Image credit: Mike Cap & Jason Lee Denton
Explosive, and dreamlike ‘It Doesn’t Matter Much Anymore’ by Fox Grin is a psychedelic rock single that has one dreaming of pleasurable lazy summer afternoons in the sun. This is their first release since their 2020 song ‘If I Was On Your Mind’, which carries the same energy as the latest single. Could a new album be in the works? With noteworthy guitar grooves and rhythm, the Nashville band has charmed publications like Substream Magazine & The Big Takeover to name a few.
We spoke with Fox Grin singer and guitarist – Thom Chapman below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
My earliest appreciation was growing up on The Beatles and teaching myself guitar by playing along. When I was in 5th grade I read Kurt Cobain’s biography Heavier Than Heaven and immediately started writing songs. Back then I would use tape recorders to practice recording, and once I got a MacBook it was GarageBand and eventually Logic. I slowly started learning more and more about music production throughout the years. Big shout out to my old friend and our longtime producer / mixing engineer Kyle Dreaden, who taught me a lot of what I know just by working with him.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
Our songs come about in a lot of different ways. Sometimes it’s melody first, sometimes it’s an idea or a vibe, or a jam that rings a bell. But every song has to get to a point where something magical happens, where it creates its own world and feeling that makes it unique and special. Those are the songs we release.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
You never really know what will give you inspiration, but when it happens it’s all about chasing that feeling. I find that there are periods in life where you’re either creating or absorbing. Sometimes the well is dry, and that’s ok. Sometimes you just have to live your life and be ready for inspiration to hit. And also keep trying to be creative. The best metaphor I’ve heard is that it’s like fishing. Sometimes you don’t catch anything, but you should keep casting your line.
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
I personally dislike the business side and wish I could only focus on the creative stuff. You have to run your business if you want to get anything done. I wish there were more people passionate about working the business side so they could do it for me, but then again they would have to do it better than I could.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
It really is 50/50 for me. If I could only get one I would be in the studio — but with the pandemic and not being able to play live shows for a year now it’s really shown me how much I miss it. A great show is as good as it gets. Connecting with an audience and having that electric interaction is the best high.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
I was on tour playing guitar for Becca Mancari. We performed a label showcase for her in New York City and a guy came up to me afterwards and said he came because he was a Fox Grin fan. It’s moments like those, where you find out you’re reaching people even if you don’t know you are, that makes it all worth it.
What’s on your current playlist?
I’ve got a bunch! I’m currently on my “Tomorrows” playlist — which includes Mild High Club, Tame Impala, Little Dragon, and more — but I add to all of them regularly. It’s so great to be able to create playlists, it’s like medicine. You’re welcome to check them out here
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?
Our new single ‘It Doesn’t Matter Much Anymore’ just came out! After that, we have another single being scheduled to release soon, while continuing to write and get ready for live music to come back.
Famous last words?
What a ride.
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