FIDLAR is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. The quartet's genre spans various styles such as punk rock, garage punk, skate punk, and surf punk, with hints of pop elements. FIDLAR stands for "Fuck It Dog, Life’s a Risk", a skate mantra that encapsulates their fearless and energetic approach to creating music.
Founded in 2009, the band consists of Zac Carper, Elvis Kuehn, Max Kuehn, and Brandon Schwartzel. Carper and the Kuehn brothers came together, fueled by a mutual love for punk rock and a shared history of addiction and recovery. Schwartzel, a childhood friend of the Kuehns, later joined the group to complete the lineup.
FIDLAR charged into the music industry with their first EP, "DIYDUI," before dropping their self-titled debut album in 2013. The record houses the band's most renowned single, "Cheap Beer," considered an anthem for punk rock enthusiasts worldwide. Their bold, raw energy, reckless nature, and tendency to sing about drugs and alcohol garnered significant attention from punk and rock music buffs.
They carried the same fire into their second album, "Too," released in 2015. Featuring a more polished feel while still retaining the band’s original punk spirit, the album provides a slightly saner soundtrack but doesn’t lose an ounce of FIDLAR’s signature high-voltage performance.
In 2019, FIDLAR took a daring leap by shifting their style from hardcore punk to a more rock-pop sound with their third album, "Almost Free." The record received mixed reviews but showed the band's willingness to experiment and breakage from just sticking to raw punk rock.
FIDLAR’s live performances are renowned for their high energy and intense interaction. They've played at various music festivals such as the SXSW, Coachella, and Reading and Leeds festivals.
The quartet's music is often characterized by loud, distorted guitar sounds, heavy bass lines, aggressive drumming, and raw, gritty vocals. Their lyrics, often explicit and dark, shed light on subjects like addiction, mental health, and self-destruction, offering a cathartic release for listeners who relate to such experiences.
FIDLAR has had a tremendous impact on the resurgence of punk rock and has been instrumental in evolving the genre by infusing elements of pop into their more recent works. The band’s progression shows their creative fluidity and their endeavor to make music that resonates with an evolving audience.
In conclusion, FIDLAR is not just another rock band; they are a testament to the undying spirit of punk rock, infused with the adaptability of pop. With unapologetic lyrics, sound brimming with rebellious energy, and a no-holds-barred approach to making music, FIDLAR holds a significant place in contemporary music culture.