Fortunate Losers Unveil Self-Titled Album, Produced By Finger Eleven’s Steve Molella
On their new self-titled album, Canadian rockers Fortunate Losers delivers a lyrically sophisticated and unapologetically dark collection of songs reminiscent of grunge-era legends of the late 90s and early 2000s while adding their unique contemporary style and setting them apart from a crowded field of rock counterparts.
With a signature sound that effortlessly blends raw emotion with powerhouse instrumentals, the Sudbury, Ontario-based band stands tall with an unwavering dedication to their craft by creating music that doesn’t consciously aim to follow the formulaic nature of many songs heard on the radio.
Comprised of vocalist/guitarist Devon Cox, bassist Brent Boileau, and guitarist Brad Giffen, Fortunate Losers’ newest offering benefitted from the experience of Finger Eleven’s Steve Molella, who produced the album.
“We had worked with other producers in the past, but what set Steve apart was the fact he put a positive spin on everything,” says Cox. “He had the most optimistic outlook for what these songs, and this album, could be. He let us know early on that he wasn’t here to overhaul the tracks as much as he pushed us to be our best. He set the bar high.”
“Many of the other bands he works with aren’t as heavy as we are,” Cox adds. “He was definitely looking to sink his teeth into something darker.”
“Something darker” is an apt description that merely serves to scratch the surface when it comes to this collection of songs. While the band had remained faithful to the Seattle-inspired sounds forged on their previous releases, the Tidal Waves EP (2020) and 2018’s Cut Teeth, the new album marks a definitive step forward for the quartet.
You have just released your new self-titled album, produced by Finger Eleven’s Steve Molella. What can you tell us about the album? How does the music differ from your previous releases?
This album is far deeper in every way than our previous releases. We took our time writing and recording this album. When I say deeper, I mean you can hear it in the music and the production, the lyrics have deeper meaning, and it’s constructed unlike anything we recorded before. The album has a darker theme riddled with mystery and endless twists and turns to keep our listeners entertained while trying our very best to keep our creative side satisfied. Working with Steve was a great experience. From the beginning, he had a very positive outlook on what these songs, and this album, could be. He pushed us to be our best and set the bar high.
“Taste” is the third single to be released from the album. What can you tell us about the song?
Taste is a track that is meant to resonate with the listener long after the song is initially heard. It has a 90s vibe and grungy rasp that is meant to trick you into thinking you’ve heard it before. It was written about the legendary Chris Cornell and his struggle with addiction that ultimately led to his death. It very much deals with the grasp of addiction and is about someone wanting to get a taste for the high and that feeling again. That’s where the line ‘Check my pulse to pass the time’ comes from in the track.”
Is there a favourite song on the album you can tell us about?
Bigger Wings is hands down the band’s favourite track on the record. It shines through and stands out from every other track. It exists in a different realm altogether. You’ll be able to easily pick out the difference in vibe and overall mood of the song. It’s almost like a breath of fresh air or the newfound energy and charisma you find when beginning something new and exciting while you explore the unknown.
Can we expect any new music videos for songs on the album?
Yes! We will be releasing two more music videos and one more single. The video for “Taste” will be released in two or three weeks. We are just waiting for the final edit before we schedule the release date.
What’s next for Fortunate Losers?
Even though we have been around for a few years and have played with some bigger artists, we are still very much in the building phase of our career. Touring the album is high on our priority list. We will continue to promote this album through early 2024 and then sit down to write the next one. We’ve got some cool stuff planned for the Fall, including a performance at 102.1 The Edge in Toronto in November. We will be announcing details on that in the next week or two.