whose dynamic debut album Users Cheaters Theatres tackles themes far too rich and universal to keep them regional sensations. An incredible musical tapestry about different characters and their distinctive roles in society, the 20 track collection addresses the tug of war between What You Are and What You Want To Be, highlighting the struggles we all have with our inner demons via an emotional landscape of joy and sadness, light and darkness, and above all, brutal honesty.
Even before the album’s official September release, “But No No No”, the first track on the album, and other songs from Users Cheaters Theatres have become true global hits thanks to the power of websites like Myspace, IAC internet radio, Pandora, and Youtube. Since FUJI MINX uploaded their entire album on IACmusic.com, the self-doubt anthem “But No No No,” which received over 6,000 hits in its first five days on the site, has since hit #1 for 14 weeks straight, beating out other indie artists, big and small. The catchy Pop tune, “Better Place” has hit #3, and “Free Lorainne” & “Cat Wine” also have reached the Top 10 out of All Genres of the site’s 28k+ songs. In addition, “Cat Wine” & “But No No No” hit #1 on Cashbox Magazine’s indie charts. (www.iacmusic.com/fujiminx)
The powerful theatricality of FUJI MINX extends from the compelling album cover—where lead singer & electric guitar player Greta Valenti, aka “GV”, is garbed like a naughty minx angel and her cohorts John Fry (acoustic guitar), Rob Zero (keyboards, programming) and Noel “Nolaig” McMurray (drums) appear deliciously mischievous—to its songs, which feature a mix of acoustic balladry, fast crazy rocking, avant-garde intensity and even choir and orchestration. One of their most popular tracks, “Cat Wine,” an incisive piece about addiction and inner torment, mixes all of these elements into an unforgettable emotional brew.
The extreme visual side of the FUJI MINX experience comes alive on the band’s video for “Cat Wine,” which was directed by the all female team called Lady Ransom. While the rough cut of the video didn’t win YouTube’s official music video competition, it was viewed over 4,000 times (more than any other band in the competition) in its first week, on the site and is now on over 2,000 websites throughout the cyber world. Two more videos are in the works for debut in 2008 and members of FUJI MINX are also currently developing a powerful commercial/video featuring individuals with disabilities and their extraordinary strength and talents. The groups is also in development on a socially conscious film documentary that they hope will change perceptions about how we view other cultures.
Each member of FUJI MINX is from a different place and brings a unique set of musical influences and sensibilities to the mix. “GV” is from Louisiana, Fry from Pennsylvania and California, Zero from Ohio and their latest addition, McMurray—who joined in early 2006—from Ireland. Following a three-month writing binge, “GV” and Fry began performing with just voice and guitar and in 2004, released a popular acoustic... READ MORE
