East Coast barbershop quartet The Forty Twos have emerged as one of the standout Finalists in the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest. Bringing an avant-garde edge to the classic format, they qualified for the Finals as a high-scoring runner-up in the Knockouts Stage.
In this finalist profile, the group reflects on what the Contest means to them, the creative choices behind their entry, and why their qualification — especially ahead of The Coastliners — feels like the perfect finishing touch.
What does the Contest mean to you?
For The Forty Twos, the Contest is a platform and a statement of intent.
This Contest is our golden opportunity: we got the chance to show that barbershop can be fearless, modern and theatrical without losing its soul. We’ve always believed in pushing the form forward, and being here with so many brilliant Finalists proves that there’s space for bold ideas.
They added that reaching the Final has only strengthened their belief that their sound can connect far beyond the hobby space.
To us, this is about visibility and validation. It’s about turning heads, opening doors and showing that what we do has real commercial and artistic potential.
Tell us about your version of the song.
The Forty Twos describe their entry as a fusion of precision, personality and experimentation. While rooted in close harmony singing, the track also leans into occasional instrumentation, percussion and modern production techniques — elements they say were essential to shaping the performance.
We wanted the song to feel like barbershop stepping out of the frame and into a bigger world. The arrangement started with the quartet at its core, then we built around that with textures and rhythmic details that gave it lift. We’re not afraid of using production as part of the performance.
That approach, they said, was never about disguising the quartet format, but amplifying it.
The goal was always to keep the harmony intact while giving it a contemporary edge. Being disciplined, but also a little dangerous.
If not you, which Finalist would you like to see win?
The Forty Twos were characteristically confident:
Honestly, we’d prefer to see the most adventurous entry take it. If we can’t win it ourselves, then whoever does should be rewarded for their ambition.
They could hardly contain their pride in qualifying over their rivals, The Coastliners (knocked out in Round 7), who offered a more traditional barbershop sound.
We respect the craft, but we’ve gotta be honest: us getting to the Finals over them was the icing on the cake.
What Comes After the Contest?
Whatever the outcome, The Forty Twos say the Contest is only the beginning.
We’re convinced this entry will lead to something bigger, win or lose. We believe there’s a lucrative deal waiting somewhere, because this project has the kind of energy that can travel.
Their long-term ambition is clear: Broadway.
We want to perform on Broadway, and ideally have our own show one day. That’s the dream. The Contest has helped us sharpen the vision, and now we want to take it as far as it can go.
About the Contest
Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D is a collaboration between CATAWOL Records and the MODE Family, in the form of a song contest. 32 of the label’s most talented Acts compete to create the campaign’s official anthem, raising awareness of bullying in hobby spaces.
CATAWOL Records is proud to support the Finalists as they share their voices on a larger stage, while celebrating creativity, resilience, and community.