A Chat with Gavin Fox (24.06.22)
Naturally talented with an evocative, intimate and intriguing sound, Ireland’s Gavin Fox captivates audiences with his stunning material. We speak with Gavin Fox about his new single ‘If I Could Survive This’, future plans and what vegetable he would be.
OSR: What drew you to music?
Fox: I was always a lover of music as a listener. It’s only in recent years that I started writing music of my own. For many years I guess I was living inside my own head, keeping busy with things other than myself, if that makes sense. Once I made time for me, I was naturally drawn to exploring music. I guess it was always inside me, lying dormant for all those years.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Fox: For those who want to passively hear the songs, I hope they are pleasing to their ears. And for those who want to listen a little more intently and look for depth and meaning, each song tells a story and conveys a message. I think these are stories many people can relate to, life lessons if you like. And when one of these stories or lessons resonates with someone and perhaps even helps in some small way, that is really special.
OSR: Is there a backstory to your new single ‘If I Could Survive This’?
Fox: Yes, the song shines a light on mental health by recalling my own personal story. I struggled for many years, never really identifying with who I was, constantly comparing myself to others and never being good enough. I aimed for perfection in everything I did and seldom enjoyed the journey. I used work and career as a distraction and, while I achieved success, I enjoyed brief moments of self-worth.
I never spoke to anyone about my inner thoughts and feelings because, to me, that was a sign of weakness and not in harmony with the confident and successful image I had created for the outside world. I eventually found myself in a very dark place and thankfully found the courage to ask for help. I went through a painful but liberating process of self-discovery. I experienced an awakening. It was then I picked up a guitar for the very first time and shortly after started writing.
The main message in the song is that it is a sign of courage, not weakness, to say “I don’t feel right, I need some help”. I am living proof of that. And when you look inside, who knows what you might discover.
OSR: Do you think there is a central theme running through your songs or are they all dealing with different concepts?
Fox: ‘If I Could Survive This’ features on my debut album Awakened, which will be released next month. There is a definite theme running through the album. Some songs tell personal stories. Some tell stories inspired by others. All surround the theme of awakening, connecting with your true self, and living the life you want to live.
OSR: Can you tell us about the writing and recording process for ‘If I Could Survive This’?
Fox: Anything I have released so far, I wrote on my own but this song I co-wrote with my great friend and talented guitarist Eric Molimard, so the process was a little different, more collaborative. I think when you write music, you use a mixture of your own unique creativity coupled with whatever you have been influenced by musically throughout your life. When you write with someone else, you also tap into their unique creativity and influences. That blend can result in something you just wouldn’t write on your own, and I think that is the case with ‘If I Could Survive This’. The song was recorded in a studio and produced by the brilliant David Arkins who always seems to do an amazing job of turning the sound in your head into a reality.
OSR: If you could change one thing about ‘If I Could Survive This’, what would it be?
Fox: Nothing, to be honest. That’s not to say it’s perfect, I’m sure it’s not, but it is true. I am very proud of it as it is.
OSR: What inspires you to make music?
Fox: Music is powerful. I have never experienced a better way to get things off your chest. Talking about your thoughts and feelings is good. For me, writing them down is better and belting them out in song is best! It’s cathartic. I think that’s why I do it. When you make music you are proud of, you don’t want to keep it to yourself, you just feel compelled to share it with others.
OSR: Who are some of your heroes?
Fox: Bob Dylan, for sharing his musical poetry with the world. My parents for always believing in me, and my wife Caroline for supporting my (sometimes) crazy dreams.
OSR: If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Fox: Some of my mates would say a cabbage! I’ll go with an onion. I have many layers.
OSR: What was the best compliment you have ever received?
Fox: When The Other Side Reviews compared me to James Blunt and James Taylor in the same review. That will forever be hard to beat!
OSR: What are your future plans as a musician? Any new music coming our way?
Fox: I‘m looking forward to releasing my debut album next month, that will be special. Then I’ll play songs from the album at The Workman’s Club, Dublin with a full band on September 3rd, that will be even more special. After that, who knows where the journey will take me.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Fox: Thank you for listening. I hope you enjoy this song and I look forward to sharing the album with you soon.
Many thanks to Gavin Fox for speaking with us. For more from Gavin Fox check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
