Today the Brooklyn-bred (and now Ithaca-based) duo of Matte Namer (they/them) and Frankie Rex (they/them, he/him) known as The FMs have released their new double-single (“Song X” and “Bad Girl”) via DSPs & vinyl. They are using today’s drop as a laser-focused shot at the continued ignorance embedded in society’s gender experience, and hope that it (paired with the release of their metaphorically brilliant and visually stirring video for single “Song X”, also out today), will help celebrate the diversity, and nuance of every individual’s gender experience and journey.

Today’s double release of “Song X” and “Bad Girl” was recorded at Greenpoint’s ADIM Studios with Grammy-winning engineer Brian Forbes and John Siket (Sonic Youth, Blonde Redhead, and Fountains of Wayne) and it’s like two adrenaline shots of synth-bolstered space pop that pairs provocative lyrical content, with the cathartic and rebellious spirit of the alternative punk rock scene. The double-side serves as a powerful reclamation of one’s own identity, shredding apart the unrealistic expectations of femininity (on “Bad Girl”) and pointing out the absurdity of gender defining (on “Song X”). 

In a spotlight on Analogue, who debuted the video, The FMs shared the inspiration behind the video for “Song X”: "For us "Song X" was the message we wish we heard from our musical heroes when we were coming of age. Put simply, we want to celebrate the idea of gender as an infinite technicolor spectrum and in the process celebrate ourselves.”

Of working with director Matt Mahurin (whose vast videographer spans artists like U2, Metallica, Tom Waits, Alice In Chains and Queensrÿche), they added that “flying out to LA to work with [him] for the video was a surrealistic fantasy as he is one of our favorite video artists of all time. Many of his videos are really epic, beautiful, art-filled complicated pieces, but we kept the video for "Song X" relatively minimal to let the message of the song speak for itself. We had the opportunity to go hiking and wardrobe shopping with Matt in Topanga Canyon and it was so powerful and affirming to have a deep conversation around gender norms in our society and express that vision together. We hope viewers of the video are similarly inspired."