Unsigned Spotlight: Fox Grin
Fox Grin exists at the intersection of art-rock and indie-pop; blending complex synthesized soundscapes with a foundation of alternative-rock guitar and drum arrangements, punctuated by strong vocal melodies and pop-inspired harmonies.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Thom Chapman (vocals, guitar, keys)
David Bean (Bass, backing vocals)
Mike Cap (Keys, backing vocals)
Ben Jackson (drums)
Josh Horne (guitar)
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Fox Grin? How long has the band been around?
Thom Chapman was in a couple Atlanta bands - Rabbit, Verlaine
David Bean plays with Nashville’s Jonny and the Jumpmen
Mike Cap and Josh Horne are in Nashville band B0lth, as well as a Beatles Tribute band
Ben Jackson has played for Nashville’s The Burps
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Thom and David were part of an Atlanta Artist collective called Pack Life, along with a band called Wolves and Brotherhawk. Thom used to make street art of Cheshire Cat Grins in Atlanta, so “fox” was chosen in keeping with Pack Life, and “Grin” was chosen in reference to the street art.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Thom writes most of the songs, usually dealing with existential themes like death, depression, love and enlightenment. Every song tries to convey a positive mantra. Who knows where the subject matter might lead?
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Bands all over the spectrum... Beatles, ELO, Zombies, Bowie, Pink Floyd, T.Rex...60s Pop, 70s psych rock/pop, late 80s punk, 90s Nirvana, Elliott Smith...some contemporaries we’re into include Tame Impala, Dungen, Kishi Bashi, Jacco Gardner, Deerhunter, Melody’s Echo Chamber, etc...
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Reading Kurt Cobain’s autobiography in the 3rd grade.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc…
Practice, Practice, Practice. Maybe a beer right before.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Playing Audiotree and Mile of Music were such a blast!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, ELO, Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem, Dungen...we’re fan boys.
Anything else you wanna add?
Our new album, Dusk, comes out on March 22nd. It’s a vibrant indie rock tale sparkling with art-pop orchestration and gorgeous vocal harmonies.