Call it love. Call it fun. Hell, just call it fun loving; this phrase simplifies France On Fire's music to a T. Everywhere France On Fire goes, they give people something to take home with them. Whether it is catchy chorus lyrics, an unforgettable melody they can whistle, or a kazoo they may have caught from a band member, everyone remembers one hell of a good time. France On Fire's sound has been compared to the likes of Neil Young, Weezer, The Beatles, and Blind Melon. Although their live show displays quite a bit of fun, their lyrical content goes much deeper than that. Topics range from introspective content to socio-political rants on everyday life and even a fictitious story or two.
The roots of France On Fire started in 1996 when Chris Radwanski and Justin Simon met and began their musical endeavors with one another. After a trial and error with different members through the years, they found themselves playing at the best of their ability alongside drummer Eddie Simmons and bassist Glenn Croshaw. The band went on to record various demos and started playing three set cover shows all over the Philadelphia area for some extra money. It wasn't until the summer of 2005 that this line up parted ways. Eddie was bored of playing mostly covers and sometimes didn't show up to practice. Chris was upset with him and began writing his own songs as his own side project. Justin felt that he was losing his best friend and longtime band mate. Glenn just seemed to butt heads with Eddie all the time.
Justin discovered how to play the piano by accident while trying to find a melody for a new song. He wrote about five more songs on piano following that incident. Soon after this, Glenn was kicked out of his house, and was living at their studio temporarily. This gave him the free time to help Justin arrange the songs and pump out some of the most amazing bass lines he had ever written. Then, Justin realized that it was foolish for he and Chris to be separated any longer. With a blink of an eye, the duo reunited again, only to decide that two front men wouldn't be a bad idea. They went through a series of drummers and settled on a studio drummer who worked for them while recording. After hearing of the riots that took place in Paris, a close friend suggested the name "France On Fire" Over the course of the next year, more songs came, and for the first time in their history of playing, they began to incorporate four part harmonies within their music, as well expanding their horizons with a plethora of different instruments. During this time, Eddie still remained friends with the band and came out to almost every show.
In November 2006, an incident occurred with their drummer, and Eddie was asked to rejoin under the condition that he took vocal lessons and was 100% dedicated to this project. Now, in 2007, France On Fire is in the process of following up their debut self-titled EP, a three-song collection of retro-indie pop rock that represents the bulk of their music. The three songs are littered with catchy hooks on every instrument, lyrics with a "sing-along" quality, and an enormous emphasis on harmonies.
THE BLACK BEAR SESSIONS is France On Fire's second record, self-recorded by Radwanski. The five songs on The Black Bear Sessions were chosen because they are all part of the "acoustic-based" section of the France On Fire catalogue. Lyrically, they serve as a day-to-day chronicle in the life and times of songwriter Justin Simon, as well as the celebration of music as a way of getting through another day. France On Fire plans to tour the United States in support of their new EP in the Summer of 2007.
07/13/2007 06:00 PM - Arnold's Way 319 West Main St Lansdale, Pennsylvania Cost:$5.00 Description:This is should be a really cool show. Francesco Barone will be playing as well. The show will be from 6-8 pm. Check out Francesco Barone's myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/francescobarone 07/14/2007 08:00 PM - Willow Grove Starbucks 1107 Easton Road Willow Grove, Pennsylvania Cost:free Description:I will be playing an hour set. There will be new material. The store is located at the corner of Fitzwatertown and 611.
I was listening to 'she wants me' yesterday when I was walking.. and it really had me going.. until some lady stopped me to talk to me. who the hell stops someone with head phones on to talk to them? whats this world coming to? hahha, anywho.. just thought id tell you that. have a good one
you are most welcome! I was actually looking for another musician when I saw you guys and thought your name sounded familiar, so I gave you a listen. The conclusion: you guys are pretty damn rad.
FRIENDS AND FANS FROM JERSEY, PHILADELPHIA, AND DC AREAS........
I WILL BE PLAYING A SPECIAL SOLO ACOUSTIC SHOW IN YOUR AREA NEXT WEEK. PLEASE COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. IT WILL BE GREAT TO GO BACK HOME AND THESE WILL BE THE ONLY SHOWS IN YOUR AREA THIS YEAR!!
HELP ME SPREAD THE WORD.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH - EBENEZERS COFFEEHOUSE (CAPITOL HILL, DC)
SHOW STARTS AT 8PM
Haha..why thank you sir! The summer bug is catchin me and the daylight is way nice! lol. Not that I didn't like it before. Glad to hear you like it though! =)
Sounds like you're having major fun! Yay for that! =) Isn't weather great? Over here in NM we had been way hot for a while, but recently it has switched to cold weather. So random. Yay for newer recordings! Sounds pretty sweet.
Have fun at work! Woot! lol And a good-nigh to ya! I'm off to bed as well! Gotta be ready for the last day of school tomorrow. Yep.
Here are the two places I was talking about, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park
http://www.stoneponyonline.com/
and the Brighton Bar in Long Branch
http://www.cojackproductions.com/
what up cuz... i haven't really been home in philly too much lately, but i'm moving to baltimore in july! i'll give you a call soon. love the new stuff. i'm gonna need a cd.
Damn, I'm really sorry I can't make it out tonight. I had previous arrangments that wouldn't really let me hop a train to Doylestown.
I hope to see you guys again soon though.
Hey- The flyer for this weekends show looks awesome. Thanks for posting it! Unfortunately, I wont be making it to the Parlor tho :( Still recovering from Friday... Speaking of Friday.. heres a link to all the pix we got. http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a334/glitterstarrdust/nyc%20bus%20trip%20051107/. Feel free to take any of them. Ill see you around soon! Have a great show this weekend!
