Check out our interview with Indie-rock/pop artist and American Idol star Fritz Hager who offers a catchy commentary on “the male fantasy vs. reality” in his witty new single, “Two Step.”
Featuring Fritz’s signature raspy alto, percussive guitar chords, and a humorous narrative about sexual blunders, “Two Step” finds the Nashville-based artist offering a rom-com in a song; a catchy critique about fantasy versus reality, and the romantic hopeful that stands in between.
“Two Step” is the follow-up to Hager’s January single “Caroline,” co-written by the multi-platinum producer/songwriter Drew Pearson and the pop/alternative songwriter Francisco Martin.
Follow Fritz @fritzhagermusic
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Hi Fritz, please tell us a little about yourself? How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
What’s up! Oh man, my three words would probably be introspective, nerdy, and empathetic. I think those sum up my person pretty well.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times, but how did you get in the industry?
I’m pretty new to the music industry. I’ve been singing all my life, playing guitar and writing since middle school, but it never really went anywhere until recently. Then in 2022 I was on American Idol, and it sort of jump started my career, and I’m just trying to keep that snowball growing!
Do you ever get nervous?
I think generally I’m a pretty nervous person. I’ve been making a conscious effort to force my self out of my shell, but I’ve definitely got a good bit of social anxiety. But it’s funny because most of that goes away when I’m on stage performing.
Tell us about your new single “Two Step?”
Two Step is just such a fun song! It was fun to write, fun to produce, fun to play live. I wrote it with Lucky West in LA, who is one of my favorite collaborators I’ve ever worked with, and I’m so glad everyone can finally jam to it!
What’s the story behind the song?
When we started writing it, it started as just a fun little song, but as it developed I wanted to find a way to give it more substance. The song is a sort of satirical critique on the male fantasy, and how we view romantic relationships because of the media we consume. I like finding ways to make fun songs have a deeper meaning and find the balance between the tragedy that comes with living today and the absurdity of it.
Let’s talk about American Idol. How was your experience, the casting and the feeling to finished in the Top 5! That’a amazing! Congrats!
Thanks so much! Idol was exactly what I needed at the perfect time in my life. I know it’s a very personal experience and can look different for everyone, but throughout that entire process I learned so much about myself and my artistry. I’ll treasure the time I spent on that set, and all the people I met there.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Just be kind to people. Kindness goes so far, and it’s so easy to do. No matter where you are in life, just be kind to others, even if they don’t deserve it from you.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I think I’d just tell him to keep doing what you’re doing. I made a lot of good and bad decisions back then but they all put me where I am now, and will influence who I become in the future.
What is your own definition of happiness?
I think happiness looks different for everyone, and I don’t think it’s a state that we sit in. It comes in moments. I find happiness when I’m on stage, or star gazing with people I love, or sitting with my dog watching garbage reality tv. I also think it’s okay not to be happy, like I said it’s not a state. It’s brief moments that we find ourselves in throughout our life.
Best advice ever given?
Take your time. I was on tour recently and I had a lot of deep conversations on the van. There’s a lot of pressure not just in the music industry but also for young people to know what you want to do for the rest of your life as soon as possible. For me it can be pressure to have some viral hit as soon as possible, but things take time and that’s okay. Letting myself take things at whatever pace the universe intends, and not putting too much pressure on myself. Since I had that realization, life has just been easier and more fulfilling.
What’s next for Fritz Hager in 2023?
Lots of new music! I’ve been writing so much and have a bunch of songs I want to share with people. It’s been a year filled with self reflection and discovery, and these songs reflect that in a really interesting way. So keep your eyes open!
