Jacob Michael of Foreign Air. Photo by Claudia Rauch
As the All Things Go Fall Classic took over Union Market this weekend, The Set List sat down with Jacob Michael, one half of the local duo Foreign Air, to chat about the DC scene, the band’s distinctive sound, and their favorite music.
The DC music scene has been an incredible influence for Foreign Air. Electronic music took off in the city pretty early, so the local clubs were filled with it night after night. Michael discussed his fondness of going to shows at 9:30 Club and growing up with legendary local bands like Good Charlotte.
If you like the music of Alt-J or Glass Animals, the electronica-meets-indie-pop of Foreign Air will be your new favorite band. Foreign Air artfully mixes live instruments with the electronic taste that has infiltrated the mainstream to create a new, fun, and contagious sound that listeners just can’t get enough of.
Even the band’s name is a take on trying something new and fresh, which is something these guys have experienced first-hand. In an effort to expand their music when their previous bands slowed down, Michael and frontman Jesse Clasen bought some drum machines and synths and started learning. Foreign Air was born. The result was their 2016 debut EP that received rave reviews and was heavily pushed by Spotify to help the band get their name out there. Since then, they have released a few singles including “Caffeine” and “Call off the Dogs.”
The band has played alongside huge acts such as Phantogram and have plans for a short headlining run this winter. Michael says he would love to collaborate with Bishop Briggs, the mastermind behind “River” and “Wild Horses.” Bishop Briggs and Foreign Air have a few shows together this fall in Missouri and Georgia.
At the Fall Classic this past weekend, the guys had the chance to play in the same lineup as Young Futura, Lightwaves, Foster the People, Bleachers and more.
Foreign Air will be out on a co-headlining tour with SHAED this winter ahead of their first full-length release expected early next year. Catch the band at Rock & Roll Hotel on December 8. Get your tickets here.
Don’t miss another set of incredible local shows coming your way next Wednesday on The Set List!