By Abi Falin
Foreign Figures, a band consisting of Jonny T (lead creator, vocals, guitar), EJ Michels (vocals, piano), Seth 78 (vocals, bass), and Steve Michels (drums) creates music formed out of “introspection, wonder, and curiosity.” Jonny’s musical connection “began in the womb, for real.” His parents DJ’d together when his mom was pregnant with him and “apparently, [he] got crazy to Earth, Wind & Fire; War; the Bee Gees, etc.” Jonny jokes that his mother probably chose to avoid loud music after a while.
The recording of Foreign Figures’ 2019 EP, Everything Is Never As It Seems, coincided with the design and creation of their own recording studio. Jonny says that the songs released during that time represent the “cream of the crop.” Everything Is Never As It Seems diverges from the band’s more recent releases, presented with a light and energetic tone. Akin to an introspective version of bossbeat, the songs on the album have a prominent bass line and backbeat emphasis that makes me feel like I’m walking to the beat of my own movie soundtrack.
One of my favorite songs on the EP is “Give Me Some More.” The song has a memorable beat and lyrics: “Wishing I could be them, trying hard to fit in, haven’t seemed to have much luck. I can change my hair, find nicer clothes to wear, but trying to get noticed sucks.” The song’s relatable theme about trying to fit in but not feeling at home anywhere is what makes it a standout to me.
The title track, “Everything is Never As It Seems,” takes a different approach than the other songs on the EP, starting with a delicate piano intro and lilting vocals that evolve into hard guitar and drums with the frustrated words: “everything is never as it seems.” To me it feels like floating under a starry sky, trying to understand the complexity of the universe. What is real? And why is it real?
As well as making killer alt pop rock, Foreign Figures is also in the process of creating a public-facing studio in Provo, Utah that will allow other artists and bands to record their music. Band members Jonny T and Seth 78 develop music for other businesses. Their company, Trending Audio, creates unique audios for companies to use in place of popular TikTok songs.
They’re only able to do this because of the years spent honing their sound and developing their craft. Everything Is Never As It Seems was a massive step forward for Foreign Figures. The 5.2 million Spotify streams from this release alone is a testament to their staying power in the Provo music industry. It’s definitely worth a listen.
Make sure to follow Foreign Figures on Instagram. You can listen to “Give Me Some More” below!
Provo Music Magazine 