For the better part of the past decade Family Force 5 have been known as a genre-defying rock band with a message of positivity too boisterous to be denied. Their music, much like their live show, is a chaotic combination of everything that influences them channeled through a very focused desire to bring joy to the world. That mission is a far greater undertaking than many may suspect, and its one the band has had to work at each and every step of the way. As much as people may claim they want something that makes them feel good, getting music fans to step outside their comfort zone is typically a fairly difficult task. People like what they like, or so they think, and the men of Family Force 5 offer a gateway to new musical horizons.
Recently, the member of Family Force 5 outlined plans for a fall tour that will see them bringing their unique sound and message to fans across the country. This will be the group’s first proper tour since wrapping a stint on Warped Tour over the summer, and the anticipation for their return is palpable in music scenes from coast to coast. To be aware of Family Force 5 is to know there is music that defies classification, and to understand that enables you as an individual to live outside the stereotypes we see everyday. Family Force 5 are a beacon for individuality, and nearly everyone who enjoys their music does so because it serves as a reminder that is okay to be yourself in every situation you encounter. You might not always fit in, of course, but no one fits in all the time. We are all weird in our own ways, but through the music of Family Force 5 we’re encouraged to celebrate those differences rather than attempt to hide them.
It’s probably clear at this point that we’re big fans of Family Force 5, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to speak to the member known as Fatty about the group’s history, as well as their plans for the new tour. It’s a far more serious interview than most of the coverage you will find on the band, but it’s littered with moments of lightheartedness that remind you to never take life any more seriously than you have to because it’s simply not worth the stress. You can find highlights from our conversation below.
H: Hey there, Joshua. Or do you prefer I call you Fatty? I don’t really know what the social norm is in this situation?
FF5: Fatty is awesome..I’ve been going by it for so long that it’s more like my God-Given name.
H: As we conduct this interview there is less than two weeks to go until your next US headlining tour begins. How are you feeling headed into the fall run?
FF5: I’m super excited for this Fall run: 1. I love to play live music. 2. We’re going to be playing a mix of both old and new music!
H: Fun and high energy stage antics are a staple of the Family Force 5 stage show. What kind of training and/or preparation goes into preparing for a run such as ‘Tour Stands Still.’
FF5: Well, that’s a great question! We’ve definitely gotten a routine down by now; while still trying to keep each tour and set unique to the last show our fans have seen. That being said, it usually starts by brainstorming production, IE: Lighting, Backdrops, Music Interludes, stage props, etc. Then, the final touches of our stage clothes really help polish the look and feel of the tour. We try to keep it different every time
H: Many fans likely last caught you live during your time on Warped Tour over the summer. How was that experience?
FF5: We had a really great turn out at Warped Tour! Being on Main Stage was definitely an honor. Not only did our long time fans come out and fill up our signing line, but we also were able to pick up some new FF5 fans and are very grateful for the experience!
H: How does being on a tour like Warped help with marketing versus spending the summer on the road with two or three other artists? Do you find those festival runs help bring in more new fans than smaller tours, or is it a pretty even mix?
FF5: Warped Tour is a great place to be put in front of fans that would have never seen or heard of our band. On other tours we do it’s usually just the people that have heard of us that come out to see us. But, it really is great to see new faces and win new people over.
H: We’re less than six months from the 10-year anniversary of your label debut, Business Up Front/Party In The Back, arriving in stores. You had already been a band for over a decade when that album dropped, but it’s a special date nonetheless. Have you put any thought into how you might celebrate the occasion?
FF5: Yes, I’m going to buy my wife another dog. We already have two.
H: So much about the alternative music scene has changed since 2006. The number of bands who were popular then and are still going today are very few, and even less have managed to make it this far without a significant hiatus at one point or another. With the exception of your brother Solomon (Soul Glow) departing, FF5 has remained in tact and active through it all. To what do you attribute your continued success?
FF5: Hard work, and the LOVE of music! Plain and simple!
H: With all the fun had, both on stage and through interviews, do you ever worry about whether or not people take what you’re doing seriously? I’ve always found that listeners believe there is a fine line between music that is pure fun and music they write off as cheesy or for lack of a better word, silly.
FF5: For us, people are either Hot or Cold. You either love us, or you don’t love us. But I hope you love us. 😉
H: I’ve been fortunate enough to interview members of the band before, and I’ve read quite a few interviews with you and other members over the years, but for whatever reason I never see people talk about your father, Jerome Olds. I’m only 28, but I have loved his music for a long time. “I’d Rather Be Flying” is a personal favorite. Did you spend much time with him on the road as a child?
FF5: Yes
H: The kind of music you’ve created through Family Force 5 is so distant from the music your father made, but I have always been curious if you’ve considered covering him? I think it might be crazy enough to work.
FF5: we have we just have not done it yet
H: Speaking of potential new music, when will the world hear more original creations from Family Force 5?
FF5:we will be playing new music on the tour we are on right now until the new album comes out
H: What is the creative process like for you? Is songwriting a constant process, or something you specifically set aside time to address?
FF5: It’s a little bit of both. We’re always bouncing ideas off of one another; but we definitely set aside specific writing times through out the entire year.
H: I understand every career is different, but I believe there is something everyone in music can learn from a group currently celebrating two-plus decades together. What comprises the ties that have kept the bond between members of FF5 strong all this time?
FF5: Haha, we haven’t been together for two-plus decades…it’s just coming up on one. But, our friendship, family, and faith definitely helps keep us all together.
H: Looking ahead to the future, what are the biggest goals you have for the group? Continued success is the obvious choice, but I’m looking for specifics.
FF5: Consistently creating inspiring music.
H: I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. As I mentioned before, I’ve been following you for a while and love to see your continued success. Alternative music needs more artists that believe in the power of simply having a good time, which is one thing I believe FF5 promotes, and I’ve always wanted the chance to take a slightly more serious look at the inner workings of it all. So again, thanks. Before we depart, do you have anything else you would like to share?
FF5: Keep comin’ out to shows!! We love the support! And keep livin’ the dream!
