FITZ, also known as Fitz and The Tantrums frontman Michael Fitzpatrick, released his debut solo album Head Up High on March 26.
Title track "Head Up High" is an epic medley of acoustic guitar, horns, and catchy melodies, which come together to create the ultimate uplifting pop rock track. The lighthearted music video conveys Fitzpatrick's can-do attitude and the playfulness of the song.
In a public statement, Fitzpatrick discussed the song's optimistic and encouraging message: "[Producer/co-writer] Ryan [Daly] and I logged into the Zoom session, and you could read the weight we were carrying on our faces. Collectively…not as a city, community, country, or even continent… the whole world is carrying the weight of what the global pandemic has meant. We’re all experiencing it at the same time. So, the statement rang out, ‘You’ve got to keep your head up’. The message feels so relevant. Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. I needed to hear that message and express it in a song to rally everybody to keep their heads above water."
The album's other tunes spread the same positivity as "Head Up High," and are sure to bring smiles and reassurance to listeners that they are not alone during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Luckily for fans of Fitz and The Tantrums, the band is still very much together, and Fitzpatrick's bandmates have shown him immense "love and support" on his solo project. "We've been together for so long," Fitzpatrick shares. "We are a family. We've gone through so many ups and downs. And at this point in the band's career, everyone is committed to the band, but also is exploring their own creativity in other areas as well."
Listen to Head Up High below and let us know what you think.