The band name originated from a slang phrase used by students at Eric Sean Nally's high school where Foxy Shazam meant "cool shoes". On February 7, 2010, their single Unstoppable was featured in Super Bowl XLIV.
In 2008, the band were named one of the 100 bands you need to know by Alternative Press. They toured with bands such as The Strokes, Bad Rabbits, and The Young Veins. In 2010, the band were placed on Spin's list of ten bands you need to know. Since then, they've appeared on TV programs such as the Daily Haibt. Also in 2010, vocalist Eric Nally helped write songs for Meat Loaf's album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear.
Foxy Shazam have previously toured with Hole and played this year's Lollapalooza festival. They've been appearing in more magazines supporting their latest release like Alternative Press and Spin. They played a 3 song set for The Daily Habit Show on Fuel.tv. They recently performed a 5 song set for shockhound.com. They also recently performed 3 songs acoustic for Spin Magazine, one of which was a brand new song entitled "I'm in love with a boy." The band performed a full set and interview on Chicago's JBTV in July 2010. The band have also performed a live an exclusive version of "oh Lord" for music discovery app and namesake Shazam.
Foxy Shazam's first album, The Flamingo Trigger is seen as a post-hardcore album, with some slight classical influences. The band more resembled peers such as Chiodos and The Fall of Troy. With their second release, Introducing, the band incorporated more genres into their sound, and even making ballads, though still with some post-hardcore influence. Their latest release, Foxy Shazam, has influences ranging from Gospel, Soul, and Glam Metal. The band continues to surprise fans by keeping themselves original.
A quote from lead singer, Eric Sean Nally: "When I listen to a Foxy Shazam record I think of Evel Knievel, Bruce Springsteen, my childhood, Van Morrison, my old friends from high school I don't talk to anymore, Elton John, the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond, Iggy Pop and my first kiss. One of my favorite things to do when listening to my music is to close my eyes and picture a crowd of six million people all chanting "Foxy! Foxy! Foxy!" The lights go out and my band walks on stage. It gives me goose bumps. It all makes sense to me. When you listen to our record, think of your favorite things and it'll make sense to you as well. Foxy Shazam is not concerned with what category it falls into. We want to stand for our generation. We want to be the biggest band in the world. We want to be the Michael Jordan of Rock N' Roll."
Many media outlets compare the band to Queen and Meat Loaf because of their use of theatrics and over-the-tops lyrics. The band themselves have noted the similarities but believe that they are just all influenced by the same things. It's not always music that influences the band, it could even be a smell that triggers a memory.
Eric Sean Nally has said an album that influenced him was Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. The magazine Alternative Press has compared the band to bands like Queen, My Chemical Romance, and The Darkness while also believing that the band has a very unique sound that should best be seen live.
Ghost Animals
Foxy Shazam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In my motel room, I've almost died before
I'd gladly do it again, I just can't be beat
They took my arms and threw them over there
And they took my legs and threw them over there
Pop your booty till you get some heat and friction
Make some history that nobody be forgettin'
It's life or death, you gotta make those consequences
When I think my time is up I come back around
I died last night, but I'm here today
Can you explain that my friend?
Yes I can, it means that you are a ghost my friend
The lyrics to Fox Shazam's song "Ghost Animals" are an interesting juxtaposition of dark and fantastical imagery. The song opens with the singer facing a grizzly bear in their motel room, almost dying before. Despite this deathly encounter, the singer is almost eager to experience it again, asserting that they cannot be beaten. The next lines describe the dismemberment of the singer's limbs, which are discarded haphazardly.
The following lines are seemingly disconnected from the initial imagery, instead focusing on the act of dancing, specifically suggesting that one must "pop their booty" until they create heat and friction. These lines are followed by a call to action, to "make some history" that will not be forgotten, and to recognize that every action has consequences, even if it's a matter of life or death.
Overall, the lyrics to "Ghost Animals" are cryptic and surreal, hinting at a deeper meaning that is kept just out of reach. The image of encountering a grizzly bear hints at a primal confrontation, and the idea of being dismembered suggests a loss of control or autonomy. The call to action to create a legacy and recognize consequences suggests a desire for agency and meaning in the face of chaos and the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
There I was face to face with a grizzly bear
I found myself in an unexpected situation where I was frightened of a powerful animal.
In my motel room, I've almost died before
I was in a dangerous situation once in my accommodation and was almost killed.
I'd gladly do it again, I just can't be beat
Even though I faced death, I am confident in my abilities and am willing to take risks again.
They took my arms and threw them over there
I was subjected to a violent act where my arms were forcibly removed from my body and thrown away.
And they took my legs and threw them over there
I was further violated when my legs were detached from my body and discarded.
Pop your booty till you get some heat and friction
Dance passionately until you generate enough momentum and energy to make an impact.
Make some history that nobody be forgettin'
Create a lasting impact on the world so that your name and deeds will never be forgotten.
It's life or death, you gotta make those consequences
Your choices and actions can have either positive or negative outcomes, and you must be cautious and responsible in making them.
Ghost animals
A reference to elements of the supernatural world that our senses cannot naturally perceive, yet may exist nonetheless.
When I think my time is up I come back around
Even when I feel that I have reached the end of my time, I find a way to revive and endure.
I died last night, but I'm here today
Although I experienced death, I have managed to return to life.
Can you explain that my friend?
Can you provide an understanding as to how I have returned to life?
Yes I can, it means that you are a ghost my friend
I can explain it. Your return to life may signify that you are a supernatural being, such as a ghost.
Contributed by Elizabeth H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.