Music Now Spotlight

by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA 

The Fylls
The spirit of the Indie artist can be found in the music of The Fylls. This group makes music on their own terms and the outcome is something marvelous. When I spoke to Jordan and Erica of The Fylls, the two artists revealed their passion for making music and why both of them feel they were born to perform. Here is the entire interview for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

The Fylls: There seems to be a direct one-on-one with fans as an indie band. Also, we are basically free to explore any direction we want. Since we touch on genres ranging from Grunge, Rock, Pop and Folk this is important.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

The Fylls: A very good question. Our decision would have to be based on the kind of creative and financial support a label would provide and we are not certain, especially in today's music scene climate, if the two can go hand in hand. It takes a very special attitude from a major label to support an indie band, especially one that can't be pigeon-holed in a single easily defined genre. In the end, no band should be closed off to any potential support from any source.

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?


The Fylls

The Fylls: Firstly, Simon Cowell and American Idol represent most of what is wrong with popular music and the arts in general today. A "thumbs up/thumbs down" vibe is not what art should be about, whether it be music, film, theatre or printed word. That being said, our songs and our look are what set us apart. We are writing songs now that are mostly about social consciousness. Subjects are ranging from animal cruelty, the environment, the economy and the resulting class system, the struggles of the working middle class and violence in America. Yes, we have deeply personal relationship songs, but what we don't do is take a position of being a victim in our lyrics. As for our look, well, that's self-evident, lol. We're not candidates for Simon Cowell's approval.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?



The Fylls: As I mentioned above, our songs are relevant to the goings on in the community, culture and world around us. Musically, we are a melodic band that employs vocal harmony and upbeat rhythms.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.


The Fylls

Jordan: I am the child of a broken family and have always found solace in the arts: film, television, theater, museums, books, comics and especially music. Exposure to the arts inspired me to create my own work and try and translate my own experience. I started writing songs almost as soon as I learned how to play the guitar as a child. Throughout the years, the songs were always a reflection of what I was going through during various times in my life. The arts also helped me to see myself in the context of the outside world, and that is reflected in the work "The Fylls" as well.

Erica: Growing up in Brooklyn, I've always loved music of all kinds. Limitations were never set on the music I enjoyed listening to. I have always had a good "ear" for music and could separate the instruments played in a song in my head. I was very excited to be a part of the Fylls, starting out as just a vocalist at first and moving towards playing bass. I have learned and continue to learn so much about musical composition. Jordan and I have created music that is so profound and thought-provoking. Being a part of The Fylls continues to be an awe-inspiring experience.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

The Fylls: Of course almost every rock band owes so much to The Beatles. Their biggest influence on us is the freedom they had to explore different genres within the framework of their own music. Our other big influences are Wilco, Nirvana, Pixies, Spoon, TV On The Radio and The New Pornographers to name a few.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Jordan: I don't really dwell on that. It is what it is and we do what we do.

Erica: I think Indie music has gained a tremendous about of respect, especially in the past decade. Not only is there a huge market for it but indie music has been showcased in many TV shows and movies. I like that Indie music has remained the "low key" genre because there are so many talented musicians who are able to perform at small affordable venues and appeal to fans who are there just because they like the music. There's no fame or celebrity. It's all about the music and that's really how it should be.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

The Fylls: We would change the venue situation for struggling bands. In general, the clubs use bands who will bring a following so the club can sell food or drink. This is perfectly understandable, but there are disreputable "promoters" out there who represent these clubs who take a percentage of the door and, in many cases, don't give anything to the band. Uh-uh. No good. We are excited to be playing a gig at The Pine Box Rock Shop on October 8. They have a minimal cover charge ($5.) and it ALL GOES TO THE BAND. That, to me, is progressive.

Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?

The Fylls: DIY will continue to grow in ways not yet imaginable, but there will always be an enormous conglomerate of mass-produced corporately funded musical product that will employ artists/bands.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

The Fylls: It's been wonderful. We have made fans and friends across the country and from other countries as well.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Jordan: As I mentioned, I have been writing and playing songs since I was a child. If success doesn't come in the ways you describe in your question I have no doubt that I will continue to write songs, although I do not know what kind of form of execution I would employ (band, solo, internet, just for friends, etc).

Erica: I agree with Jordan. Music is about passion. As long as the passion is still there, fame and fortune shouldn't matter.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

The Fylls: We're human.

Erica: You just have to accept the negativity and move forward. That pretty much applies with any other life situation.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Jordan: I'm not sure, but I think my family thinks I'm a bum.

Erica: And you are, kind of (laughing). I've gotten positive feedback from my family so far. My sister is already looking forward to my potential fame.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

The Fylls: SonicBids is good for hooking up with venues and opportunities. Twitter and Facebook are great for building a fan base.

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

The Fylls: This Fall we are launching a fund-raising campaign on Kickstarter.com to help produce our first EP. Also, if any of your readers will be in the NYC area the weekend of October 8 please come out and see us at The Pine Box Rock Shop for our 9:30 show. And thanks for this opportunity to answer your questions.