Kevin Bacon, known widely for his acting career, has made an unexpected claim of inventing a new music genre called Forosoco. Since 1997, he and his brother Michael have released ten albums under The Bacon Brothers name, blending elements of folk, rock, soul, and country into a sound they proudly call Forosoco. This distinctive genre first emerged when they named their debut album Forosoco, signaling their commitment to this original style.
The Genuine Passion Behind The Bacon Brothers’ Music
Unlike many celebrities who enter the music industry without serious intent, Kevin Bacon’s dedication to music is sincere. While touring, his band regularly performs for fans who appreciate their sound as well as those drawn by his film career. To acknowledge this connection, their shows often conclude with a spirited rendition of ‘Footloose,’ paying homage to one of Kevin’s most famous movie roles. Despite his fame on screen, Kevin and Michael have never pursued mainstream stardom and instead focused on crafting and sharing their own artistic expression through Forosoco music.
Defining Forosoco: A Blend of Four Genres
When asked about the nature of their music, Kevin Bacon explained to the Boston Globe the reasoning behind the term Forosoco:
“Because everybody says, ‘What kind of music do you play?’ And the implication is, ‘What bin will you be in in the record store?’ Back when we had record stores and bins. I said, ‘Well, it’s kind of folk, rock, soul, country: forosoco.’”
– Kevin Bacon, Actor and Musician
This portmanteau represents their fusion of various musical styles into a single sound that resists being categorized conventionally.
Michael Bacon’s Pragmatic View on Naming the Genre
Michael Bacon, Kevin’s older brother and musical partner, was supportive but skeptical about using the term Forosoco as the title of their debut album. He expressed the practical concern about marketing a record with an unfamiliar and hard-to-pronounce name, which could challenge listeners’ recognition. He pointed out:
“If you want a great marketing tool, come out with your first record that nobody knows how to pronounce.”
– Michael Bacon, Musician
Despite this, monetary gain was never the primary motivation for the brothers. Kevin’s long and successful acting career had already provided financial stability, notwithstanding a personal financial setback following Bernie Madoff’s infamous Ponzi scheme.
The Brothers’ Shared Musical Journey and What Forosoco Means to Them
Michael, with an extensive background as a professional musician, embraced the creative experiment with Forosoco. While their sound may not redefine genres or pioneer new musical frontiers, the brothers take pride in having coined a term that previously did not exist. By blending folk, rock, soul, and country, The Bacon Brothers carved out a distinctive niche that both celebrates their influences and marks their collaboration. In doing so, Kevin Bacon has positioned himself not only as an actor but also as an innovator within his own musical domain.
