News
Fitz and the Tantrums to headline W.I.L.D.
The group that organizes Washington University’s biggest on-campus performances twice each year has yet to book openers, though it is in the final stages of doing so.
Fitz and The Tantrums is a six-member band led by Michael Sean “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, a crooner with a distinctive voice and a feel for the group’s signature electric organ. He’s backed up by singer Noelle Scaggs, saxophonist James King, bass guitarist Joseph Karnes, and drummer John Wicks.
Their sound can be described as pop soul, a mélange of James Brown and Coldplay. They have a distinct, electronic Motown vibe to all of their songs, which have been featured in promotional commercials for “Criminal Minds,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Inside the NHL.”
Since forming in 2008, the band has released one full length album called “Picking Up the Pieces,” performed several times on TV and once at Lollapalooza, and even served as the house band for the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. They are known for several of their songs including “MoneyGrabber.”
According to Team 31 co-president, sophomore Casey Hochberg, the band’s affect matches the atmosphere the group is hoping to bring to this year’s W.I.L.D.
“They’re exactly the type of summer night vibe we want. They blend soul and funk and have the vibe that we want for spring W.I.L.D.,” Hochberg said.
The group sifted through YouTube videos of all the bands they were considering before finally deciding on Fitz and The Tantrums because of its high energy live performances.
Leading up to the reveal, Team 31 posted numerous clues about the artist on its Twitter page.
Student Life, as well as a number of students, correctly guessed that Fitz and The Tantrums would be headlining the show.
“I think this group has a cross genre appreciation,” Hochberg said. “It’s so accessible and it’s going to be such a fun feel, such a fun atmosphere. It’s exactly what a spring W.I.L.D. is supposed to be”
W.I.L.D. will take place on Friday, April 27 in the Brookings Quadrangle. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert will start at 6 p.m. It is free for all Washington University students.