Music > Interviews

Black Foxxes

27/09/16

Crisp and blistering indie band Black Foxxes have hurtled into the world’s consciousness over the last few years, with fans including Annie Mac and Daniel P Carter. Their much anticipated debut album I’m Not Well has just been released to critical acclaim and they’re coming up to Norwich to headline a Norwich Sound & Vision show this month at The Mash Tun. I spoke to lead singer Mark about dealing with anxiety on tour and becoming famous.

Have you always had the same sort of sound or has it changed over the three years you’ve been together?

I think we've really slotted into our groove now. When we recorded our first EP Tris had only been in the band for a couple of months so we definitely rushed things to get a set of songs together - a few of those tracks didn't really feel like "us". We made sure that didn't happen with the album. We've been sitting on those songs for a while, they're just a natural selection and progression from the last three years.

You’re going off to play some dates in the States soon, and then playing a full UK tour. Is this your first trip to the USA?

As a band, yep. I went traveling across the West Coast a few years ago. I absolutely love America so its absolutely insane that we can go and do it as a band.

Black Foxxes’ debut EP came out a year ago, and had a hugely positive response from the likes of Kerrrang and Daniel P Carter. Did it fill you with excitement or dread when you first got a taste of fame?

Ha ha! If it filled us with dread I don't think we'd be in the right profession! The more people talk about our band the better it is for us. We want to be a band that produce a LOT of albums over our careers, and whilst the word 'hype' doesn't effect us in any way, it does mean that we're doing something right. So bring it on.

You’ve managed to keep your feet very much on the ground despite a lot of label interest. Do you feel like the concept of a whole life spent making music is on the cards, or do you feel like it has a shelf life for you?

Shelf life isn't a phrase that’s once been said amongst our band. We're going to have a lengthy career in music, and we can't wait to knuckle down on writing for the second album. Bring it on.

Mark, I know you suffer from anxiety and Crohn’s Disease. How do you manage when you are away from the safety and comfort of home, and also how you handle your anxiety levels whilst onstage?

It is tough, I'm not going to lie. When I'm on tour I'm always thinking about quitting. But I'm obsessed with music and I know that will always get me through. I'm lucky to have such a supportive band and team around me, and that if I’m struggling we make sure there're things in place to make it as comfortable as possible. I've recently started hypnotherapy too, which is definitely helping.

It’s admirable that you sing and talk about these mental and physical health issues that you and thousands of other people have to cope with. Have you had people open up to you a result of your openness?

Recently I have, yeah. Some actually really heavy stuff. I'm stoked that I can help in any way. It feels weird that my lyrics or stories will help others, but at the same time it’s safety in numbers. I felt instantly better when I approached others to talk about my problems. There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed about and it’s important that people open up about their issues.

Your debut album is out this month, I’m Not Well, and the first single Whatever Lets You Cope is heartrending. It sounds very live – how did you find recording with Adrian Busby?

He is my favourite human on Planet Earth. He's taught me a lot about the industry, coping with stress and at the end of the day to just put it out of your mind and concentrate on writing and recording music. He just completely got it. He wanted that record to have the charm of three guys playing music in a practice space. Its not heavily polished, there's no gimmicks, its an emotional, loud, rock album and we're so glad we got to record our debut with him.

You’ve had some support from BBC Introducing, and played Radio 1’s Big Weekend earlier this year on their stage, as well as playing several other festivals. Do you prefer playing a festival or an inside gig?

Hmmm, festivals are a lot of fun. But the bigger the stages get, the further the people are away. Also everything always goes wrong at festivals, and you have no time to set up or sound check so it all tends to go to shit ha ha. You can’t beat the buzz of an intimate show.

Black Foxxes play the Upsurge Stage at The Mash Tun on Saturday 15th October as part of Norwich Sound & Vision supported by Shvpes, Claws and Teen Brains. Tickets are available from norwichsoundandvision.co.uk.