by alex grainger
photo courtesy of them fantasies
Looking for a song which will have you dancing immediately? “Spoiled af.” by Them Fantasies is exactly what you have been searching for. The groovy instrumentals and sick vocals create the perfect blend for this end of summer dance hit. Them Fantasies is a Los Angeles based alt pop/funk band which has hit our radar and we can’t get enough.
Them Fantasies is composed of lead vocals and bassist Dominic Cannarella-Andersen, guitarist Eric McCoy, and drummer Max Meizlish. The band formed back in 2017 after the guys met at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Since their recent move to LA in September 2020, they have been engrossed in creating new music, especially “Spoiled af..”
“Spoiled af.” was crafted on Them Fantasies first trip to LA together. The guys were around the Topanga Mountains near Malibu — an area of extreme wealth. After staring in awe of the mansions, the band was inspired to write a song about the lifestyles of the residents. “Everything looked so lavish and bougee. There’s a lot of people who have this lifestyle and it is their reality, so to kind of poke a little fun at that and throw a nice little satirical jab,” explained Dom.
“Spoiled af.” creates a unique connection between the band and listener. The ultimate goal being “giving people something to dance to, but also to have a joke with someone else,” expressed Dom. Bands create various connections with their fans, from the typical relation about heartbreak, love, or happiness, but it is somewhat unorthodox to have this connection through humor in a song. “We want this to evoke a good time, lighting people up and getting in the mood to party.” It is as though we are all in on the inside joke, making Them Fantasies seem more personable and human, aside from the pedestal and untouchable status typically given to our favorite artists.
Without question I had to know the creative process behind their iconic instrumentals. Dom explained how the process resembled one of a “live room.” He first brought in a bass line to their studio session, where Eric and Max began to build off the track. In the depth of the process, they tested various melodic ideas, brought together their instruments, and jammed out. Once the live room jam session ended, the guys in collaboration with their producer Nick Smith used computer production techniques to add the finishing touches
Them Fantasies has legendary influences for “Spoiled af..” Their current artistry is heavily influenced by Panic! At The Disco and Anderson .Paak. The catchy pop tunes Panic! At The Disco are known for, and the scary resemblance of Dom’s voice to Brendon Urie’s are undeniable. The instrumentals resemble those of Anderson .Paak’s vibey, funky instrumentals he is known for. This new pop/alt sound contrasts their previous record which had an alternative/progressive rock sound. Eric explained this change, “We’re constantly being introduced to new music. So, our interests and styles are constantly changing.” Their versatility as a band is engaging and accentuates their talent.
A bands growth is something I find noticeable and amazing. Listening to Them Fantasies previous rock record Caffeine Queen, it is clear how much their sound has developed. Dom explained just how much they have grown as a band since that release two years ago. “Production? Definitely. The very first stuff, production and mixing wise, is not up to par with the direction we’re going in.” Welcoming the new production techniques of today has launched their development into a new realm of synthetic beats. Their melodies have become simpler, catchier, and are able to fit under more things, “It’s a little bit of the glue to fit everything together,” stated Dom. Max added, “We want our melodies to be singable back, because it’s just amazing when you have an audience of people, and they know your song.”
The song is obviously irresistible from the second the opening bass track begins; you simply cannot help but dance. Them Fantasies spoke about how playing live is what they live for, and “Spoiled af.” has only intensified their love of performing as Max explained, “It is my favorite thing to play live because everyone is just dancing.” As a fan, hearing a song live where everyone in the audience gets lost in the groovy music is one of the most exhilarating feelings. It was endearing to hear the opposite perspective of utter happiness the guys have from the song being so well received and accomplishing their goal of creating a dance hit.
Clearly, playing “Spoiled af.” live is an experience for the band and audience, so I couldn’t help but ask if they had a favorite part of the song to play. Their response only fueled the need to see Them Fantasies live as Dom expressed, “We have a little ending section that’s not in the studio recording, which is special to me.” If it’s as good as the studio recording, it is 100% worth the anticipation and secrecy around the live ending.
If you can’t get enough of “Spoiled af.” don’t worry, Them Fantasies recently filmed a music video for the single. Without giving too much away the premise is a massive party at the band’s house, but we all know parties never really go according to plan. The video includes the band’s actual friends, making it seem more authentic, aligning perfectly with the guys of Them Fantasies.
Them Fantasies is just getting started. Make sure to stream “Spoiled af.” on any music platform and watch out for their new releases.