Rising rockers The Frst have shared a new single and music video for their new track “Murderabilia” – meaning: item taken from a crime scene! Creepy! The track features the iconic Alt-Rock band Eagles of Death Metal! The Frst is led by Mikei Gray (Sublime with Rome, Village People, Florida Georgia Line, and Portugal. The Man). Not only can you hear the track, but the Frst has teamed up with Ghost Cult to share a behind-the-scenes video and a Q & A! Check it out!
https://youtu.be/e4Sy9uTVs18
“Murderabilia” was mixed & produced by Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount (All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Set it Off, Cartel). The single is the follow up to The Frst’s last collab with Kellin Quinn and Sleeping With Sirens which hit #29 on the iTunes chart and became Kellin’s #6th most popular song on Spotify.
The Frst is an American rock musical project founded by singer and guitarist Mikei Gray in Nashville, Tennessee. Before forming The Frst, Gray had worked as a touring musician for artists such as Sublime with Rome, Village People, Florida Georgia Line, and Portugal. The Man, playing in venues such as the Vans Warped Tour and the Grand Ole Opry. Gray founded The Frst in 2017, changing the spelling of the project’s name to reflect its collaborative nature and changing lineup.
About The Frst:
Before Mikei Gray started The Frst, he lived beneath a radio tower and as a result heard music in his head constantly, even when was trying to sleep. But one day his right ear was cut off and sewn back on, and it changed the way he heard music forever (obviously). Luckily though, the music was already playing in his head because of the radio tower. Then one night while asleep in a dream, almost as if someone had whispered in his ear…he heard, “you should call it The Frst”. So that’s exactly what he did…. The “i” was left out as a reminder to keep things fun and free…and while Mikei Gray may be the only full-time member of The Frst, he asserts, “I’m not The Frst. The songs are The Frst. The sound is The Frst. You are The Frst. I make these songs because I physically have to- it’s what’s blaring in my head when I try to sleep at night. Thank you so much for listening….Love you Frst Family.” -Mikei Gray
Quote about the song from members of Eagles of Death Metal:
“I left for a few weeks to go to the UK for a tour but when I got back we had time to go into the studio to do the vocals. I recorded with my friend Josiah at The Cave studio. I had to work with him on his schedule so Jesse (Eagles of Death Metal) and I could go in on the same day. Josiah did my vocals for my “Out For Blood” single and mixed them for the “Wildflower” cover I did with Jesse. He’s such a great engineer- he has worked with great artists like Deap Vally, Jesus and Mary Chain, Smashing Pumpkins etc. Our riffing at the beginning – was 100% improvised! Jesse and I were talking about how awesome it was!!! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of the song! – Jennie Vee (Eagles of Death Metal, Palaye Royale)
“One of the sweetest recording sessions…” – Jesse Hughes (Eagles of Death Metal, Boots Electric)
The Frst comments:
“I found out about the concept of Murderabilia from listening to the band, Acid Bath. The cover of one of their records is a painting by John Wayne Gacy. That led me down a rabbit hole into discovering that Murderabilia was when items are taken from murders or crime scenes and sold. I thought that was kind of sick, and it motivated me to write the song in a really rapid fashion. I felt like more people needed to know about this…It was such an honor to work with Jennie and Jesse. The EODM are one of my favorite bands, it’s still such a trip.” – Mikei Gray
Check out this EXCLUSIVE Q & A session with the band!
Which artists inspire you most?
Well obviously, Eagles of Death Metal and the whole scene they’re a part of…Queens Of The Stone Age, The Desert Sessions, Foo Fighters, etc. It was a real honor working with Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens on the last single as well.
How did this latest collaboration/song come about?
I talked to Jennie Vee initially, and right off the bat she was keen on the idea. She talked to Jesse (Hughes) to see when they could get into the studio and make it happen, which was tricky as she was leaving for a UK tour at the time. She really made it happen though. I eventually texted with Jesse who simply said, “I’m down.” …And the rest is history.
The term “Murderablia” refers to any identifying collectibles related to murders, homicides, the perpetrators or other violent crimes. Are you a true crime afficionado? Are there any cases that fascinate you the most?
Honestly, I’m not. I hate the idea of glorifying these a**holes. That was kind of the whole reason for the song. The Frst Lady is a big fan though and she keeps me up to date on that world.
Had you been a big fan of EODM before this and what was it about them that made you want to work with them?
Absolutely, we saw them a day before our inaugural tour kicked off in 2017 at The Ryman. It was such an inspiring performance. But before that I owned a copy of ‘Death By Sexy’ for well over 10 years. What can I say, they’re legends!
Anyone else on your dream list of collaborators?
Of course! But if I told you…It wouldn’t be a surprise! [Laughs].
What’s next for The Frst?
More songs, more videos, and more collaborations!
Follow The Frst:
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https://www.instagram.com/thefrst/
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