GRAMMY U - GRAMMY Camp - SoundChecks with fun.

Fun with FUN.

By Jacob Kupin

As the group of students entered the smoky venue, FUN. lead singer Nate Ruess nonchalantly belted out the notes to one of his tunes.  He greeted the throng with a nod, finishing off the song.  While waiting to continue into his next song, he made small talk with us, inquiring about our day and asking if we were all in college..  The group’s percussionist then banged out the recognizable intro to FUN.’s hit song “We Are Young”, and the group performed with power and energy, which filled the nearly vacant venue. After this enrapturing performance, we were escorted to the loft area to wait for the band to commence the Q and A session. 

This intimate conversation presented an insightful glimpse into these performers' lives. The first question was about the group’s recording process with producer Jeff Raskin. The band spoke highly about Raskin's energy, explaining the comfort they feel knowing that he believes in them, and describing how Raskin blasts the band’s songs, pounds his chest, and proclaims the track's greatness. 

FUN. also talked about Kanye West, the main influence for their latest album, and about the parameters they set for the recording process.  According to the band, it's important to know what the limits are, and then create music within those guidelines.  They went on to answer a few more questions, ending the conversation with a reinforcement of the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself.  FUN. would not be around if any of the band members had given in when they were told to, and their current success is a testament to their tenacity. 

The event ended with a group picture, and participants left smiling, enlightened, and motivated to succeed.