‘Boots on the Ground’ – S.C. musician finds success in line dance hit

Furtick, who goes by the stage name 803 Fresh, is the singer and writer of the massively well-received hit which has sparked a viral line dance and an array of fans that accompany it.

“I definitely want to show people my versatility. I didn’t think that the song would get as much traction as it did, but it did catch the attraction of the line dance community, of the trail ride community,” Furtick said.

His hometown is Wagener, but he has lived in Batesburg with his wife for the past five years.

Furtick said “Boots on the Ground” is an infectiously fun song that people of all ages and from all over the globe have been singing and dancing to.

“It brings together the cultures. You have the Caucasian people that like it, you have the Hispanics that like it. It’s reached as far as Australia, Japan, Peru – all of those countries have their boots on the ground,” he said.

Furtick continued, “It also advocates for the military. Boots on the ground is a military term. So it kind of reaches all avenues. It definitely does something to me to see the cultures come together.”

“Right now, my fan base is from maybe 4 years old to 84 years old. That’s a deeper part of it – that everybody from all walks can enjoy it. It’s definitely something new for me,” the 35-year-old said.

He said the song gets people moving and could not have come at a better time.

“Everybody is in like this weary state. We’ve got so many things going on from politics and a lot of hate and malice. … So for them to find something that they could actually dance to and feel good to,” is great, Furtick said.

He continued, “The song is not really vulgar, and it doesn’t advocate for violence. In the climate that we’re in now, I’m thinking people needed something to get them back on the good side of music.

“Everybody is looking for something to have a good time with. People are tired of running, ducking and hiding from guns and the violence.”

Furtick said he is booked through the end of the year with performances at everything from line dance and birthday parties to clubs and trail rides.

He describes “Boots on the Ground” as a Southern soul song, referencing a genre of soul music that originated in the Southern United States and is characterized by its raw, gritty sound, strong gospel and blues influences and that often features, for example, powerful vocals.

“It kind of puts you in the mind of what James Brown was doing when he started. He got kind of scrutinized behind it, but that’s kind of like his sound. He mixed the juke joint music with certain little points of gospel,” Furtick said.

He said his own vocals set him apart from other Southern soul singers.

“I think it’s the raspiness in my voice. I think it’s the older sound … and my performance is energetic. When I’m out there, I’m moving, but I don’t dance too much. I try my best to do a little something,” he said, laughing.

Furtick came from a strong gospel background and grew up in the church.

“My dad was in gospel, my mom was in blues. I started off with like the local choir. I did quartet (music) with my dad when he was living. My dad passed when I was 14. After that, I then joined a local community choir,” Furtick said.

He dabbled in hip-hip music after the local community choir broke up and delved into R&B music at “maybe 15 or 16.”

“The very first Southern soul song that I released was called ‘All Night Long.’ I’ve dropped a list of others. ‘Everything She Wants’ is one, and the song called ‘This Ain’t That,’” he said.

Furtick said he is still getting used to the fame that has come with “Boots on the Ground.”

“It’s been overwhelming. I hadn’t really adapted to it yet. I’m still normal Doug. I still go to the grocery store, still go to the flea market, stuff like that. I don’t go to clubs. The only time I go to clubs is if I’m booked there,” he said.

Furtick performs under the Batesburg, S.C.-based label Snake Eyez Music Group and appreciates everyone who’s helped make his music career successful.

“The DJs are like the fuel. Snake Eyez Music Group is like the engine. I’m just like the steering wheel. All of these key components make the car run,” he said.