and get drunk. I spent the entire set staring at the ceiling because I was too afraid to look anyone in the eye.

What inspires you lyrically?

The moment of creation.  That second when an idea starts to take shape and everything comes together.  I’m a total studio nerd and I love sitting there late at night building an idea.
How has your songwriting process changed since you first started songwriting?

It is always evolving.  But for me it always starts with a beat and a melody.
You recorded your debut album in your living room. How did that come about?

Pure necessity.  We were broke with no way to pay to make a record but we weren’t going to let that stop us so we just turned all these adversities of an unconventional room with one crappy mic into the sound that shaped our record.
What did you enjoy most about it?
The freedom and no pressure vibe because we weren’t spending a lot of money in a fancy studio.
Did you try to record the album as live as possible?

When we could, we did. But in the end, we had to do a lot of layering.
What was the first song you wrote for Pickin ‘Up the Pieces?

“Breakin The Chains of Love.”
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your career?

To learn to believe in myself and make choices based on what I wanted but not what others expected.
You’re a very soulful vocalist. Who are some of your favorite vocalists and why?

The why is simple, any singer that bares their soul every time they sing.  There has to be a truth and honesty to what they do. That ranges from Otis Redding to Jeff Buckley.
Are there any albums you always find yourself listening to?

Fleet Foxes, MGMT and Zeppelin.
You tour all over the world. What have been some of your favorite moments onstage?

Each city has a different personality. The way we get to experience a city is truly through the crowd.  One of my favorites would have to be Boston. The crowd was the loudest we’ve ever had!
What advice would you give to artists just starting out?

Stay true to what you want to do, don’t take no for an answer and work your F*ing Ass off!