Seattle-based funk collective Foxy Apollo are masters when it comes to captivating an audience. Dipped in jazzy brass melodies and dripping with seductive lyricism, the enigmatic group has captured the attention of countless listeners up and down the western Washington coast through characteristically energetic performances, revitalized covers, and carefully crafted originals off the band’s debut 2020 album, ‘Sweet Talk.’ With the last two years spent writing, rehearsing, and performing unreleased pieces, Foxy Apollo is promising a strong return to the scene through their newest single, ‘New Shade of Blue,’ releasing December 31st.
Several changes have been made since ‘Sweet Talk,’ notably the departure of former vocalist TyeLeah Nanto and the addition of guitarist Shaun Quick. However, the high-energy soul-funk sounds so characteristic to Foxy’s style are still very much apparent in this newest release, mixed with echoey, ambient synth that results in a chilled-out track highlighting the band’s musical evolution over the last few years.
‘New Shade of Blue’ tells the story of sudden, unexpected endings and the process of starting back over from square one. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Ashkenazy, the lyricism is purposefully stated, perfectly encapsulating the relatable feelings of being knocked off your feet and forced to begin again, a little less whole than before. The listener is pulled along as Ashkenazy battles with feelings of confusion and sadness, but appears overall hopeful about this new path, the new shade of blue that has been created.
“I was grieving while writing this song,” said Ashkenazy. “Something that made me feel really good at the time was painting. I’m not a good painter, but I love blending different shades and colors, trying to see if I can make something I’ve never seen before. I wrote the song while sitting on the floor of my room with an acoustic guitar. The notepad that I was writing the lyrics on had a bunch of blue paint stains, and that’s what gave me the idea for the title.”
Opening with a spacey intro reminiscent of being lost in what was once so familiar, the two-and-a-half-minute track combines reverberating drum beats, echoed vocals, and atmospheric instrumentation for a dazed audial experience that leaves the listener feeling like they’re floating throughout the stratosphere. A higher-energy chorus and speedy recitation of the second verse injects the traditional Foxy liveliness so well-loved by listeners, once again proving the group’s ability to compose dual-purpose pieces — allowing the audience both to enjoy the surface-level sound of the track and the deeper meaning of the lyrics. ‘New Shade of Blue’ is the perfect soundtrack for all situations, an all-purpose track that is certain to appeal to the masses.
In celebration of the new release, the collective worked with Freshwater Media to create their debut music video. Filmed and edited by Jake Isom and Stephen Smith, the video follows Ashkenazy, bassist Zachary Schmidt, keyboardist and trumpeter Jackson Cruz, and drummer Dallas Quick throughout spots in Bellingham, intermingled with shots from a recent live performance of the single and flirtatious clips of Ashkenazy singing directly to the camera. The video’s most notable component, however, was a shot of the four members flinging blue paint at a large canvas, which would later become the album art for the single.
“It was an absolute blast to explore the themes of the song in a visual and engaging way,” noted Isom and Smith. “We are incredibly excited for people to watch the ‘New Shade of Blue’ music video.”
Despite the lengthy hiatus between the release of ‘Sweet Talk’ and the premiere of ‘New Shade of Blue,’ Foxy Apollo has proven once again to be a force to be reckoned with, returning to the scene with the perfect track to celebrate the new year.
“I hope people listen to ‘New Shade of Blue’ and feel a desire to make something out of nothing, start fresh, and live in the present moment,” concluded Ashkenazy.
Foxy Apollo’s newest single will be available on streaming platforms starting tomorrow, but BREAKOUT readers can get their first listen in here with our premiere of the ‘New Shade of Blue’ music video.