When Orlando’s self-proclaimed “trash rock” band FELICITY released their debut full-length, Dear Universe, in 2021, they didn’t rest on their laurels. Instead, they got right back into the studio and worked on what was next for the band. The result? More than a dozen new FELICITY tracks to unleash upon the world.
For the uninitiated, trash rock can be defined as a blend of pop punk, hard rock, alternative, and metalcore. Having so many inspirations and styles doesn’t sound disjointed or out of place for FELICITY. Instead, they’re able to make their kaleidoscope of influences seamlessly blend together perfectly.
The first single from their effort is the recently released “Levitate.” It’s a song about forgetting who you are when infatuation sets in. The new music fun continues this month with the release of “God Mode,” a song featuring Canadian punk band Calling All Captains.
To celebrate the new tune, FELICITY guitarist Drew Rapier stopped by recently to talk about their new music, playing live, and how important social media (especially TikTok) is for bands to promote themselves these days.
“Levitate” was your first new track since the release of Dear Universe. How does it feel to have some new music out?
It feels INCREDIBLE. We had to sit on Dear Universe for one and a half years due to COVID. Now, it’s been almost two years since it was released, so it’s been a long time coming.
What has the initial feedback been on the song?
It’s been remarkable! “Levitate” got added to a Spotify editorial playlist, which has been a big goal for us for a couple of years now! It’s already our most successful song launch in its first 30 days, complete with more streams than several fan-favorite songs on Dear Universe. We are really blown away with the response and support so far!
This year, you’ve got plans to release several more songs. What can fans expect from you musically for the rest of the year?
“Levitate” is the first of 17 new FELICITY tracks we have ready to go! We have been working with Andrew Wade and Andy Karpovck at The Audio Compound in Winter Park, FL for two years now, creating as much music as possible. Hence, we never have to go through another one and a half year drought of new FELICITY music ever again! We plan on releasing a new FELICITY song every six weeks from now on – forever (hopefully)!
Now that we live in a world where streaming is the primary way people listen to music, do you think it’s as important to release full albums still?
It’s not as important as it used to be. However, as artists, we will always cherish the album as an art form and will strive to keep the classic “album” alive in some way, shape, or form. There is something special about a collection of songs that represents a time frame or period in the artist’s life that can make it resonate with an audience differently.
For the uninitiated, how would you describe FELICITY?
We are a trash rock band who is banned from Lowe’s, Target, and Home Depot and loves to drink White Claw.
You recently opened for The Used. How did their fans react to you?
They were fantastic! We had to win them over initially, but by the end, they were all having a blast and singing along.
Any future touring plans this year?
We hope so! Just waiting on Dan Marsala of Story of the Year to finally return my texts! (TAKE US ON TOUR, DAN!)
What’s a typical FELICITY show like?
Our favorite thing about being in a band is the live performance. We leave everything on the stage and put as much energy into the performance as possible. We always try to live the mantra that, if there are five people or 5,000 people in the crowd, each one of them paid their hard-earned money to see us. They could be anywhere in the world right now, but they paid to be entertained by us, so they’re going to get the same show, regardless of the size of the crowd. We also try to be spontaneous. You might even occasionally hear a random Nickelback or Papa Roach cover if we’re feeling froggy.
Looking at the current musical landscape, what new bands excite you the most these days?
There are so many amazing bands we know right here in Orlando you should check out! Magnolia Park, Meet Me @ The Altar, Capstan, 408, Dark Divine, to name a few!
You have a sizable social media presence. What are your keys to success online?
Have fun, be yourself, and make the content YOU want to make. If you are having FUN making videos, you’re doing the right thing. When we stopped focusing on the numbers and started focusing on if we were having FUN, we ended up being way more consistent with how often we were posting and how often we were filming and making content. That led to us leveling up our content game WAY FASTER, and that eventually lead to our numbers growing. That is the most significant advice I could give any band, influencer, or content creator.
Do you have any advice for bands who want to start taking advantage of social media to promote themselves?
Stop resisting TikTok. It will change your life! It’s the most significant platform/tool for a musician ever!
What are you most excited about in terms of FELICITY these days?
Just the excitement about our new songs. There is genuinely just so much support and buzz around these songs. We have so many new exciting features, collaborations, and so much news we can’t wait to share with everyone!
Any last words?
Make sure you pre-save “GOD MODE” featuring Calling All Captains out July 19th! And, follow @wearefelicity anywhere you want to! We love you!
FELICITY Socials: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
Editor’s Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.