Sound Check: Foxy Shazam Opens A “Box Of Magic” And Anton Talks To Eric Nally

Welcome to the table,

For the last few months, I’ve been doing the self-work to really distance myself from my phone and make more and more time for physical media. Filling every moment of my time with a constant feed of the newest memes, trailers, and breaking news seems, on the surface, like an easy recipe to be the most informed person on the planet. It turns out that the need to layer multiple media feeds on top of a video game on top of a streaming show on top of conversations with a grumpy cat who really wants me to give them more snacks does not work the same as putting extra toppings on a pizza.

What results when you build a supreme-media-experience is a flood of distraction pieces, resulting in diminishing the experience of everything you are trying to absorb, and results in not only a healthy bout of regular 3 am anxiety, but also has caused significant damage to my attention span. Damage that is so noticeable that it has frankly caused me some concern.

This whole realization caused me to lean heavily back into physical media and in-person experiences with an almost reckless abandon. I’m saying yes to any show I would normally skip because “I can just catch them next time they are on the coast I’m on at the time” and reconnecting me with the world around me in a profound way.

One of the most revitalizing experiences that I’ve had in recent months was getting to see one of my favorite bands, Foxy Shazam, play an absolutely stellar show at an intimate venue on the East Coast. While at the show, I was able to pick up a physical copy of an album that gets regular streaming rotation in my office. Now the pressed wax has been in regular rotation on my turntable since I brought it home.

The album in question, and the reason we have gathered here today is Box of Magic.

Without further ado,  let’s drop the needle, put our phones on “do not disturb,” and jam.

Foxy Shazam, for those not dialed in, was formed from the clay of a band called Train of Thought in 2004. They toured and recorded for a decade, taking a hiatus in 2014 with the sense that they would regroup at some point and return to the stage and studio to bring the world their signature sound.

The return came in 2020, bringing more tour dates packed full of bombastic sound, more albums to enjoy, and more moments in the day-to-day lives of fans, both new and old, to experience the wonder.

It’s difficult to liken anything else to Foxy Shazam. If I want to get the quickest buy-in possible to entice those not aware of them into giving them a spin, I tell those I’m communicating with that “Foxy Shazam’s vocalist Eric Nally is the closest artist I’ve ever experienced to the visionary who was Freddie Mercury. Alex Nauth, the horn player for the group, may actually be some kind of mystical creature moonlighting as a human until such time he is called back to his ancient kingdom to play for unseen sorcerer kings.”

Nally and Nauth are accompanied by powerhouse pianist Sky White, consistently impressive drummer Teddy Aitkins, guitarist Devin Williams (who I’m convinced has the energy of ten people and knees made of some unbreakable material that will survive the heat death of the universe), and the most slamming funky bassist, Misster Universe (Trevor Erb), who is a constant source of joy for me.

This lineup of wildly talented creatives has honed their sonic skills to superb levels. They blend on stage and in the studio into something that is tantamount to actual magic.

This brings me to the matter at hand, Box of Magic, Foxy Shazam’s 10th studio album. Released in October 2025, it contains nine tracks designed to take the listener on a rollercoaster ride through lightning-etched, rainbow colored skies as clouds crafted of whimsy and wonder rain sheets of glitter on a landscape that desperately needs an injection of something resembling a transcendental artistic experience.

My favorite track on this album is titled Magic” and feels so upbeat and jubilant that I find myself singing along like I’m listening to one of my favorite musicals. There is a driving throughline and crashing vocals that reach down into your core and bring you up from wherever you may find yourself in a way that feels like a magical stranger or best friend picking you up and dusting you off after something draining has occurred.

That’s where the power of Foxy Shazam really comes from. They are one of those groups that bring everything to the table each time. They make everyone in the audience, from the front row touching the stage to the back of the room, feel like they are seen and part of something magical that is unfolding in front of them. There is an energy unleashed that is simultaneously transcendent and transformative. It feels like nothing else I have experienced at a venue, big or small.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Eric Nally a few questions about this sonic experience, and he was kind enough to take time from his busy tour schedule to talk with me. You can find those questions and responses below.

Anton: Box of Magic is your 10th album, and it still feels so full of life. There is this really joyful, almost celebratory energy running through it; it stays on my turntable in regular rotation. Where does that come from for you? What are you tapping into to keep that kind of heart in the music?

Eric Nally: Hey, Anton. I’m very happy to hear you’re spinning some magic on your turntable and picking up on that energy of joyful celebrations. We definitely set out to make a feel-good album with Box Of Magic.

Our inspiration for this one was “rated E for everyone,” keeping things simple and from the heart. The world needs a lot of love, and making music is our passion; it’s what I feel I have to offer. Through it, we want to reflect as much light out to the world as possible. Although each album is a totally different approach or attempt, I’m starting to realize it always is about that.

Anton: The track Magic feels super theatrical to me in the best way. It honestly gives me the same urge to sing along as something like The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It has that big, self-affirming, almost stage musical energy. What inspired that song?

Nally: Magic is my personal favorite song on the album. Interestingly enough, I will say that Foxy Shazam inspired that song. You see, for most of the other songs on this album, we intentionally drew on a lot of different artists and musical styles across the board for inspiration.

For example, the RnB and soul influence on “What’s It To Me” or the ’70s game show-esque era of You Know My Name featuring Corey Feldman. We put some Hall and Oates smoothness on “Too Fast” and “Ooo Baby” which for those two songs we worked with our friends Sheel Davé from the band Bad Rabbits and his writing partner, RP.

We also worked with some different writers including the prolific Diane Warren, who wrote “Just Loving This Life”. All these different flavors and ingredients went into the vision and the sound for this record, but when it came to the song Magic we asked ourselves … what would Foxy do?

Anton: Now, I’ve heard Box of Magic might be a nod to a six-sided die since there are six of you, which I love. Ever since I heard that, I have been wondering, what game is that die being rolled for?

Nally: Not sure what game it’s for, but whatever it is, I’m all in.

Foxy Shazam is your favorite band’s favorite band, and if you have not yet had a chance to grab their discography, I highly suggest you do so now.

In addition to picking up wax, CD, or even a digital download, if that is your flavor, you can catch them at the 2026 Riot Fest, or if you happen to be in Australia, they have at least three upcoming tour dates there, as of the time I’m writing this.

Until next time, I hope you find something that makes you happy today, and on the off chance you are doing less than stellar, maybe go open a Box of Magic and see where it takes you.