Phoneboy Explore Pitfalls Of Fame On New Single “Ferrari”
New Jersey indie rock band Phoneboy are kicking off their new album cycle in style and with a dash of existential dread with the release of their latest single, "Ferrari." Fueled with buzzing sonics and high-octane percussion, the trio, comprised of singer and guitarists Wyn Barnum and Ricky Dana and bassist James Fusco, explores the pitfalls of growing up and fame, yearning for a simpler time.
The single introduces our young protagonist on the verge of adulthood. Faced with increasing responsibilities, they crave those carefree high school days when all they wanted was to "...make a couple hundred thousand" and party like there's no tomorrow with all of their friends.
"We were trying to write about how much we miss hanging out with our friends without having to deal with responsibilities," explained Wyn. "Transitioning into adulthood can be tough."
Ceaseless synths, strings, and wide open production hook the listener in as the track exalts naive fantasies like wanting to do carpool karaoke with the Illuminati only to realize that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be and that you can't always get what you want.
"We were also thinking about how fame seems like a catch-22," shared James. "People just want to be a celebrity and spend time partying with their friends, but once you're a celebrity, you probably have no free time anyway."
The accompanying music video, directed by M.J. Ricciardi and Ricky Dana, is an adventure full of twists and turns as the band tries to pull off a robbery.
"Our buddy Mike DeVita came up with the idea of a robbery," shared Ricky. "We liked that idea a lot because it felt symbolic of youth and a happy-go-lucky attitude being taken from us."
The video opens with a shot of Ricky playing with a toy car while blood runs done his face.Then the video cuts to the night before, with Wyn and James sneaking into a house while Ricky keeps the engine running as the getaway driver. As flashing lights and sirens go off, the amateur cat burglars rush and rifle through the house, looking for things to steal, including a mysterious case. We then flash even further back to when the trio first met and combined forces to steal from a donut shop, the manager of which is now a cop that chases them and stays in hot pursuit for the remainder of the video.
"Jumping over the car was my favorite part of shooting the music video," shared Wyn. "I felt like a total badass. They should hire me for, like, stunts and stuff. I could be the next Tom Cruise."
According to the band, their upcoming LP Moving Out, which drops on March 24th, is a navigation through the highs and lows of young adulthood and first love. "Ferrari" serves as the leading track, introducing the story of a naive kid who wants to retreat back to the irresponsibilities of high school even though the real world is inevitable. As a result, the protagonist (or antagonist sometimes?) goes through a multitude of trials and tribulations as the record progresses.
In celebration of their record release, Phoneboy will be kicking off their U.S. headlining tour in Asbury Park, NJ, on March 24th at House of Independents. Tour dates are below.
Check out Phoneboy’s latest single, “Ferrari,” today!
Phoneboy Headlining 2023 U.S. Tour Dates
Friday, March 24, 2023 - Asbury Park, NJ - House of Independents
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Music Hall
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Washington, DC - Songbyrd
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
Friday, March 31, 2023 - Tampa, FL - New World
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - Orlando, FL - Henao Center
Monday, April 3, 2023 - Houston, TX - White Oak (Upstairs)
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 - Austin, TX - Empire Control Room
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada
Friday, April 7, 2023 - Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar
Saturday, April 8, 2023 - San Diego, CA - Voodoo Room
Sunday, April 9, 2023 - Los Angeles, CA - The Morrocan Lounge
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - Berkeley, CA - Cornerstone
Friday, April 14, 2023 - Portland, OR - Mission Theatre
Saturday, April 15, 2023 - Seattle, WA - Barboza
Monday, April 17, 2023 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - Kansas City, MO - The Rino
Friday, April 21, 2023 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen
Saturday, April 22, 2023 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups
Sunday, April 23, 2023 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Indianapolis, IN - Hoosier Dome
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - Lakewood, OH - Mahall's
Friday, April 28, 2023 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - Philadelphia, PA - Foundry
Sunday, April 30, 2023 - Boston, MA - Sonia
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - New York, NY - The Bowery Ballroom
