Check out our interview with the dynamic Brooklyn queer electropop duo FIIZ, who share their emotionally charged and innovatively crafted 7-song EP titled NIGHTCAP. This EP is not just an album; it’s a sensory journey through a night out, from start to finish, encapsulating the essence of nocturnal adventures and introspective revelations.
Crafted in collaboration with the renowned Dutch producer Sietse Fase, known artistically as Evanly, who flew out specifically to work on this project, NIGHTCAP marks a significant evolution in FIIZ’s musical journey. The EP narrates the duo’s explorative journey, from experiencing love with a woman for the first time, navigating the tumultuous aftermath of a friendship group breakup post-college, to profound encounters with the multiverse.
Follow FIIZ @fiizmusic
Please tell us a little about yourself.
We’re college best friends who survived a musical theatre program and are now creating an immersive, mesmerizing sonic universe.
Describe your sound in three words.
It’s Club Catharsis.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
This is what we wanted to do so we decided to go for it. There are so many people who influence us but people we really bonded over specifically are Troye Sivan, SG Lewis, Sofi Tukker and Tove Lo.
Do you play any instruments?
We dabble in some piano and guitar but we see our voices as our main instrument.
Do you ever get nervous?
Nervousness is just anticipatory energy and excitement that can be used to fuel confidence.
Tell us about your new EP, “NIGHTCAP?”
NIGHTCAP is a sensory experience designed to be listened to in order as it takes the listener through our journey of a night out together. It is a window into the conversations we’ve had about life, loss, love, lust, psychedelic experiences and how we feel about the current climate crisis.
What’s the story behind the songs?
All of our music is autobiographical whether it’s something one of us has experienced or both of us have experienced. We’re very transparent about our music being cathartic and candid. We really wanted this body of work to feel like the soundtrack of our life.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
The lead single, “Lungs” was originally a different song/demo but there was so much potential that we came back to it and reworked it with new melodies, lyrics and production. We wanted it to feel explosive and also was the first step in the idea of each song on the EP dealing with a sense.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of the songs?
For this album specifically, we really wanted to pull back from all the distractions and find the kernel for what FIIZ is to us. At our core, we are two best friends trying to navigate life but we also wanted to create a music experience that dramatized that experience a bit. All of our thoughts and feelings about our current perceptions of reality in a way that felt cinematic but also in a way that is what we love about electronic music, dancing, partying, and creating connection.
How do you guys usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
Every song comes to us in a unique way. The most important part of the process is making sure that each song is a work of dual creative vision. So the process always starts with us in a space together, talking through little ideas. Whether it’s a melody, a line, a synth sound we like, or a concept we want to talk about, with two people it’s really easy to have a bevy of options.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The conception of a song or project is super invigorating. Just knowing that our creative work is coming from within us means it is infinite. There’s a certain buzz we get off of spitballing ideas, melodies, lyrics, references. Of course, hearing the first mix of a new song and always when we get to perform live
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Something fictional that will enhance the way they see the world or let them live through a particular lens for a while. That happened for us when we read Animal together by Lisa Taddeo. There is something off about “how to” or “self-help” books for us, it’s not a knock at them but for us what really locks us into taking productive steps forward is when there’s something that pushes the lens of our own perspective.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
It’s moot. You can’t go back and give advice to yourself, you can’t mess with time!
How would your best friend describe you?
Fi- Iz is my best friend. I’d describe her as bold and yet nuanced. She is passionate about the most specific things. That’s why we connect.
Iz- Fiona has this magnanimous quality that people are drawn to. It is her vulnerability and sensitivity that makes her strong and capable. I also love how playful she is, I always feel like a kid just lusting for life.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
One Pea and a Pod- Think Frog and Toad. Iz is the Pea. Fi is the Pod.
What’s next for FIIZ in 2024?
As we ride the momentum of “Nightcap” we’re doing a circuit of live shows around NYC, working on more music and looking to find other artists to open for or work with! It is the year of abundance.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Lenwich has the best spicy chicken caesar salad wrap in the world
And your favorite cheat food?
We don’t really believe in cheat meals, as women in the entertainment industry we’ve worked hard to deconstruct the mentality that any food is the enemy. We eat what we want when we want it.
How would you explain your fashion style?
As FIIZ we try to play a lot with gender roles and where we fall on the spectrum of sexuality. That informs our individual style choices within the electronic pop world we live in. We’re inspired by brands like Doc Martens and the Mighty Company.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being with close friends and family (including animals) on the lake, with lots of good food, drink, conversations, and of course, music. We love to travel and constantly be taking in new experiences.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oscar Gorres – he’s produced some of our favorite songs of all time so we want to be in a room with him and create some magic
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Thailand- and each other, duh!
Best advice ever given?
“Excuse me
And I might drink a little more than I should tonight
And I might take you home with me, if I could tonight
And, baby, I’ma make you feel so good, tonight
Cause we might not get tomorrow”
-Pitbull
Do you support any charities?
As of now the charity is trying to pay the rent and student loans. But we each individually support various campaigns such as Planned Parenthood and Everytown, The Trevor Project.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
We’re going to be festival hopping and performing every day while traveling the globe.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Our go-to classics include and in no particular order, “No Air” Jordan Sparks, “I Drove All Night” Celine Dion, Any One Direction song…
What do you think of social media?
Double-edged sword
Where can we follow you?
@itsfiizmusic on TikTok
@fiizmusic on Instagram and Twitter
Book: The Secret History Donna Tartt
Quote: “Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don’t think so, I don’t think so…” – Elastagirl
Movie: Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging (but shoutout John Wick 4)
TV Series: Outer Banks (Pogues 4 Lyfe)
Favorite Food: Jersey Mikes #13 Mike’s Way extra cherry pepper relish
Travel Destination: London! See you soon Ministry of Sound, KOKO, and save Heaven!
Sports Team: Our brother’s Brooklyn intramural basketball team the “La Fontaine”