By Amy Sondova Family Force 5 is back and as unique as ever on their sophomore album, Dance or Die, the first release on their own label, Transparent Media Group. Known for their unique blend of punk, rock, and funk (“crunk rock”) FF5 is like nothing you’ve ever seen or heard.
The band itself is composed guitarist, singer, and head break-dancer Solomon Olds “Soul Glow Activatur” as well as his brothers, twins Jacob “Crouton” (drums/vocals) and Joshua “Phatty” (bass/vocals). Friends Nathan Currin “Nadaddy”(deck/keys) and Derek Mount “Chap Stique” (bassist) make up the rest of the family. Deciding it was unfair that only rappers should get funky performance name, the band generally goes by their “rocker names”. Of course, there is also stage dancer, tambourine player, and technician Xanadu, who is officially an unofficial member of the band.
Releasing their first album Business in the Front, Party in the Back in 2006, FF5 has received critical acclaim from a wide spectrum of the music industry. Heralded by many media outlets, FF5 is considered to be the next big thing, even voted by CCM Magazine as “Most Likely to be the Breakout Artist of 2008”. While rocking out on the Warped Tour, Solomon “Soul Glow Activatur” Olds recently took the time to “Take 5” with Backseat Writer.
Family Force 5’s back with Dance or Die, so if I don’t dance, will I really die?
Yes, a cruel death will be dealt to you by the 5 horsemen of the Dance-floor apocalypse. They all play in this band. You will be trampled on by our pop locking horses and trust me, our horse whisperer, Xanadu, keeps the horses dancing with a fiery vengeance!!
You guys really shine during your live show, how did you encompass all that fun into recording Dance or Die?
We rented as many Tesla coil machines we could to generate lightning and when the machines were up to par with our live show- we pressed record!! We captured lightning on a recording and it’s called DANCE OR DIE.
What are one or two of your favorite songs on the new album and why?
“Radiator” and “How in the World.” “Radiator” because it has a shuffle type of groove plus it sounds very futuristic. The lyrics are something straight of Blade Runner, the movie. “How in the World.” because it also sounds futuristic but this time it’s like an Ewok celebration.
Anything freakishly weird happen on the Vans Warped Tour this year (you know, like last year)?
Yeah, I just found a bunch of corn last night and we shucked them all and grilled out for the whole tour. I hope no gets sick….but mmm mmm mmm it was good!!!
And for new FF5 fans out there, what is Xanadu?”
Xanadu is the most amazing dancer/hype man around. He was raised in Germany by wolves and he is currently recording a dance DVD right now.
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