# The Heroic Enthusiasts

The Heroic Enthusiasts is an American pop-rock duo formed in New York in 2013 by Thomas Ferrara (born 1949) and James Tabbi (born 1965).

## Origin and sound

Originally a four-piece alternative indie rock band, The Heroic Enthusiasts' sound evolved into an 80s-inspired synth-pop style as they co-produced and co-wrote with American producer Stephen Hague from 2020 to 2024. The band has released one full-length album, three EPs, one 3P, and numerous singles and remixes. Their music is released under the Meridian imprint of ECR Music Group and distributed by The Orchard.
The band’s name, “The Heroic Enthusiasts,” is derived from Giordano Bruno’s epic poem ‘De gli eroici furori’ (On the Heroic Frenzies, 1585).
The band is known for their “sonic style that appeals to listeners interested in well-crafted and performed music.” Their music has been described as a “distinct ’80s throwback,” evoking imagery of neon-lit streets and the bold, futuristic aesthetics of that era. James Tabbi’s vocals have been characterized as contributing a “tender and introspective quality" to their songs. while Thomas Ferrara’s guitar work has been noted for its “tasteful and engaging” blend of classic rock influences. Their lyrics often reflect on the cyclical nature of life and relationships with their songwriting described as “catchy, engaging, and memorable”. The Heroic Enthusiasts genres include “new wave, synth-pop, synth-wave, indie, alternative, and electronic music”, with some classifications also describing them as indie rock, alternative rock, and alternative pop.
The Heroic Enthusiasts have collaborated with Stephen Hague, known for his work with artists such as Public Image Ltd., New Order, Jimmy Somerville, Melanie C, James, Peter Gabriel, Dubstar, Erasure, Pretenders, Blur, Pere Ubu, Robert Palmer, a-ha, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Robbie Williams, Tom Jones, and Robbie Robertson, producing hits such as "So In Love," "West End Girls," "It's A Sin," "Go West," "True Faith," "Regret," "Bizarre Love Triangle," and "A Little Respect" among others.

## History

James Tabbi and Thomas Ferrara first met when Thomas moved from New York City to Rochester, NY. About nine months later, they began working on a music project together, which led to the formation of The Heroic Enthusiasts in early 2013 as a four-piece band. They later adopted the band name after James Tabbi submitted it, inspired by Giordano Bruno’s work ‘De gli eroici furori’ (On the Heroic Frenzies, 1585) commonly known as The Heroic Enthusiasts. Their debut EP, "Memory Wheel," was released on February 14, 2016, followed by a three-song EP titled "The Second Three" on June 17, 2016. Both releases featured members including Dexter Redic on bass and Mike James on drums, were produced by The Heroic Enthusiasts, engineered by Sam Polizzi, and mixed by Jon Gray for Big Life Management.
In 2017, The Heroic Enthusiasts released their self-titled debut studio LP "The Heroic Enthusiasts" on streaming platforms and vinyl. The album, produced by the band and mixed by Mercury Rev's Anthony Molina. A remix of “New York Made Me” by Dave Audé reached #38 on the Billboard Club/Dance Charts on August 25, 2018.
In late 2021, The Heroic Enthusiasts paused but later reunited as a duo, leaning heavily into their 1980s roots. They wrote twelve new songs and recorded five with former drummer Mike James, seeking out Stephen Hague to produce their upcoming projects.
The band’s third studio album was released as two five-track EPs, ‘Fits and Fashions’ on June 24, 2022, and ‘Crimes and Passions’ on December 2, 2022, each reflecting a different thematic side of the band’s musical evolution. In 2023, they released covers of Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin” and Marc Almond’s “Tears Run Rings,” and an industrial remix of their song “Still Life” by artist Blak Emoji.

## Discography

| Type | Title | Release Date | Label | Producer | Tracks | Notes |
| Studio Albums | "The Heroic Enthusiasts" | 2017 | ECR Music Group | Self-produced | "New York Made Me", "Better Crazy Than Boring", "When The Deal Is Done", "Pure Fade" | First studio LP, self-produced, mixed by Mercury Rev's Anthony Molina. |
| | "Illuminate" | 2025 | ECR Music Group | Stephen Hague | - | Scheduled for release in 2025 |
| Extended Plays (EPs) | | | | | | |
| | "Memory Wheel" | Feb 14, 2016 | Big Life Management | Self-produced | "The Object, Jealousy", "Summer Serenade" | Self-produced and mixed by Jon Gray. |
| | "The Second Three" (3P) | Jun 17, 2016 | Big Life Management | Self-produced | - | Self-produced, engineered by Sam Polizzi, mixed by Jon Gray. |
| | "Fits and Fashions" | Jun 24, 2022 | ECR Music Group | Stephen Hague | - | Introduction to the forthcoming album, first of a two-part series. |
| | "Crimes and Passions" | Dec 2, 2022 | ECR Music Group | Stephen Hague | - | Complementary EP to ‘Fits and Fashions’, capturing diverse emotions. |
| Singles | "New York Made Me" | Aug 25, 2018 | ECR Music Group | Self-produced | - | #38 on Billboard Dance/Club Charts, remix by Dave Audé |
| | "It's A Sin" (Pet Shop Boys cover) | May 31, 2023 | Meridian | Stephen Hague | - | Cover of the Pet Shop Boys hit, featuring Stephen Hague's production. |
| | "Tears Run Rings" (Marc Almond cover) | 2023 | Meridian | Stephen Hague | - | Cover of Marc Almond's song, showcasing The Heroic Enthusiasts' stylistic versatility. |
| | "Wake Me When It’s Over" | September 17, 2024 | Da Da Da Music | Stephen Hague | - | Produced by Stephen Hague |
| | "All I Want" | August 9, 2024 | Meridian | Stephen Hague | - | Released as the first single from their forthcoming debut album, 'Illuminate'. |
| Remixes | "Still Life" (Blak Emoji remix) | 2023 | Meridian | Stephen Hague | Blak Emoji remix | Industrial pop remix, enhancing the original with a club-friendly edge. |
| | "You Don’t Own Me" (Lesley Gore cover) | 2024 | Meridian | Blake Morgan | - | Remix of the classic, reimagined with a modern twist. (Initially produced by Quincy Jones and released in 1963) |