LOVER, FIGHTER, HUSBAND, FATHER. TIME TO MEET THE NEW, ALL IMPROVED BOY FOUND SOUND...THE STORY OF A MODERN DAY 'IRON MAN"...
Matthew Fox is a survivor. He lost finger in a freak footballing accident that, unsurprisingly, got in the way of this musical career, but one day, whilst tidying his children’s toys, he came across an acoustic guitar, gingerly picked at it and was hooked again. The rest, we need to record as HIStory…
Who would you describe as your early musical influences and who or what inspired you to pick up a guitar?
I grew up with 3 older siblings, My oldest sister liked everything from early KISS to Depeche Mode, my brother had a broad musical palette, from The Smiths to Acid House and my other sister recorded the top 40 every Sunday so I heard all sorts. My parents seemed to have a million cassettes of 60’s music on perpetual rotation in the car so I heard loads of different stuff. I distinctly remember the first time I saw a Les Paul guitar though, something about that shape drew me to it and it looked like the coolest thing in the world. I’d seen Ace Frehley & Steve Clark play them so I wanted to emulate them
Who would you say are your contemporaries now?
I’m not entirely sure. I always find it fascinating hearing different peoples interpretations of my music. I’ve heard comparisons to The War On Drugs, Interpol, Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender. Who am I to disagree?
They’re all incredibly talented artists so I’ll take it.
Where did the name Boy Found Sound come from?
I’m not 100% sure. I remember spitballing names to a friend and he said it was catchy, and that typically “boys” do well in music. (Beach, Badly Drawn, Backstreet, Fallout etc)
I remember doodling Schroeder from Charlie Brown on a mock up album cover. He was always immersed in his music despite all the chaos surrounding him. I felt I could identify and relate to him on some level.
There’s a melancholy that prevails throughout the recent track ‘Monochrome’ with its haunting lyrical refrain? What was the inspiration?
Oddly enough, Monochrome was the first song I wrote after I began playing again but the words came much later. I intentionally left the lyrics ambiguous, because I’ve learned to allow the listener to identify with it in their own way and take it to their heart. It could be about infidelity, addiction or whatever. By not specifying exactly which line was crossed, it allows the listener to make their own minds up. At some point or another, we all experienced heartbreak. I’ll let the listener decide for themselves.
Losing a finger in a freak footballing accident must have left you wondering if you’d ever return to music again. That’s some will, power you have there…
Yeah, it’s not ideal if you have aspirations of a career in music! It’s the hand I was dealt so it’s the hand I have to play. There’s people out there who have it far worse than me. I’m mindful of that and it keeps things in perspective.
You have an autistic son to take care of with your wife, how does that impact your life? What considerations do you need to make on a daily basis to make sure Coby’s neurodiversity is included in family life?
I actually have 2 boys who are both non verbal and on the severe end of the autistic spectrum. Family comes first, always and forever. They have both left school now, which was the only respite we had. They’re 20 & 19, and it’s full on from the moment they open their eyes. 19 hour days are not uncommon, waiting on them hand and food and providing round the clock supervision, but if they’re happy, then I’m happy.
Your track ‘Count my blessings’’ is an autobiographical reflection on your life as a full-time carer, was this done in mind to shine a light on autism?
It was to a certain extent, definitely. It’s about mental health too. It was an open letter to people in a similar position who may be struggling. Caring has its moments where sometimes it can all get a bit too much. You can get overwhelmed with the responsibility. Your friendships wilt on the vine, and your social life moves in ever decreasing circles to the point where it is almost non existent. The wheelie bins go out more than I do.
Are we becoming a more caring and understanding society or is the landscape still littered with prejudice?
Yes and no. On one hand, social media can shed light on atrocities and injustice that would have previously been swept under the carpet years ago. On a personal level, my wife and I have experienced vitriolic ignorance towards our boys over the years. Thankfully, my boys are oblivious to the comments but to say they don’t hurt wouldn’t be truthful. On the flip side, we’ve met some of the sweetest, kindest and most sincere people you could ever wish to meet because of autism. We’re not all in the same boat but we weather the same storm. My admiration for them is immeasurable.
Do you sing to your sons? What’s their reaction to daddy with a guitar?
Haha, they leg it when I pick the guitar up! They’re bang up for a rendition of Postman Pat but they pay no attention to my stuff. They’re far more content making their own noise than listening to mine!
The day you came across an acoustic guitar while tidying up your kids toys must have been cathartic? What was the raw emotion like that day after thinking you’d never play again?
It was a strange feeling, almost like meeting an old friend. I hadn’t played in over a decade so instinctive muscle memory had deserted me, but I realised I could still play some chords, albeit a little sloppy. Using a capo has been a massive help, and changed my approach to playing. It got quite demoralising realising I couldn’t just play any old song, so I focused on writing my own.
Runaway train’ from your ‘A dream come true’ EP is an upbeat indie rocker, was this you finding your musical identity…it certainly felt like an epiphany to these ears – you can almost hear the confidence in your voice rising by the second.
I actually got the idea for that song laid in the bath!
I jumped out still covered in soap and grabbed the kids acoustic to work it out. What I played then was pretty much how it turned out on the EP. The lyrics were written before my skin was dry. That one is most definitely autobiographical. Sonically, it’s heavier than my other stuff which probably comes from my admiration for Nirvana and QOTSA. My producer said it had a desert rock vibe.
Your latest release ‘Ultraviolet’ is an uplifting indie belter. Is the momentum picking up for you?
Ultraviolet is funny because it’s relatively new. I forced myself to write something more upbeat because my last 2 studio sessions were Plasticine & Monochrome which both had heavy and emotive subject matter. I was mindful that I didn’t want them released back to back and to come across as too melancholy in my writing. I wanted to do something more uplifting to capture the summer vibe. I set my metronome to 160bpm and started putting it together.
What’s been the hardest part of your journey so far?
Finding time to be creative in an environment like mine can be difficult. Sometimes you’re exhausted and out on your feet. As much as I’d love to sit down and write when my boys are settled, I’m acutely aware that I’ll have it all to do again in a few hours so it’s better to grab some rest while I can rather than risk burnout.
If your music was the soundtrack for a film, what would that film be called?
All the pieces matter. I have three more songs to be recorded in the studio and then I’m hoping to get my debut album pressed early next year. I have had that title in mind all along. Each song tells a story which has brought me to where I am today. I’m also a huge fan of The Wire so maybe that has something to do with it.
What would be your dream venue to play and who would be on the bill?
I’m a Boro lad so selling out the Riverside would be nice.
I’m not sure I could top that. My wife is a huge Pixies fan, and she would never forgive me if I never had them on the bill. I don’t know, maybe all the “Boy” bands mentioned earlier. Have a huge celebration of music on Teesside with something for everybody. We could call it ‘The Boys Are Back in Town Tour’
What’s next for Boy Found Sound?
I’ve been invited to support Weathership at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton on Friday November 15th. They’re launching their debut album and it’s a landmark moment for them, and to be asked to be part of such a special night is amazing and I’m enormously grateful to them for having me. Hope I see you there!
