FLOBOTS DEFY CATEGORIZATION, EMINMEN AND CAKE STARTING POINT

Flobots new cross-format single “Handlebars” defies categorization, and the band talked about their nice problem.

Flobots are looking to spread the love on their current run of clubs, but music critics and fans alike are having a hard time categorizing them. The band has an eclectic mix as evidenced by their first single “Handlebars.”

Jonny 5 and Jesse talk about some of the comparisons that people have made.

“People do you shorthand, and say, ‘Ok, this is, you know, Eminem rapping over a Cake track.’ If I thought we really sounded like that we’d just stop and let Eminem and Cake get together, but if people need to do that to describe how we sound. That’s fine. That’s the first step.”

We also asked them if the non-categorization was a good or bad thing?

“I think we’ve found it to be a strength. If you look at ‘Handlebars’ the song does not fit neatly into the format. So at first people are resistant, ‘That doesn’t belong on an Alternative Rock station,’ but once it’s on there, those listeners notice it so it stands out enough and that becomes a strength. So I think for us we’re not going to make any music tailored for a format. So, it’s neither here nor there as to how people want to label it.”

So who would Flobots’ Jonny 5 count among his influences?

“I know Andre is first on the list I had [raps influences]…but I have to add MF Doom and Lupe Fiasco to that list as well, and actually Busdriver who we’ve been on tour with. There’s always new influences, but I think if you’re a lyricist you just gobble up what you can.”

Flobots new album Fight With Tools returned to the Top 50 of the Billboard 200, and the band will be out on tour in clubs through August 31 in Austin, Texas. The band will head to Europe September 9.