BEYOND THE MASK: INTERVIEW WITH UTAH BAND FOREIGN FIGURES

Alternative pop band Foreign Figures [EJ Michaels (vocals), Jonny T (guitar), Seth 78 (bass), and Steve Michels (drums)} has made major strides in recent years within the local music community in Utah.

With the breakout EP entitled “Overzealous,” Foreign Figures took Utah stages by storm, cultivating their versatile sound while appealing to anyone and everyone who ever felt “different.” Shortly afterwards, Foreign Figures had songs featured in Utah-made award-winning films City of Salt and Avocado Toast.

Most recently, frontman EJ Michels has been featured on NBC’s The Voice (team Blake Shelton and later Niall Horan). Blowing the coaches away with his effortless vocals and passionate depth, we can’t help but cheer for EJ, along with Foreign Figures as a whole, as they continue to take the nation by storm. ZIFA had the honor of interviewing Foreign Figures about the music video “The Fever,” which confronts societal expectations and the masks we wear, which often clash with our true latent selves.

EJ Michels - Image credit: NBC “The Voice”

ZIFA: What is “The Fever” all about?! What inspired you to create this masterpiece? 

FF: “The Fever” is a metaphor of the perfectionistic culture that I grew up in that really affected my mental health and ability to live authentically. Even though I am living my truth, there is still a part inside of me that wants to "feed the fever," or in other words, obtain that kind of perfection of self that I aspired to. I was inspired to write this song with my own struggle of identity and in revealing my vulnerabilities. I think many people are all struggling with very similar things if it's really narrowed down to the core.

Screen grab from “The Fever”

ZIFA: Where did you film it? And how long did it take? How did you secure the locations?

FF: We filmed in three different locations on three different days. Delta, UT, Provo, Ut, and Ogden, UT. We worked with a wonderful team. 

ZIFA: The jurors commented on the artistic shots, lighting, and production value. What was it like building your team for this video?

FF: We have the incredible Cameron Gade to thank for directing the music video as well as building the team with us. Every single person working on this project was a master in their own right. Jared Fadel - being the DP - it was just an honor to work with such a talent.

ZIFA: What was the biggest challenge you faced during production and/or post-production? 

FF: Getting everyone on board with the same vision. With so many different opinions on the story and performances, we got to a great place, but it took a lot of work, understanding, and communication to get there.

ZIFA: What was the most memorable moment on set? 

FF: For me, it was inside the warehouse filming inside the fabric box. I remember getting acting direction from Cameron when I was "putting on the gold mask" and I will never forget how nervous I felt yet empowered by him at the same time. 

Screen grab from “The Fever”

ZIFA: What message do you hope that this video achieves for audiences?

FF: That everyone is hiding some kind of version of themselves behind a mask and that we are much more similar to each other than we think. 

ZIFA: Your newest video "BANG" is so empowering. Can you tell us about the inspirations behind it?

FF: We teamed with the amazing Parker Walbeck on this one and wanted to do a high energy performance based video within a short time frame. Location was key on this video as it set the tone and atmosphere for the video. 

ZIFA: What is next for the band? Any projects in the works?

FF: We have so many things in the works. Solo project albums and releases. Local shows. And most importantly new Foreign Figures music to come out starting in May!

ZIFA: Any advice for aspiring musicians and filmmakers?

FF: Don't put too much pressure on yourself, it takes away the fun and creativity. 

ZIFA: How can we find you and follow your work?

FF: You can look us up on foreignfigures.com and follow our socials and spotify for new and upcoming music releases this year!

Interview: Alicia Oberle Farmer