On July 24, the Give Event was hosted at the Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, Ca. Sponsored by TOMS, Active, and Krochet Kids, there were numerous independent artists personalizing shoes with their talent as well as musical acts to supply the entertainment. Pawnshop Kings, Tamarama, Eddie Wall, Fitz and the Tantrums and Timmy Curran all rocked the stage set up under the giant Ferris Wheel.
Before they took the stage, I managed to sit down with Tamarama and Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums to ask them a few questions about, well, music.
As I was en route to the giant Ferris Wheel, I noticed two fellows who I recognized to be Jay and Potsy of Tamarama. My first experience with these two Aussies was on MTV’s The City (yes I know, I’m embarrassed) as characters brought on due to Whitney dating Jay. I never thought I’d be able to actually sit down and converse with them. They’ve known each other for eight years and have been playing music together for six. These years of practice have done the boys well.
First it was just Jay and I, for Potsy was talking with a fan. I started by asking how he likes California. (They’re originally from Sydney, Australia and now live in New York, both of which are places unlike the West Coast.) Jay seems to really like California. The band toured here for a couple weeks last year and are going to be spending three more weeks in the Golden State for this tour. So far they’ve already ventured to Huntington and Newport Beach, but nothing compares to good ol’ Australia.
During their set, Potsy mentioned their song “Near My Place” was written about some of the fun nights they’ve shared in Australia, so I asked if anything else gave them inspiration. Jay really only gave credit to where they grew up and personal experiences with relationships, which of course led me to ask him about Whitney and The City. When I asked him about whether he felt the show helped Tamarama gain popularity, he said “The City exposure has helped, but I feel people are very quick to see if they like our music or not…”
At this point in the conversation Potsy joined for the last question. I asked what they currently listen to, because I find that an artist’s musical taste doesn’t always reflect the kind of music they themselves make. Tamarama has a very beachy, chill sound, reflecting all the scenic magnificence Australia offers. Jay is really into Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Strange and Phoenix. Potsy is really into Vampire Weekend.
I definitely recommend giving Tamarama a listen. Their songs “Sunsets,” “Sunday Morning” and “Everything to Me” are perfect for those lazy Sundays spent lying in the sun. They’re going to continue their Cali leg of the tour with shows up north, then they’re headed to Oregon. Check em out!
About an hour or so after chatting with the guys from Tamarama, I got a call from Fitz saying the band had successfully made it to the show, and they were ready for their set. I hadn’t heard much of Fitz and the Tantrums before the show, but oh am I glad I got the chance to hear them! With poignant vocal styles coupled with a bluesy soul sound, Fitz and the Tantrums is composed of Fitz and Noelle on vocals, John on drums, James on saxophone and flute, Ethan on bass and Jeremy stroking the keyboards. This recently formed band, only about two years old, has come together beautifully to mix a big band feel with modern indie soul that creates a sound unlike any other band I’ve heard in a while. During their set, one of their frenetic fans even turned to me and professed her love for this six man (and woman) band, saying they’re “infectious” and suggesting to me that I follow them on tour because of their amazing live sets. And indeed, amazing is the word to use. They got the whole crowd involved during “Don’t Gotta Work It Out,” “Moneygrabber” and “Love.” Their album Songs for a Breakup Volume I is out and available on iTunes. Download it, and let the powerhouse duo of Noelle and Fitz’s vocals flood your eardrums.
Tamarama will continue to tour the US until August 15th with a show ending in Las Vegas for the Surf Roots Tour, a tour perfectly suited for their musical style. For a full list of dates and times, check out Tamarama’s Myspace. Fitz & the Tantrums will be returning back home to lovely Los Angeles until their next gig August 19th in San Diego at the Casbah. A list of more of the bands soulful shows can also be found on their Myspace, myspace.com/fitzsoulmusic.
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