Locals, we meet again to chat about some of New Jersey’s hottest musicians. I know we are only apart for a week at a time, but lots of things can happen! I’ve been finding out about some new groups, some cover bands, new material, locals opening up for national acts, bands cover other artists, and so much more. And a lot of this knowledge has been provided to me by you guys, so thank you and keep up the good work! You’ve already read about the group I’m featuring this week in the Radar, but they’re doing big things in the scene and deserve to be brought into the limelight. Ah, Kid Felix, how I love thee.
I came across these guys by chance while judging The Break Contest for Bamboozle, and I have taken quite a liking, or to put it better, loving, to their music. What else can be said about this group that hasn’t already been said? Well, for newcomers, Kid Felix are a flawless example of the philosophy that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s rare to find a six-piece that doesn’t get lost on stage or leave you somewhat confused. Here you will find meaningful lyrics, great rhythms, and a flavor that will leave a long-lasting taste in your mouth. Please allow me to introduce, or reintroduce you all, to the masterpiece that is Kid Felix. Trust me, this won’t be the last time you will be hearing about them, so get familiar while you can.
Kid Felix are a rock and roll band from Laurel Springs, NJ, with members including Jake, Brett, John, another John, Julian, and Ken. You may recognize their lead singer, Jake, for I have done a separate piece on his frontman-ship in the past. His voice is very unique, and he brings a certain lyricism to the songs. He has such an unbelievable tone that catches your attention from the start and never lets it meander. Their songs have a sense of time and place, and it’s refreshing to hear such a real, under-produced sound making it mainstream. The group puts forth some instrumentals that are boundless all on their own. Since I have met them, they have improved their chops and arranging drastically. Not to say that they were ever bad at all, but they have definitely grown in sound. They are edging towards fame on the strength of the things they do best, and not because some tastemaker has declared them the flavor of the week. When the time comes, they’ll honestly be able to say that they earned it. They’ve made me love music so much more, for they showcase real, natural talent. While it’s rare and hard to come by, once you find an act like this, you never let it go!
Their newest EP, Young Luck, is compacted with five smash hits that will make you turn up your stereo. This is a remarkable record, and you’re really missing out if you skip it. In today’s day and age, it’s hard to find an album that I can listen to in full without having to press the skip button. Their EP, Head Above Water, is also noteworthy. Every song is superbly fashioned, performed, and produced. They’ve only been together for a little over a year, but have already played major festivals including the Vans Warped Tour and Bamboozle, in addition to being featured on a number of radio stations. Now, if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I am always ranting and raving about this band, however, they have so many good things happening right now that I had to spread the word. In fact, their single “Class Action Satisfaction” was added into regular rotation on a radio station down south. I see so many fans commenting on how they are requesting their songs, and I can tell how appreciative the boys are, as hard work tends to pay off sometimes. They will be the opening support for Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, which is pretty much remarkable. This show will be going down at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, tickets are available now, and I cannot wait to rock out. Only a few weeks ago, they played to a sold out crowd at TLA in Philadelphia, and are booking shows all over the place.
Kid Felix’s live set is one you don’t want to miss. I am finding more and more that I see familiar faces in the crowd at their shows, which means they are doing something right. The last time I saw them play in Asbury Park, they tried out some new material that pretty much fit like a glove. I can only hope that this means a new release is in the works in the near future. They have covered everything in their time such as Incubus, Muse, and Florence And The Machine, and make each track their own. They always get the crowd involved and leave the place talking, heading right over to the merch table afterwards. In fact, I’ve been known to do a quick wardrobe change every time I see their new band swag, true story. It’s amazing to see the success they’re having and how quickly word is traveling about this band, for they have accomplished more than many bands do in their whole entire careers. Kid Felix are redefining rock and roll, one day at a time.
Whether you catch them on the road opening for national acts, or hear their song on mainstream radio, Kid Felix are going to be a household name sooner or later. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished so far, and cannot wait to see what the future holds. I somewhat feel like a proud mother, watching her same-aged children grow up right before her eyes. Every time I feature this band on my show, I get people calling in wanting more, and Kid Felix will continue to give it to us, with shows, music, features, and more. I hope you give them a shot, as you will never turn back. If you’ve been looking for a group that is edgy, smooth, and packed with a punch, while at the same time keeping you emotionally involved, Kid Felix are the choice for you. I will be back next week with another act of both yours and my liking, bringing local talent into the limelight. In the meantime, keep doing your part and reading these articles, heading out to shows, liking pages on social media, and supporting your local music scene.
