Interview With NYC's 'The F-Units' Part 1
Lead Singer Reflects On The Band's Formation and Future
Aug 5, 2009
The F-Units are an up and coming rock band from New York City in the United States. Scotty, the lead singer from this outfit answered a few of Suite 101's questions.
101: For those who aren't familiar with the F-Units, can you describe your sound?
Scotty: We're a punk-influenced hard rock band from New York City. F-Units were electronic locomotives built by GM in the 50's - the 'f' standing for "freight". We've always likened our sound to our name: hard, loud, heavy, and faster than a runaway freight train.
We started out as a punk-ish, power-pop trio with old-school punk and 1990's punk influences while embracing the 'gritty' stigma that's attached to being from New York. Our sound, however, is definitely "polished" and often compared to something from the West Coast. There's some classic hard rock in there as well.
Once you start putting yourself into the music, it's amazing what people want to compare you to. For instance, I was born in and spent most of my life in New Orleans, the cradle of rock n roll, jazz, rhythm and blues. Our song "Hypocrite" has horns in it. All of a sudden, we're told we play 'ska music'. I like ska, but those horns have more to do with New Orleans than anything else.
To realize our full-potential, we added a 4th member and have been a four-piece for about 3 years now. Our influences have expanded exponentially, and we have given our sound a wider range. The punk songs come across edgier; the lighter songs are sweeter. There's even some weird old-school country/swamp-stomp thing happening in some songs.
101: How, when and where were the F-Units formed?
Scotty: In 2003, Tommy Unit (bass) and I played in a glam-punk band together, and we shared a mutual disdain for our erratic frontman. One frozen New York City night in February 2004, he informed us that he wasn't going to make it to a show that we had planned for months, so I jumped on vocals and we played without him. It was a blast and a huge success.
Tommy and I quit the next day and began writing songs together. F-Units was born. Max 'Mayhem' Holland joined on lead guitar in 2007, becoming an equal contributor to our sound and songwriting. Frankie Coleman joined in on drums in 2007 later that year, and his massive drumming-style will be featured on the next album.
101: Who are your musical inspirations?
Scotty: Everyone in the band will give you a completely different answer as to 'who' are 'what' our collective inspirations are. I'm a sucker for a good pop-hook, and that's what I aspire to create. I like telling stories and watching people shake their asses while we put music to it.
As far as success is concerned, I'm inspired by those that have persevered through adversity and criticism while maintaining their unique voice and creativity in this over-stimulated culture of decreasingly short attention-spans. Last week, both Green Day and AC/DC played sold out shows in NYC.
Something must be said for the longevity of bands like that. Aerosmith comes to mind as well. They found a formula that transcends generations. I think the biggest inspiration for us is the Ramones because they kept on going until the very end whether they were successful or not. They are the ultimate 'street-cred' band.
101: What are your aspirations as a band? Where do you see the F-Units in ten years time?
Scotty: The aspirations are to be every bit as successful as the bands that have influenced us. We have the ability and drive to do so, but it may require lightening in a bottle in the current music industry model. Our immediate goal is to get some songs placed for broadcast - commercials, tv shows, radio, etc. We need to get the word out. Hopefully in 10 years time, we'll be recording our 5th studio album and touring stadiums internationally!
To conclude this part, Scotty firmly believes that the F-Units are a band on the up. They have massive aspirations, and intend to grow many times bigger than their current size.
Check out part 2 where Scotty discusses their new album as well as 'Reject On Impact' here.
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