It’s been something of an auspicious introduction to Billy Fox, the Sydney-based musician, producer, writer and experimental purveyor of thought-provoking electronica. Launching late- 2013 with the soulful ‘Monuments’, the new project was born simply out of perfect timing – one project ended, another naturally needed to begin.
Writing began and the simple mantra of “If it feels good, then do it” quickly became the mission statement. Simplicity, according to Fox, is the key to his solo music-making, but when the layers are pulled back by the listener, musicianship, lyrical content and production-savvy recording are quickly revealed one by one.
If you ask Billy Fox about the “hip-hop beats and smoky electronic RnB inspired by the likes of James Blake and Sam Smith”- The Line of Best Fit…or the “unmissable Miike Snow vibe”- Acid Stag, he would no doubt steer the conversation towards “songwriter and producer”- Billy Fox, as this is how he sees it.
In this interview we chat with Billy about his newest release, Avalanche, as well as his inspirations and surviving as an indie musicians in this digital era.
Full Q&A as well as a stream of Avalanche can be found below.
We’ve featured you before but let’s dive a little deeper into the artist and the music. What attracted you to this genre or style of music?
I’ve had a very diverse taste in music from the beginning, and always been drawn to chord progressions and rhythms that just naturally make you feel something, and I think this style of future soul, R&B, or whatever you would like to name it, is a good place to compose that sort of music. In this frame, the melodies and lyrical themes just evolve easily.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been creating and sharing music for many years, but for this project, Billy Fox, it is coming up to 3 years now I think, which is a relatively short amount of time as far as music goes.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
The more I write, the less I am influenced by anyone I feel. I think this is because as you start to find your ‘voice’ as an artist, which takes a little bit of time, the more comfortable you are to just let it happen without too much thinking. I honestly don’t need a lot of motivation apart from the simple act of creating- if i didn’t i wouldn’t be able to function.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
When I started this project, I just cleared my mind of previous projects and thought to myself- just start playing, and if it sounds good, feels good and isn’t laborious, then just do it. I think workflow is a huge factor in this. Once a good environment and workflow is set up, the creativity should flow quite easily. I feel like I could pretty much keep writing endlessly, I have so many ideas. It’s a good feeling. When I do have a break for a week or two, it’s usually just to disconnect as you do with anything, not so much because of writer’s block or anything.
What was the last song you listened to?
Amy Winehouse- Some Unholy War. I’m about to perform some of her songs over three nights as part of an event here in Sydney, so I’m all about Amy Winehouse at the moment.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
MP3’s to send a quick file or reference mix to someone, CD’s for nostalgia and vinyl for quality.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer going and buying someone’s music if I want it. I do some of that on iTunes, but will buy a physical copy as much as possible because I’ve always been a liner note reader.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Recently, just communicating directly with your supporters has been made a little more difficult with some social networking platforms making it so people who join you on these platforms as a genuine fan, and you as the artist, have to jump through a few hoops so you can ‘reach’ them.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you perform?
Yes I absolutely tour and perform. I love it. I haven’t live streamed yet, but it has certainly been in my sights.
I’m about to start a tour on the East Coast of Australia-
- Aug 13 @ Moonshine, Manly
September 2 @ Boney, Melbourne
September 8 @ The Beach Htl, Byron Bay
September 17 @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Plus a few more dates to drop in!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
I’m running all the socials- Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Soundcloud,
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Shout out to you legends, Middle Tennessee Music, for the mad support! Thank you. I hope to get to the States for some releases and touring soon so jump on the socials and keep in touch. Big love, Billy Fox.
