Spark Like a Matchstick [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Beats, voices, & loud noises – a fitting description for the Minneapolis hiphop/rock/electronic duo known as the|fire&fury.
 
Fronted by lead vocalist/rapper, Ricky Mickschl, the band has created a form of motivational & politically-centered music that transcends the sound of typical rap/rock. Heavily influenced by their roots in punk music, as well as a lifelong love for hip-hop, the band strives to fuse raw, distorted guitars & synths alongside a hybrid of powerful vocal choruses and blazing rap verses. Finding a way to join these elements has not been a simple task.
 
“It’s definitely been a challenge. We’ve spent the last year attempting to create something that sounds a little bit ‘different’ from what we’ve grown up listening to. It’s got a little bit of everything,” Mickschl said, “and it’s been an absolute grind that is beginning to come to life. Our hearts have been the only things driving this project to come alive.”
 
Challenge. Hearts. Two choice words by the band’s frontman that are quite appropriate in describing the band’s core value for existence: to challenge hearts and minds to think differently. “We truly believe in music as a tool to inform people, and to help them think differently,” said guitarist, Rob Mickschl. “Music is such an amazing thing. It’s so emotional, it can carry an immense amount of energy, and it is absolutely something that can be used to motivate people and change views of the world around us.”
 
Unafraid to discuss issues of inequality in today’s world, the|fire&fury strive to have their music heard by those who both support and oppose its message. “The world is not a fair place, and we have to work to change minds, and to make it better for all of us. It comes down to making positive changes on a small scale, as well as a large scale,” vocalist/rapper Ricky Mickschl said. “Sure, we can stand up on stage and talk the talk, but that’s only part of the equation. We’ve got to walk the walk.”  The band not only believes in speaking up, but taking action in the local and global community.
 
As his twitter bio states, the band’s vocalist works as a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing by day. “I have seen music engage and make changes in students that most would least expect. I often hear people say things like, ‘Wow, you’re a musician, but you teach kids with hearing loss? That doesn’t seem to add up. They can’t hear music, man!’,” Mickschl said. “But it’s the complete opposite. I have an elementary student who is deaf in both ears, wears two cochlear implants, and is one of the most musically talented students that I’ve seen. As soon as I brought in my MPC and let him make a beat, that kid’s whole world lit up. It’s unbelievable how powerful music is, even when you don’t think people can hear it. That’s why we need to make as much noise as possible. That’s why we need to take action. We’ve got to make things better for everyone.”
 
It is no coincidence that the band’s debut EP is titled, | beats | voices | & | loud noises |. the|fire&fury is here to make some serious noise.  Set to release in the Fall of 2015, the Minneapolis-based band wants to be heard, and wants its fans to be a part of their community. “Come to our shows. Come & sing with us. Come & laugh with us. Come & cry with us. Come & talk issues in your community.  Come & discuss your plans to change the world for the better. We want these things more than anything in the world,” Mickschl said. “We want the|fire&fury to be more than just a band. We want it to be a movement.”