Los Angeles – Grizfolk has experienced quite the year. Opening up for Bastille, releasing the anticipated EP, From The Spark, and receiving many acclamations from critics, the band’s future is looking quite assuring. Though the quintet initially formed in Los Angeles, the members are from different parts of the world. (Ed., click HERE for our recent concert review of Grizfolk and Bastille.)
Lead singer Adam Roth is originally from Florida and teamed up with Swedish producers Fredrik Eriksson (guitar) & Sebastian Fritze (synthesizer, backing vocals) after setting sail to southern California. While in LA, they met like-minded musicians Bill Delia (drums) and Brendan James (bass guitar, backing vocals) to form Grizfolk. Their music infuses alternative rock with folk and pop elements. Roth’s tantalizing vocals alongside Eriksson’s sharp guitar riffs, Fritze’s complementary keys, James’ powerful congruent basslines, and Delia’s hard hitting drum work create a completely exceptional and cohesive sound that truly separates Grizfolk from the pack. Best New Bands was able to catch up with Fritze via email in the midst of their current tour.
Sean Kayden: I noticed the band is composed of members from both LA and Sweden. How did the band officially come together?
Sebastian Fritze: We all met in Los Angeles through mutual friends, different band constellations and board games.
Grizfolk is an interesting name to say the least. What’s the story behind choosing it for the group’s name?
When we first started writing these songs, we named the project Griz Adams after a nickname we had for Adam. When we came to realize that we wanted to start a band we came up with Grizfolk; folk, meaning community/family. Our door is always open, anyone can be a part of our family, anyone can be Grizfolk.
You’ve reached much success this past year, even opening for Bastille and appearing on numerous “Artists To Watch” lists. How has Grizfolk changed your individual lives?
This year has been wild. We’ve performed at venues we all have dreamed of playing on and met amazing people along the way. Individually we’ve learned to take nothing for granted and treat every show as if it’s the last one we’ll ever play.
With the EP From The Spark, the sound resonates from alternative to pop to folk rock, where did the inspiration originate?
We all come from different musical backgrounds and I think that plays a huge role on how we sonically sound. We are constantly on the road and draw a lot of inspiration from the places we visit and the people we meet. We usually picture a landscape and imagine what that place would sound like and what story would fit in that environment.
What are some of your favorite bands, past and present?
We all love Justin Vernon and all of his bands. Also big fans of Aerosmith. Currently we’ve been listening to The New Basement Tapes, Seinabo Sey, Chet Faker.
From the artists you mentioned, which of those do you believe has the most influence on your own creativity?
Justin Vernon.
Is there a planned debut LP? If so, how will it differ from the band’s EP?
We are putting the final touches on the full-length album. It has the same concept as the EP, where the songs are all different from each other. We wanted to make an album where you would never get bored, where you could find a song that would fit perfectly for every moment of your life.
What do you envision for Grizfolk heading into 2015 and beyond?
We are looking forward to playing across the globe, visiting places we’ve never been and getting inspired by other cultures.
Grizfolk have just a couple of tour dates left with Bastille. Check out the band’s Facebook for future dates and news about their upcoming debut LP.
Sean Kayden
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