Fenix TX
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 in Houston, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Houston , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live performances |
Fenix TX (often written as Fenix*TX) is a pop punk group from the United States, originating in 1995 in Houston, Texas under the original name Riverfenix. They independently issued an EP titled G.B.O.H. and a full-length album called Riverfenix. Following a legal challenge from the estate of actor River Phoenix, they changed their name. Subsequently, in 1999, they secured a deal with major label MCA Records and released two albums: Fenix TX (1999) and Lechuza (2001), which together surpassed 600,000 copies sold. The band parted ways in 2002 due to artistic disagreements.
After the split, bassist Adam Lewis and drummer Damon DeLaPaz concentrated on their side project Sing the Body Electric, whereas vocalist/guitarist Will Salazar and guitarist Chris Lewis established Denver Harbor. Donnie Reyes became a member of Khobretti.
In September 2005, Fenix TX reunited, putting out the live album Purple Reign in Blood and embarking on tours throughout the United States and Japan.
Formation and early period (1995–1997)
Late in 1995, the group was formed in Houston, Texas as Riverfenix by guitarists Damon DeLaPaz (also known as the drummer for 30 Foot Fall) and Will Salazar, drummer Donnie Reyes, and vocalist Carl Lockstedt—who was soon replaced by Salazar taking over vocal duties. The lineup was completed with bassist Adam Lewis. They quickly became prominent within the Texas pop punk circuit alongside bands such as 30 Foot Fall, Good Riddance, and Goldfinger, regularly performing at venues like Fitzgerald's.
In 1996, Riverfenix independently released their first EP, G.B.O.H., through Houston’s Fuzzgun Records. They then participated in the Mullets Across America Tour with acts including Home Grown, Cousin Oliver, and The Hippos. The band actively circulated demos to various labels; although Mojo Records expressed interest, talks did not progress. Two interns from Mojo, Richard and Stefanie Reines, later founded Drive-Thru Records and signed Riverfenix as their inaugural artist.
Riverfenix/Fenix TX era (1997–2000)
Drive-Thru Records released Riverfenix's self-titled thirteen-track debut album in December 1997, produced by Jim Barnes. Despite being an independent label operating from a garage setup, the album sold out its initial three pressings of 5,000 copies each. The band's songwriting attracted attention from Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, who invited them to open on a Blink-182 tour and initially managed them before passing management responsibilities to Rick DeVoe, Blink-182's manager. With increasing radio exposure for the track "Speechless" and interest from major labels mounting, MCA Records showed significant enthusiasm to sign the band.
Two primary issues delayed this signing: Riverfenix was still contractually bound to Drive-Thru Records, which was unwilling to compromise; additionally, the estate of actor River Phoenix issued a cease and desist concerning the band's name. After Drive-Thru and MCA reached an agreement regarding distribution rights, the band shortened their name by dropping "River" and appended Texas' abbreviation to become Fenix TX. Under MCA’s label, they re-recorded much of their debut album for its 1999 release titled Fenix TX. This record debuted at No. 115 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers. The single "All My Fault" received extensive radio and television exposure, helped by its feature in the TV movie Jailbait (2000), which included a cameo appearance by Fenix TX. The music video starred Alycia Purrott alongside Mark Hoppus. "All My Fault" peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Lechuza era and dissolution (2000–2002)
After the success of their MCA debut, Fenix TX embarked on extensive tours, including appearances on the Warped Tour and international circuits alongside label peers New Found Glory. In late 2000, drummer Donnie Reyes departed to pursue other ventures; DeLaPaz assumed drumming responsibilities while the band searched for a new guitarist. By March 2001, James Love had joined as guitarist, coinciding with the announcement of their next album, Lechuza.
Released on May 22, 2001, Lechuza entered the Billboard 200 at No. 87. Its lead single "Threesome" reached No. 66 on the UK Singles Chart. The album’s eleven tracks showcased a more intense and vigorous sound than previous releases, featuring heavy metal-influenced distortion and screamed vocals. The track "Beating a Dead Horse" reflected on internal tensions within the band.
Shortly after the album's release, James Love left; Dennis Hill from Southern California pop punk group Lefty temporarily filled the guitarist role. Chris Lewis of Pivit joined during a tour with P.O.D. in October 2001 but never formally became an official member. This shift allowed DeLaPaz and Adam Lewis to outvote Salazar in the decision to disband while working on their third album. Fenix TX officially dissolved on September 19, 2002.
Denver Harbor and Sing the Body Electric projects (2002–2004)
Following Fenix TX’s breakup in September 2002, members divided into two separate bands: Salazar and Chris Lewis teamed up with Aaron and Ilan Rubin from F.O.N. to form the post-grunge outfit Denver Harbor. Meanwhile, DeLaPaz and Adam Lewis launched an experimental/hardcore endeavor initially called Big Black Boat, later renamed ChChCh HaHaHa, and ultimately established as Sing the Body Electric in February 2004.
Denver Harbor debuted with their EP Extended Play in December 2003 and secured a contract with Universal Records by May 2004. Sing the Body Electric released a six-track EP through Restart Records in August 2004, shortly before Denver Harbor’s full-length album Scenic arrived in October 2004.
Sing the Body Electric faced internal struggles, particularly involving vocalist Anthony Scalamere, culminating in their disbandment announced via an explicit message board post in May 2005. Subsequently, Adam Lewis formed Los Angeles-based Sub Rosa, while Damon DeLaPaz engaged in projects such as Demasiado, Laserwolf and Thunderbolt, Ape Machine, alongside session work.
Reunions, hiatuses, and subsequent activities (2004–2016)
On August 14, 2004, Fenix TX reunited for two performances featuring their most recent lineup. Although these shows were recorded for a potential DVD and CD containing unreleased material, no official release ever followed. The band reunited once more in August 2005 to record the live album Purple Reign in Blood – Live, which was issued in November.
To support this release, Fenix TX undertook two farewell tours—the Before the Blackout, After the Breakup Tour across the U.S. and the Drive-Thru Invasion Tour in Japan—from October 2005 through January 2006. Denver Harbor opened for U.S. dates, requiring Salazar and Chris Lewis to perform back-to-back sets. Due to logistical complications and DeLaPaz’s mid-tour exit, several shows were canceled and Ilan Rubin stepped in as drummer.
In early 2006, Fenix TX conducted a brief tour alongside No Use for a Name and Unwritten Law. A planned European tour was canceled due to Salazar developing vocal fold polyps. By April 2006, Ilan Rubin officially replaced DeLaPaz on drums; Rubin also performed with Lostprophets, Nine Inch Nails, and Angels & Airwaves.
On August 14, 2009, Fenix TX announced a reunion involving the original RiverFenix lineup intended for new music production in 2010 but later clarified that a different lineup would be involved instead. The band toured Europe in October 2010. In January 2012, Fenix TX released three new songs on SoundCloud: "Bending Over Backwards," "Coming Home," and "Nothing Seems Bigger Than This." Additionally, their track "Spooky Action At a Distance" appeared in MLB 13: The Show.
CRE.EP (2016–2021)
Donnie Reyes rejoined the original members for a live show at Houston’s Continental Club on March 22, 2016.
On April 4, 2016, Fenix TX inked a deal with Cyber Tracks, a Los Angeles label operated by NOFX guitarist El Hefe and his wife Jen Abeyta. Their five-song EP titled CRE.EP was subsequently released on September 30, 2016.
Fenix TX announced on June 9, 2018, that although Will Salazar would not perform during their two scheduled dates on the 2018 Warped Tour, he remained an official band member.
The band revealed via social media on September 21, 2021, that Adam Lewis had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
New vocalists and recent developments (2022–present)
Fenix TX was confirmed on October 11, 2022, as part of the lineup for the When We Were Young festival in 2023.
In February 2023, speculation emerged on Reddit suggesting that Salazar was no longer performing with the group.
On September 8, 2023, Scott McLaughlin (known from With Confidence and Unwritten Law) was announced as Fenix TX’s new vocalist for upcoming shows at the House of Blues and the When We Were Young festival. The band noted that Salazar was focusing on solo endeavors while new music was in progress.
Adam Lewis passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 45 on June 11, 2024.
Fenix TX released a new single entitled "Engines" on January 20, 2025.
On August 27, 2025, Arturo Barrios—vocalist and guitarist from Audio Karate—was introduced as the band’s latest lead singer.
Jay Sanchioli joined as the band’s bassist on October 27, 2025.
Musical style and critical reception
Early comparisons often linked Fenix TX to Blink-182, with their self-titled 1999 album described as reminiscent of a strong Blink-182 record. However, Fenix TX differentiated themselves through more intricate dual-guitar arrangements and the inclusion of instruments such as trombone and trumpet, blending elements of ska punk and hip hop—a fusion evident in tracks like "Skinhead Jessie" and "Apple Pie Cowboy Toothpaste." Their music combined distorted guitar tones with rapid melodic vocals covering political issues, personal experiences, and humor.
The band's 2001 release Lechuza showcased a notable stylistic division: half of the album’s songs by Salazar maintained their signature pop-punk sound infused with humorous and romantic lyrics; the remainder, contributed by Lewis and DeLaPaz, leaned into heavier metal and hardcore styles featuring aggressive lyrics and gang-style vocals. Tracks such as "Something Bad Is Gonna Happen" highlighted sharp lead guitar work, while "Beating a Dead Horse" displayed hardcore vocal delivery.
This split in musical direction resulted in mixed reviews for Lechuza, with some criticism aimed at its hardcore segments. Their live shows adopting an alternative metal approach also received negative feedback. Nonetheless, their dedicated fanbase continued to support them. Subsequent projects following their breakup indicated an ongoing gravitation toward heavier sounds intended for a prospective third album.
Musicians
Current members
- Damon DeLaPaz – guitar and backing vocals (1995–2000, 2023–present); drums (2000–2002, 2005–2006, 2016–2023)
- Donnie Reyes – drums (1995–2000; 2023–present)
- Arturo Barrios – lead vocals and guitar (2025–present)
- Jay Sanchioli – bass guitar and backing vocals (2025–present)
Former members
- William Salazar – lead vocals and guitar (1995–2002, 2005–2006, 2009–2022)
- Adam Lewis – bass guitar and backing vocals (1995–2002, 2005–2009, 2013–2024; deceased)
- Carl Lockstedt – lead vocals (1995; during Riverfenix era only)
- James Love – guitar (2000–2001)
- Ilan Rubin – drums (2006–2009)
- Aaron Thompson – bass guitar and backing vocals (2010–2012)
- Trevor Faris – drums (2010–2012)
- Hayden Scott – drums (2013–2016)
- Chris Lewis – guitar and backing vocals (2001–2002, 2005–2025)
- Scott McLaughlin – lead vocals and guitar (2023–2025)
Lineups
| 1995 (under the name Riverfenix) | 1995–1998 (Riverfenix), 1998–2000 (Fenix TX) |
2000–2001 | 2001–2002 (before disbandment), 2005–2006 (reunion period) |
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| 2006–2009 | 2010–2012 | 2013 – March 2016 | March 2016 – September 2023 |
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| September 2023 – June 2024 | June 2024 – August 2025 | August 2025 – October 2025 | October 2025 – Present |
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Studio Albums
- Riverfenix (1997; released under the name Riverfenix)
- Fenix TX (1999) US Peak Position: 115
- Lechuza (2001) US Peak Position: 87
Extended Plays
Live Recordings
- Purple Reign In Blood – Live (2005)
Singles
| Year | Title | US Mod |
UK |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | "All My Fault" | 21 | — | Fenix TX |
| 2002 | "Threesome" | — | — | Lechuza |
| "Katie W." | — | 66 | ||
| 2012 | "Spooky Action at a Distance" | — | — | CRE.EP |
| 2025 | "Engines" | — | — | N/A |
| "—" indicates the single did not enter the charts. | ||||
External links
- Articles with short description
- Pop punk groups from Texas
- Skate punk groups
- Punk rock groups from Texas
- Musical groups established in 1995
- Musical groups disbanded in 2002
- Musical groups reunited in 2005
- Musical groups based in Houston
- MCA Records artists
- Drive-Thru Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2002