Jethro Fox is a name that has been popping up all over blog-land recently. We at The Vinyl District became immediate fans and felt compelled to dig a bit deeper into the world of Mr. Fox. Luckily for us he was most obliging.
Can you tell us a bit about who you are and what you’re about?
I’m originally from Essex but now live in Liverpool, UK. I play in several bands – Anna Lena & The Orchids, Dan Croll, Carnival Kids – and my early background was in punk and rock. It’s only very recently that I decided to start my own thing and “Before” is one of the first results.
We really like ‘Before’ and have been listening to it a lot recently. Can you tell us what it’s about?
Jethro Fox – Before
Thanks! I think this track really reflects what I was listening to at the time of recording – a lot of Beach Boys, Villagers, Arcade Fire. I just holed up in my friend Tarek Musa’s studio for a couple of days, had fun with some old analogue gear, I worked up the song and he recorded and mixed the whole thing. Really fun. In terms of what the song is about, I was very much just trying to conjure up a certain feeling and atmosphere. But the lyrics are quite mournful really.
Who are your primary artistic influences?
Arcade Fire – I think pretty much everything they’ve done has been incredible and I’ve taken a lot of that as inspiration. Same goes for Radiohead. Lots of ’60s things too, namely The Hollies and The Beach Boys. The Beatles’ cover of Anna (Go To Him) has really stuck with me too.
What was the first piece of music your purchased?
Haha – in all honesty I think it was Limp Bizkit’s Chocolate Starfish when I was about 10. A masterclass in poetry and composition I think we can all agree.
Vinyl, CD, or digital?
Still a big fan of the good old fashioned CD because of having the physical booklet/artwork etc. But I think people like Bjork are making very positive steps towards a digital substitute.
What are your plans and ambitions for 2012?
I think the plan is just to put out more music and play some live shows. I’m currently in the process of sorting out both.
Name one thing no one knows about you?
I once met Paul McCartney and played him one of my songs. He said he liked it!
When the bomb comes, what album would you grab to take in the bunker?
Radiohead – Kid A
