Tantrums Take Thompson’s Point

As Fitz & the Tantrums gear up to play Thompson’s Point on June 8th, co-lead singer Noelle Scaggs shares the mic with the next generation.

INTERVIEW BY MILENA CALCAGNI

What inspired the band’s name?

It came from the energy we exude on stage. With our lead singer, Michael Fitzpatrick, it became a play on words: having a “fit and a tantrum.”

What co-lead singers who went solo inspire you as a colead singer/solo artist? I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Teena Marie and Rick James. It was normal for two solo acts to create together, like Silk Sonic is doing with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak [see our May 2019 interview]. For Fitz and me, the dynamic is soul meets ’80s new wave.

What led you to start Diversify The Stage to encourage marginalized voices in the music industry? I’ve experienced being an artist, walking into a production space, and realizing I’m the only person of color there. DTS allows for collaboration and coming together as an industry to solve these problems. Artists need to think about how our teams are established and how they represent us. Diversifying our stages won’t happen overnight—it has to happen from the ground up.

Any advice for young people? If you meet someone who could mentor you in your career, ask them how they got started. Vocalize what you want humbly, while being clear and confident in your goals. They’ll remember your drive, and that you had the balls to ask.

Advice to your younger self? Listen more!

What are you most looking forward to about performing live again? Seeing the joy on people’s faces! After the pandemic, I noticed fewer smartphones in the crowd and fans being more present. n