We recently saw Black Foxxes supporting The Computers at their one and only 2015 homecoming show at the Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre, I tried as best I could to get some time with the band after their performance but with 4 acts on the same bill. it just wasn't going to happen. We caught up with the drummer (Ant) a few days before Christmas to chat about the new Star Wars movie, New Years resolutions and which bands they currently rate, here's how we got on....
It’s been a while since I saw you last and all I can say is WOW, you sound tighter than ever, I guess you’ve been playing a LOT in the past 6-9 months?
Yeah we’ve been working really hard towards our album, so lots of rehearsals. We've definitely learnt a lot about our band from what this years thrown at us!
I see from your Facebook page that you’ve been playing all over the place recently, Manchester, London & Birmingham to name just 3, how have you been received at these far flung corners of the UK?
We’re no strangers to London but the other places we’ve never been before now have been amazing. The kids in Glasgow were a lot of fun. We can’t wait to get back up there, the city is awesome so we need to go explore some more!
So, I saw a flyer for Download 2016 and saw your name on the bill, how did this come about?
They put an offer in to our agent and we accepted. Pretty straight forward, no crazy story there I’m afraid!
How does it feel knowing you’ll be sharing the stage with Ozzy, Iron Maiden and Motorhead?
I don’t think its fully kicked in yet, this whole ride so far has blown us away but we can’t wait to see Sabbath!
You were in the studio in November working on your new album, when is it going to be released and who are you using to produce it?
Currently there is no set release date, it will be sometime next year for sure. We had the pleasure of working with Adrian Bushby. He really became a fourth member in some respects and we couldn’t be happier with having him onboard!
Can you tell me what it’s going to be called yet?
I don’t think I can… We’re pretty set on a title but its not been signed off yet. What I can say though is that it summarises the whole theme of the record.
Have you all been to see the new Star Wars movie yet? If so, did you enjoy it?
Funnily enough Me (Ant) and Tris ended up going with our manager, tech and a good friend after our last show with Lower Than Atlantis. I think the guys loved it more than I did, I'm rarely impressed by anything but I'm pretty certain that I’ve never seen our manager any happier than when he was sat waiting for it to start!
I see that you’re heading up the list of ’20 rising artists to watch in 2016’ and you share the list with some great acts such as Creeper, Crooks & Nothing But Thieves, if YOU had to put together your own list of acts to watch out for next year, who would be the top 3?
I'll have to go in for some seriously good dudes in a band called Patrons, they’ve got their debut album coming out next year and its going to be great, everyone needs to hear this band. Moose Blood for sure. As much as they’re not exactly a new band, Im expecting amazing things from their second record, those guys rule! And I think finally it has to be Frank Carter and the Rattle Snakes. The band are ridiculous live and we all know the deal with Frank, theres no one better!
Being a Westcountry band, do you find that it is necessary to get out of the county as often as you can in order to spread your gospel as far as possible?
We don’t really think about it like that. We love what we do and we’re lucky enough to have an amazing team around us that gives us a platform where we are able to move further afield with what we’re doing.
Where would you say your music is best received?
That’s a really difficult question, we’re such a new band still and we haven’t done a great deal of touring just yet but I think id have to say London. Every show there has been sold out and they’ve always been super fun!
Only a few more days to Christmas, what should we be buying you three this year?
You can get over to our website and purchase some t shirts for loved ones, we would appreciate the support massively!
Any new years resolutions for next year? How long do you think they’ll last until they’re broken?
I don’t think we have any really, I guess just having a healthier life style but that’s difficult when you’re on the road so who knows!
Finally, looking back over the past 12 months, tell me who you think should win the coveted ‘Album of 2015 award’ and why?
The Weather - 'Waters Electric'. I found this band last year but the album has only been out a few months I believe but recently its a refreshing break from what I usually listen to.
We'd like to thank Ant for taking time out to answer our questions, we wish them every success for the future and look forward to their debut album which will be landing sometime in 2016, keep your eyes peeled for updates on their website, all of their social media is below, just point and click!
If like me, you can't wait for the new album to drop, here's a selection of Black Foxxes related stuff to keep you busy....