For Chris Lam, an associate professor at a local university by day and the lead vocalist and guitarist of Denton’s alternative indie rock band ForEach Loop by night, music has been a lifelong passion. “I’ve been playing music in some form since I was 10 years old,” Lam shared, reflecting on his musical journey.
ForEach Loop, currently composed of Lam on lead vocals and bass, Scott Ramirez on bass and drums, and David Fraga on bass and background vocals, is gearing up to release their debut album. The band, brought together by shared connections through family and community, draws inspiration from a diverse array of music genres, creating a unique blend that defines their sound.
“I had a bunch of songs that I’ve written during COVID-19 and really wanted to play them live,” Lam explained. “I realized that I need more than myself to perform live.” This realization led Lam to recruit Ramirez and Fraga, both of whom bring their own musical influences and backgrounds to the band.
Ramirez, originally from San Angelo, Texas, brings a deep connection to his roots, which is reflected in the band’s upcoming album titled “The Perils of Texas.” “Our album is a protest album,” Ramirez asserted, highlighting its focus on significant and often overlooked stories from Texas history.
Among these stories is the song “White Settlement,” addressing the displacement of indigenous tribes in Texas. “It’s called ‘White Settlement,’ which is basically a suburb that was created to remove seven indigenous tribes from the land that they rightfully owned,” Lam explained, emphasizing the album’s poignant themes.
The band’s cultural diversity enriches their creative process, with Fraga’s background in Gospel and Latin American music adding a distinct flavor to their compositions. “In my late twenties and thirties, I got into my parent’s music, who are from Mexico,” Fraga shared. “They like a lot of Norteño, music from the north of Mexico, so I started listening to those bands and kinda got into that Latin American music style.”
ForEach Loop’s journey so far has seen them independently release an EP titled “I Want You to Know This,” available on all streaming platforms. Their upcoming studio album, slated to begin recording on July 28, promises to delve deeper into Texas’ rich and often tumultuous history.
Reflecting on their musical influences, Lam noted, “Nineties alternative [bands] are really our inspiration and vibe that we play.” The band’s chemistry, bolstered by their shared musical tastes and friendship, has contributed to their rapid growth within the local music scene.
Despite their grassroots beginnings, ForEach Loop has already made a significant impact, performing over 15 live shows in Denton since their inception in early 2023. Their next performance is scheduled for August 9 at 8 p.m. at The Green Lounge, promising an immersive experience with visual art and multiple bands sharing the stage.
“We’re buds outside the band and being friends with your bandmates makes it so much more enjoyable,” Lam expressed, highlighting the camaraderie that fuels their creativity.
As they look to the future, ForEach Loop remains open to opportunities to expand their reach and continue sharing their unique perspective through music. “Making music with friends got to be my favorite part of being in this band,” Fraga concluded. “What could be better than that?”
While currently unsigned to a record label, the band is optimistic about the road ahead, eager to connect with audiences beyond Denton and bring their music to a broader audience. For ForEach Loop, the journey is just beginning, with their debut album poised to resonate with listeners who appreciate music that tells powerful stories and challenges perceptions.
Related topics:
WHO IS THE KING OF COUNTRY MUSIC RIGHT NOW?
WHAT HAPPENED TO GRETCHEN WILSON COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER?
COUNTRY VS FOLK MUSIC: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?