Today we’d like to introduce you to Taj.
Fused by Defiance also known as FxD, was originally created by guitarists Arnold and Kevin in early 2012. Both guitarists had played in bands together previously and decided to come together to create a new project combining elements of metal, rap, and hip-hop with a focus on social justice. After recruiting a full line-up, the band got to work immediately. FxD stayed busy all of 2012 playing local shows in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. By 2013 their fan base had grown to the point at which they began to pack almost any local music venue they would play. A year later, they played their first big music festival at the 2013 Vans Warped Tour; Ventura CA stop. In 2014 they released their first EP titled Weapons of Mass Distraction. Following this release, their music was aired on numerous online radio stations all over the country and other parts of the world. After being invited back to play Vans Warped Tour in 2015, their music hit the terrestrial radio waves playing on stations such as 95.5 KLOS. This airplay propelled their career and opened doors for newer music festivals. FxD was asked to play the famous S.O.G. Festival hosted by Heidi and Frank from 95.5 KLOS at The Grove in Anaheim, CA to a sold-out crowd. In 2016 they released their second self-titled EP. A year later, FxD decided that the road was over for this 5-piece group.
After two years of stagnation, in late 2019, co-founder Kevin contacted other co-founder Arnold about bringing FxD back to life. Since a couple of old members (Ryan – Vocalist and Edwin – Drums) had already pursued other musical endeavors it was time to recruit new members. They contacted original member Jon (Bass) and soon after long-time friend and drummer Ted Kelliher. After numerous vocalist auditions they recruited Taj to be FxD’s new frontwoman. The band is now once again complete and ready to do what they do best. On February 8th, 2020 the band had their comeback show in Orange County in which they played all of their old classics and introduced their new single, Insanity. On March 4th, 2020, Insanity was officially released along with a music video, which was positively received by their fans. Currently, they are writing new music and have plans to release a third EP by the fall of 2020.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The music industry can get tough especially in the rock/metal world. As a DIY band, all marketing, promotion, recording, booking has been accomplished through the hard-working efforts of the members in FxD. There’s definitely been bumpy roads along the way but our passion for music has kept us going and there are no plans on giving up anytime soon.
Fused by Defiance – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fused by Defiance is a Female fronted rap metal band from Los Angeles, California. We are known for our high energy performances and catchy riffs that blend well with rap vocals. As a group, we are most proud of our ability to speak on issues of social importance.
What makes us different from others is the collaborative backgrounds of each of our members. All of us essentially come from different worlds yet we are a close nit group who is after a similar goal, equality and justice for all. On stage, we move as a collective body and through our music, we generate a forward mindset in efforts to unite the minds of those who choose to listen.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Our proudest moment was when we were chosen by FM radio station 95.5 KLOS to perform for Heidi and Frank’s S.O.G. Festival in front of 1,800 music loving fans at the famous Grove of Anaheim back in October of 2015.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fusedbydefiance.bigcartel.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fusedbydefiance?igshid=8nuncqvoyk7y
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FusedByDefiance/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FusedByDefiance
Image Credit:
Red Hare Images IG: https://www.instagram.com/red_hareimages/?hl=en, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedHareImages/
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