When Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz and the Tantrums explains how he started his indie/pop band, he credits an old organ that just happened to fall into his lap. Ouch. But really, Fitz wrote one of their first songs, “Breaking the Chains of Love,” as soon as he sat down at that organ in 2008 and the rest is history.
The Tantrums, a group of six, is a diverse mix of personalities and instrument players. Each member has their part and sticks to it, with Fitz assuming the role of lead vocals and a little bit of keyboards. The lone woman in the group, Noelle Scaggs, holds her own as Fitz’s vocal equal, even claiming a spot on the cover of the group’s sole studio album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces.
These artists, though fairly new to the music scene, have been unbelievably successful. In late 2009, Adam Levine of Maroon 5 was turned on to the band, and Fitz and the Tantrums soon were opening for Maroon 5 on their college tour. Imagine going back to college with Adam Levine. (Sign me up.) The spring before their album was released, the Tantrums headed down to Austin for the local music festival, South by Southwest. After the release of the studio album in the fall of 2010, their single “Money Grabber” was featured on an episode of Criminal Minds, and their song “News 4 U” was used as a promo for the seventh season of Desperate Housewives. The group has also performed on many shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Conan.
Fitz and the Tantrums are truly a group with great raw talent and a passion for the music they write and play for audiences. Check out their Live Sessions performance last fall in the KXT Studio. We are so pleased to have them back!
Get more information and tickets for Summer Cut here.
Wanna know more about the Tantrums? Try their website.
