Foreign Figures combines the dynamic musicianship of an established rock band with the catchy hooks of a pop act to create something worth paying attention to. Foreign Figures released their album Paradigm earlier this year, which you can stream here. Get a feel for the band through their cinematic video for "Paradigm" here. 

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band:

Eric Michels - Vocals
Jonny Tanner - Guitar
Seth Dunshee - Bass
Steve Michels - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Foreign Figures? How long has the band been around?

Most of us were in high school bands that spanned from Emo to Metal and Classic Rock, but none of us were a part of a "real band" until we formed Foreign Figures in July 2014. So we have been around for just over 2 years now.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name came up as we were brainstorming possible band names in our group chat. We probably threw out over 200 names, but nothing really clicked until Eric came up with Foreign Figures. Although we didn't pick the band name with a specific reasoning behind it, "Foreign Figures" has grown to have its own personal meaning to each of us.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

We co-write all the music, but Eric writes all the lyrics and leads most of our writing sessions. Musically, Foreign Figures can probably best be described as fusing wide sounding, drum heavy, rock anthems with hip hop rhythms, soulful vocals, and arena inspired tones. Most of our songs speak to the realities of life: good times, bad times, dealing with anxiety, etc. Our album, "Paradigm" deals lyrically with our experience/worries/excitement in deciding to pursue music full time as we put careers and schooling aside. Overall, we like to write life affirming music. I'm sure we will have some change in the future, but living life with the glass half full is how we like to do it.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

This differs for each of the band members, but here is a list of bands/artists that we've been listening to lately: Coldplay, U2, OneRepublic, Nothing but Thieves, Polyphia, Justin Timberlake, and specifically Wayne Sermon's guitar from Imagine Dragons.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I think we all would name a different band for this one, since we all got into music at a young age,  but when we started the band we were all really into Imagine Dragons. They had just blown up a few years before, and they played in Provo often before they got big. It was inspiring to us. And their live show is so energetic, we wanted to emulate that.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

We have a little ritual where kinda do this group circle for a moment and pump each other up, say motivational stuff. Depending on the show and circumstance, pushups and red bull have also been a factor, haha.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Objectively, when we were able to open for X Ambassadors earlier this year was an awesome moment. We also had a song used during the Golf US Open, it was really cool to get some national TV exposure. We are also opening for American Authors this Saturday (August 27th), we are stoked for that. On a personal level, being able to grow a supportive fan base and connect with such amazing people has been a favorite "highlight" thus far. We also released our first full album, "Paradigm" this April, which we recorded, mixed and mastered ourselves. It was a tough and grueling task, and we are really proud of it.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

One of the few bands we can all agree upon and really love is Coldplay - I know we would really enjoy touring with them. 21 Pilots, Imagine Dragons, One Republic would all be great as well. Bands from the past (and I guess still present) would definitely be Journey and U2.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for the feature. Feel free to check out our new album and latest shows on Spotify, iTunes, or our website, www.foreignfigures.com 

Upcoming Shows:
August 27 - Richmond, UT @ Cherry Peak Resort w/ American Authors