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Indie Pop singer-songwriter, Joe Fox takes us on a deep dive into his latest song submission, explains what it takes to produce your own album and walks us through his musical journey up until this point.
Let's dive a little deeper, shall we...
So let's start by introducing your song to our readers, tell us the name of your song and the general story behind the lyrics…
The song is called 'Monakhos' which is where we get the modern word 'Monk' and which originally meant 'Solitary'. The story is of a person who has been involuntarily cast into solitude with no-one wanting to be near them and that person coming to terms with being lonely. As the song progresses, the person decides they need to accept this new position in spite of the difficulties facing them. There is a lift at the back end of the song which shows exactly what these challenges are before a resolution at the end of the song where the character ultimately finds peace.
For those who couldn’t attend our most recent Listening Party, can you explain the meaning behind the song title…
This was a snapshot of my life from October to December 2014. I had gone through a nasty little break-up (against my will) and moved into the cheapest digs I could find. I didn't really have many friends, and the ones I had were tired of being around me in the state I was in. So, it was a case of moving on in the new setting I had been pushed into. Coincidentally, my wife and I went on our first date in January 2015.
Members always mention how amazing your voice/vocals are and you absolutely showcase this in the second half of this song with the big lift. What pointers would you give to any members who are trying to push boundaries with their vocal range, starting out as singers or clever ways to record vocals?
As far as I can remember, I always trusted in my vocals. I grew up in a religious family where I was in the church choir, I was in Youth Theatre groups and a bunch of bands so I was fortunate to have a lot of tutoring growing up. So while I trust my voice, I absolutely HATE recording and mixing my own voice. This was a real challenge at the outset. As far as I'm aware though, this is quite common.
I've read that Steve Tyler hated his own voice and more recently, I recall watching a Netflix documentary where they told Michael Stipe they were going to listen to his isolated vocal from 'Losing My Religion' and he visibly recoiled and asked "Is there at least some reverb on it?"
So, if I could offer some psychological tips rather than technical:
1: Trust in your voice - You can kind of tell when someone isn't 'going for it'. Your voice is unique to you so embrace it and go full out.
2: Add a little reverb when you record your vocal. Too much and you'll struggle to sing in tune whereas too little means you'll just hate your vocal as it's being recorded.
From a technical stance, invest in a pop shield and a mic stand. Learn how to use compression for control of the dynamic quality of your performance, and don't be afraid to experiment with different effects in the mix stage.
You mentioned that this song was recorded a few years ago, what would you do differently if you could rework/write this song again?
1) I would re-record the guitars, preferably with a better quality microphone and guitar.
2) I'd raise the volume of the vocal in the bridge section as it's a bit too low. I remember considering this at the time and thinking that I wanted the listener to lean in to hear the lyrics but I've changed my mind since.
You’ve recently released an album, could you tell us more about that project/album and your experience of writing & recording it(I understand you’ve done this all yourself, we’re bound to have other members who are planning to do the same - so any advice you could share would be greatly appreciated)...
I did indeed release my album 'A Single Shining Star' in June this year. It was a long process and the released version is actually the third production of the same album while I was improving. I found that by the time I got to the 10th track, I'd learned a lot more so I went back to Track 1 and repeated the process. I can still see the flaws in the production but it's out there now and I've learned to embrace them as a moment in my 'journey' in making music. If I could offer some advice here is that you should only really change something if it will improve it. I had gotten to the point where I was tweaking tiny changes which really didn't affect the character of the songs that much so I decided to release it.
I have 4 further albums written and I'm just now working on the production of the second one.
If anyone else is thinking of doing an album, my main advice is to be patient. I sometimes get anxious that I need to get to the other albums as quickly as possible as I'm always writing new material.
Try to develop a workflow to combat this for example, mine is:
1) Pre-Production = Song writing/arranging and album conceptualisation
2) Recording = This can involve even more rearranging
3) Production = Making the album real. For me, focusing on one song at a time really helps to focus me and taking frequent breaks to listen to high quality music also helps (or depresses). However, I know that professionals advocate moving between projects to keep their enthusiasm high.
4) Release = Once it's done, move on to the next one!
I try to focus on being in one stage at a time (hence why I have 4 albums!). I have a bunch of affirmations on my desk to try and keep me grounded when I'm in the thick of song 4/12 and wondering why and for who I am doing this for. I try to remember that it doesn't matter if no-one will listen to it, I'm having fun and this brings me purpose.
Could you maybe take us through how you’ve got to this point in your musical journey (how it all started, any bands or projects you’ve done or been involved in) and any plugs for future releases we should get excited for?
It's a long journey which began with certain adults picking up on the budding signs that I would enjoy music. Mr Carter was my first Cello teacher who came into the primary school class and initially concluded if we had an aptitude for music based on playing two notes and we had to decipher which was higher pitched than the other. That started my journey of playing instruments which took me to guitar, bass, drums and piano in later life. That carried me into various bands which I'll list below as there is very little chance anyone will go and find the music for these projects!
1) Noodle Pipeline (Pop Punk)
2) Inertia (Covers band of 2000s Indie)
3) Marbella (Coldplay style pop)
4) The Angelo Boys (Punk)
5) The Vallums (Indie Rock)
6) The Midnight Foxes (Indie Rock)
I also have to thank Mrs Dillon who told me I could sing. The whole of my primary school were auditioning for a choir to sing at Lichfield Cathedral and they decided who was in by walking down the rows to listen to us sing. If you got tapped on the shoulder then you were in. Mrs Dillon has just walked past me and so feeling like I had nothing to lose, just decided to belt out the next few lyrics, she turns back and taps me on the shoulder and continues down the row of singing school kids. This took me to church choirs, local youth theatre groups and led me down a performing arts route where I studied dance to age 18 when I had an audition at university but I decided to go on a date with a girl instead...I regret nothing.
So coming up next is my album titled 'Mobius Dysthymia" which is a concept album based on the cycles of poor mental health I seem to go through. I'd be keen to have any singers volunteer for parts on the album, as well as opportunities for people to share their own experiences and philosophies to sprinkle throughout the album. I am getting very close to completion and I suspect it will be a Late Autumn/Early Winter release date. Any members who are interested - message me directly on COMUSO.
Which songwriters should we all be listening to on the COMUSO player?
I really don't want to upset anyone by not including them here as this really is a lodestone for incredibly talented people and you're all amazing! I personally get excited to hear tracks from Jake Tee, Tim Lacey, TAOS, Will Lloyd, Johnny Watts, Trev Brunwin and Steven Forrest.
Finally to finish this interview, what’s your experience of COMUSO been like so far…
Beyond all expectations. What COMUSO provides is a chance to meet incredibly positive and like-minded people who really do care about the music each person submits to the platform. It also offers the impetus and accountability to be writing songs at least once a month. So, thanks to Robbie and everyone who takes part in the community!
To hear 'Monakhos' and every song submission by Joe so far, head over to the COMUSO Player and check out his 'Five or more club' page (you must be a member to access the COMUSO Player).
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