Who doesn't love to have fun? Personally, I am all up for fun of any kind. So imagine my excitement when I get a call to interview the band 'fun.'. Haven't heard of them? You're missing out. The name is more than a band; it's a state of mind.
fun. is an indie pop band based out of New York, New York that came to Chicago on tour with Taking Back Sunday and Anberlin, along with singer/songwriter Gavin Castleton.
The band is comprised of three already accomplished artists, Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, Jack Antonoff of Steel Train and Andrew Dost of Anathallo. With such diverse backgrounds and experience, the three members came together seamlessly, creating their new sound by highlighting each others talents. “We each brought what we do best as band members to the group,” says lead singer and songwriter of the group, Nate Ruess. “There were no complications in forming the band. We've toured together before and we have such a great respect for what we all do – songwriter, guitarist, drummer. We met, we formed, and at the end of the week we were recording.”
Aim & Ignite, fun.'s first album, released August 25th of this year, but it already has an impressive following. While the band played on stage I found myself surrounded by fans who already knew every word to every song. One fan, Brittanie Ahrens from Florida, was sitting next to me at her sixth fun. concert. “There isn't a single word to describe fun.,” says Brittanie. “Their music is amazing; Nate is such an amazing songwriter. There's nothing like them. They're indescribable,” she adds.
“At Least I'm Not As Sad (As I Used To Be),” one of the bands' latest singles, plays on my computer as I write this piece. Brittanie's right; it's upbeat, catchy, foot tapping music, but more so, it's fun. (no pun intended). “The whole album {Aim and Ignite} is a really positive, optimistic soundtrack,” says Nate. “Our music has a sound that is uniquely our own.” The music is hard to compare to anything else I've heard, but don't simply take my word for it, preview the tracks for yourself at www.myspace.com/fun. You can be sure that songs like “All The Pretty Girls,” and "Benson Hedges,” will soon have prime-time, playing time on my IPod and, here's hoping, radio waves everywhere. “I dare anyone to sound like us,” says Nate, not arrogantly but intently. “There's such diversity within the group. We create a sound that isn't out there right now.”
Nate's passion for his craft is palpable, and during our interview the singer/songwriter from Iowa City is warm, engaging, and entertaining. There was an ease about him and a down-to-earth quality that was truly refreshing. On weekends, you're more likely to find him playing video games, most specifically NBA Basketball. (Sorry Bulls fans, but he roots for the Toronto Rapters, but he missed the opening night to play at the House of Blues. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is).
But you might find it surprising that the sushi loving songwriter has an aversion to seeing concerts from the audience. “I’m not a big fan of watching live performances,” he admits. “I’d rather be up there myself.” And who can blame him? Nate's off stage personality is ubiquitous with his on stage persona. On stage, he plays to the crowd, engaging them in the music and living up to the name of the band. fun. has all the elements that one wants to see on stage; their fun, relatable and full of life. They rocked the House of Blues and set the tone for Anberlin to take the stage. The energy in the sell-out crowd was contagious; seeing them live made me an instant fan. That, and the fact that Nate afforded me an interview before the concert, despite the fact I didn't get the message it had been pushed back by three hours (the downfall of leaving your cell at home).
But in between talks of Pinky and Brain (when I asked Nate what he wants and hopes for in the next year, he answered jokingly 'world domination' – awesome), and discussions of favorite haunts in Chicago (Wrigleyville), Nate is optimistic about fun.'s ambitions. “We're looking at this tour {With Taking Back Sunday} as a way for us to get our sound out there and reach our fans,” says Nate. “This new tour… in one word…awesome.” fun. is looking to headline their own tour on the west coast in the coming months.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to speak with the other members of the band. Jack wasn't on tour and I couldn't get backstage to see Andrew after the show, being stopped by bouncers after the concert. But I have no doubt they are just as much fun as Nate. So what's the story behind the name ‘fun.’? “Someone said ice cream, and I liked the association that came with it,” says Nate playfully. “The next word someone said was 'fun' and I thought, 'that's great.'” And fun. was born. Whether or not that is the true origin of the band's name, you can be sure that the name will set the tone for when you see this band in concert.
“I think the next year will bring a lot of great things for us,” says Nate. And here's hoping your next year is filled with lots of fun..
Afterthought:
If you like bands like fun. who are down to earth, approachable, and truly love their fans, then music lovers need to check out Highlife, a quartet of native Chicagoans, playing tonight at Subterranean (2011 W North Ave).
