“Spot”light on FiKus
lsg spot – Snowbound
by Lisa Sanchez Gonzalez
I had this revelation today. I would say that I enjoy the “jam band” genre, but I am not necessarily a follower. So, this one slipped through the cracks for me. But, thanks to Derek Haviland at Full Circle Music, I have been redeemed! I sat today and just grooved all day on music that just made me want to get up and dance starting with a song called Birthday Cake. They are coming to CT next week and I cannot wait!
Fikus is a 5 piece “Electro-Funkadelic Hip-Rock” band self-described as follows: “FiKus is a synthesis of analog and digital sounds that combines progressive melodies with tasty grooves, electronic beats, and edgy vocals to form their own signature style of music.” Hailing from New Jersey, they have released two EP’s in the course of the last 2 years, Plus and Mover Shaker.
I was able to spend a few minutes speaking with guitarist Steve Malone.
Lsg: I have apparently been living under a rock. Who are FiKus and why should I be paying attention?
Steve: FiKus are 5 guys from New Jersey. Most of us met in high school and we really started getting serious after I graduated college in 2008. We have tons of energy on stage. We have a lot of fun and I think we really transfer that to the people in the crowd. Everyone seems to have fun and come prepared to dance a lot.
lsg: You guys have released 2 EPs already and you are set to release a 3rd this year, when is that going to happen and compare it/contrast it to your 2 previous EPs.
Steve: We’re going into the studio in April. Probably the first weekend. I think that the approach to the new one, I feel like we’ve gotten a more patient and focused sound. Maybe more rocking. More dancing. And more vocals.
lsg: You have a fairly extensive tour under way with a stop here in CT. What’s your favorite part of gigging?
Steve: My favorite part of gigging, honestly, is just playing. I love playing and seeing everyone smiling and dancing with us. We are always having fun and having a party on stage. And we just hope everyone will join us. That’s really what it’s all about.
lsg: What does the rest of 2013 look like for FiKus?
Steve: Mainly doing shows. Tomorrow we start doing 9 shows in a row and up until basically St Patrick’s day. We are ending with our home away from home, Olives in Nyack which is like 15 minutes from my house. We’ll hopefully have some time to record some stuff. Definitely looking forward to playing Connecticut and plan to play a few times there this year. We also have a lot of festivals we are doing as well.
lsg: It’s Valentine’s Day. Cupid. Friend or Foe?
Steve: He’s a friend. There is a lot of love. We may be from New Jersey but we have a lot of love!
Pretty sure a show with FiKus is definitely going to be a love fest! – lsg
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Source: Local Band Review