Michael Fitzpatrick of Fitz & the Tantrums is one of the most dynamic frontmen in the music business, turning heads for his mixture of Motown soul and modern edginess. It seems fitting that Fitzpatrick started out on the other side of the glass. As a sound engineer, he learned the trade under producer Mickey Petralia, who’s eclectic resume includes Beck, Flight of the Conchords, and Rage Against The Machine. He brings that ear to his own music, too. When he was originally putting the Tantrums together, Fitzpatrick knew he needed a co-lead singer he could play off of musically. Enter Noelle Scaggs, who previously put in time as a backup for the Black Eyed Peas, Mayer Hawthorne, and Damian Marley. In the live setting, the pair are unstoppable, alternating the spotlight with ease.
Last year, Fitz & the Tantrums stopped by KUTX’s Studio 1A and told us that Austin was the final piece in the band’s rise. In 2010, the group attended SXSW for the first time, but their shows were sparsely-attended and somewhat disheartening. It wasn’t until a final performance for Dangerbird Records at Mellow Johnny’s that something clicked. A few months later, the Tantrums were signed to Dangerbird and well on their way. Now the group has a second album to its name–More Than Just A Dream–and they’re back in Austin for ACL Fest. For today’s song of the day, we’re diving back into their stellar Studio 1A set for a live take on “Out Of My League.”
Catch Fitz & the Tantrums at ACL Fest 2014:
*Sunday, Oct 5 – 4 p.m., Honda Stage
*Wednesday, Oct 8 – 7 p.m., Stubb’s (official ACL late night show)
*Sunday, Oct 12 – 4 p.m., Honda Stage
