You know that feeling when a song starts and you immediately want to flip a table in the best way possible? That's the baseline for Foxy Shazam. When Foxy Shazam Killin It first dropped as part of their 2010 self-titled album, it wasn't just another rock song. It was a flamboyant, piano-driven middle finger to the boring, cookie-cutter indie rock that was dominating the airwaves at the time.
The Cincinnati-based band, led by the incomparable and often gymnastic Eric Nally, had already built a reputation for being absolutely unhinged. But "Killin It" was different. It was polished without losing its grit. It was the moment they stopped being a cult secret and started being a threat to the mainstream. Honestly, if you weren't there when the "Killin It" music video was making the rounds on late-night alternative blocks, you missed a specific kind of magic. Nally, with his signature mustache and uncanny ability to look like a 1970s rock god trapped in the body of a contemporary punk, sells every single second of it.
The Raw Energy Behind Foxy Shazam Killin It
The track opens with that iconic, strutting piano riff. It’s Sky White’s masterpiece. While most rock bands in the late 2000s were burying their melodies under layers of fuzz and reverb, Foxy Shazam put the keys front and center. It’s theatrical. It’s Queen meets The Darkness, but with a weird, Midwestern desperation that makes it feel more authentic than parody.
People often mistake Foxy Shazam for a joke band. Big mistake. Huge. "Killin It" is a masterclass in tension and release. The verses are bouncy, almost playful, but the chorus is an absolute explosion. When Nally screams about how he’s "killin' it," you believe him because the band sounds like they are literally red-lining their instruments. It’s loud. It’s proud. It’s sort of ridiculous.
Breaking Down the Production
Produced by John Feldmann—the guy responsible for hits by Goldfinger, The Used, and Panic! At The Disco—this record had a specific "bigness" to it. Feldmann knew how to take the chaotic energy of Foxy’s live show and bottle it. In the studio, the band reportedly pushed themselves to the brink. They weren't just playing notes; they were performing.
- The drums are mixed high and dry.
- The bass line isn't just following the guitar; it’s its own funky animal.
- The horns. My god, the horns. They add this soul-revival layer that keeps the song from being "just" another rock track.
Why the Lyrics Still Resonate Today
On the surface, "Killin It" seems like a standard "we’re great" anthem. But look closer. It’s about the grind. It’s about the specific kind of confidence you have to fake until you actually feel it. Foxy Shazam spent years playing tiny clubs, literally eating cigarettes on stage (don't try that at home), and sleeping in vans. By the time they recorded Foxy Shazam Killin It, they had earned the right to brag.
"I'm a little bit of everything / All rolled into one." That line is Nally’s manifesto. He’s not just a singer; he’s an acrobat, a clown, a preacher, and a rock star. The song captures that moment of total self-actualization. It’s the sonic equivalent of wearing a sequined cape to a dive bar and making everyone else feel underdressed.
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The Music Video and Cultural Impact
The video for "Killin It" is basically a fever dream. It’s shot in a way that feels frantic. You see the band in their element—sweaty, energetic, and completely committed to the bit. It showcased the band’s aesthetic: high-fashion thrift store chic.
It did more than just look cool, though. It helped cement Foxy Shazam as the "band's band." Musicians loved them. Critics were confused but intrigued. It was a song that worked in a sweaty basement just as well as it worked on a festival stage. Even now, over a decade later, when that song comes on a shuffle, it demands your full attention. You can’t just have it on in the background. It’s too loud for that.
Live Performance: Where the Song Lives Forever
If you haven't seen Foxy Shazam perform "Killin It" live, you haven't truly heard the song. Nally is known for his stage antics—handstands on the piano, climbing the rafters, and engaging the crowd in ways that feel both intimate and terrifying.
During the "Killin It" era, the band was a touring machine. They opened for big names, and more often than not, they upstaged them. It’s hard to follow a band that treats every show like it’s their last night on Earth. The song’s structure allows for extended jams and crowd participation that turns a concert into a revival tent.
Misconceptions About the Band's Style
Some people call them "Glam Rock." Others call them "Post-Hardcore." The truth is, Foxy Shazam, and particularly Foxy Shazam Killin It, defies those labels. They are too heavy for pop-rock and too melodic for hardcore. They exist in this weird pocket of the music industry where only they reside.
- They aren't a Queen tribute band, despite the vocal comparisons.
- They aren't a comedy act, despite the humor in their lyrics.
- They aren't just a "nostalgia" act, as their newer releases like "Burn" prove they still have the fire.
The nuance is in the sincerity. Nally isn't winking at the camera. He means every word. When he says he’s killin' it, he’s not joking. He’s stating a fact. This sincerity is what keeps the song from feeling dated. It’s timeless because passion doesn't have an expiration date.
What Happened After Killin It?
Following the success of the self-titled album, the band released The Church of Rock and Roll. It was even bigger, even bolder. But "Killin It" remained the benchmark. It was the song that defined their "classic" sound. Even when they went on hiatus in 2014, fans kept the flame alive by sharing the "Killin It" video and live clips.
When they returned in 2020, the landscape of rock had changed. It was more digital, more subdued. Foxy Shazam came back like they never left—loud, brassy, and still absolutely killin' it. They proved that there is always a market for high-energy, high-quality rock music that doesn't take itself too seriously but takes the craft very seriously.
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How to Experience Foxy Shazam Properly
To truly appreciate the genius of this track, you need to do more than just stream it on your phone speakers. You need the full experience.
Go Deep into the Discography
Don't just stop at "Killin It." Listen to the full 2010 self-titled album. Tracks like "Unstoppable" and "Oh Lord" provide the context for why "Killin It" works so well. It’s part of a larger narrative of a band finding its voice.
Watch the Live Footage
Search for their 2010-2012 live sets on YouTube. Look for the shows where the stage is barely big enough to hold them. That’s where the song’s raw power is most visible. Pay attention to Sky White’s piano playing; the guy treats the keys like a percussion instrument.
Support the New Stuff
The band is still active. They are still releasing music that pushes boundaries. Check out their recent albums like Gon' Boogaloo (recorded with a single microphone) or The Heart Behead You. You'll see the evolution from the "Killin It" days into something even more experimental.
Final Take on the Legacy
Foxy Shazam is a reminder that rock and roll should be fun. It should be dangerous. It should make you want to dance and scream. Foxy Shazam Killin It is the perfect distillation of that philosophy. It’s a three-minute burst of pure, unadulterated joy and swagger.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering them now, there’s no denying the impact of this track. It’s a piece of rock history that refuses to stay in the past. It’s loud, it’s weird, and it’s perfect.
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Next Steps for Foxy Shazam Fans:
- Listen to the Remastered Version: If you haven't heard the high-fidelity versions available on modern streaming platforms, the separation in the horn section is worth the relisten.
- Check Their Tour Dates: Foxy Shazam is a band that must be seen live to be fully understood. They still tour sporadically, and their energy hasn't dipped an inch.
- Explore the Cincinnati Scene: Foxy is a product of their environment. Looking into other Ohio-based bands from that era gives you a sense of the gritty, creative spirit that birthed "Killin It."
- Vinyl Collection: Hunt down the self-titled record on vinyl. The analog warmth does wonders for the piano and Nally’s soaring vocals.
The song isn't just a relic; it's a blueprint for how to be unapologetically yourself in an industry that often demands conformity. Put it on, turn it up, and remember what it feels like to actually kill it.