Almost since the day the band went its separate ways, a buzz has consistently lingered about imminent solo material from Foxy’s spirited, acrobatic singer Eric Nally. But the only music from Nally to be made public since Foxy’s last album came courtesy of his pivotal guest spot on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ hit “Downtown,” on which he sang the high-flying hook and appeared alongside the track’s other guests — Hip Hop pioneers Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz and Kool Moe Dee.
In what turned out the be the most high-profile moment in Nally’s career, “Downtown” led to numerous television and other promotional appearances with the superstar duo when the single was released. Beyond the promo cycle, Nally also traveled the world with Macklemore and Co., reprising his “Downtown” role live for much of the extensive touring in support the single’s parent album, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.
Though it’s been a useful step in his development, Nally’s temporary career detour might seem like an odd direction. But given the singer and songwriter’s idiosyncratic persona, style and artistic outlook, it was also pretty on brand in its unexpectedness . Likewise, the just-unveiled first taste of Nally as a true solo performer is quite a curveball in the context of Foxy Shazam’s soaring, thrusting, theatrical Rock sound. But it also makes perfect sense in the bigger context of Nally and Foxy’s generally eccentric and unconventional approach.
On July 9, the music video for Nally’s debut solo song “Ruby” premiered on Billboard magazine’s website. It’s an arresting visual that somewhat resembles a moody, smoke-machine-filled video from the ’80s that has been updated for current times, but the song itself is stupefying, showing a totally new side of Nally’s musical self. Available on iTunes and Spotify, “Ruby” is a sensual, pulsating dose of tranquil, synth-laden Pop. It’s not difficult to imagine “Ruby” being performed by The Weeknd, with its blend of modern and vintage Synth Pop and pumping rhythms, not to mention Nally’s slinky vocal performance, which includes a passionate falsetto and once again demonstrates what an incredibly versatile voice he possesses. The track also effortlessly evokes the spirit of Thriller-era Michael Jackson, which makes for a striking and impressive contrast when you consider that the other icon Nally sometimes sounds possessed by is Freddie Mercury.
“Ruby” is the first single from a forthcoming EP, and apparently it is just one of the “new looks” Nally will reveal on the release. The promotional description that accompanies the music video explains that “Ruby” is a “small piece of a greater picture that will be unveiled on his debut with each track maintaining its own texture and approach while building towards a cohesive story.”
In the interview that appeared with the Billboard premiere, besides telling a story about meeting the “super nice” Justin Bieber at an MTV awards show (they hung out and it turned out Biebs was a genuine Eric Nally fan), Nally says each song on the release is “so different” and that he’s using a different producer for each track. (“Ruby” was produced and co-written by Pom Pom, who is also the co-star of the music video.)
Reportedly titled Madville, there is no firm release date for the EP. Nally says that, in terms of a label releasing it, he has yet to decide on what direction to take, though he also expresses admiration for how Macklemore resisted label offers and even now remains an independent artist who is in control of every aspect of his career.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Nally would play his first hometown solo show on Sept. 1 to close out the free Indie Vol. 2017 concert series on Fountain Square.
Watch the “Ruby” clip and find links for more on Nally’s latest maneuvers at ericnally.com.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: [email protected]
