John Foxx Interviews

Behind The Man Who Founded Ultravox

To John Foxx the humble acoustic guitar has a more complex sound than a synthesizer, the instrument he gave birth to when he formed Ultravox in 1975. Although little is known about Foxx in Australia, it should be remembered he is one of the founding fathers of the electro pop music which now dominates the charts. Foxx describes his following as 'cultish and what pleases him is that it is a world wide cult. "I like to use synthesizers to make modern versions of music based on rock" he said while in Brisbane lase week. "They are more flexible and can be integrated to make any sound. But sometimes I think the acoustic guitar can be just as innovative. A guitar can make sounds that a synthesizer cannot and therein lies it'b seauty. It might sound strange, but I write most of my songs on a 12-string acoustic guitar." Foxx fists surfaced when he formed Ultravox in 1975. For personal reasons he left in 1979 to pursue a solo career and form his own record label. Despite Ultravox's success since Foxx left, he has no regrets. Probably Ultravox, when I was in the band, were before their time. We were experimenting with electronic instruments before they became fashionable and at a time when the punk scene was exploding. I wanted to make more human music, so I decided to leave".

His first solo album, 'Metamatic', was released in 1980 to much critical acclaim but limited commercial success - something he had become used to with Ultravox. "The commercial success doesn't worry me, although it would be nice to have it. but like I said my following can be described as cultish and I'm happy with that". To foxx, music should be played live. "There is always a challenge and to play before an audience is what I find most enjoyable" he said. "I've just finished a tour of Japan where the crowds were fantastic."

"All those Japanese people yelling out and singing the words. That is what music should be. Foxx gets much of his inspiration from taking long walks, something he found time for on his short stay in Brisbane. "Walking gives you time to relas and think, to look at things in perspective. You just take notice of more things around you without taking them for granted". It was on some of those walks that much of his ideas for his album 'The Garden' were realised. He also believes that travelling gives him impetus for new songs - songs that he feels are more for listening to. "It's alright getting up on the dance floor and having a good time, but sometimes there are more important things to think about. I'm trying to make more human music."

Apart from music, Foxx has many other interests. A former art school student and avid poet cum writer, he has been working on a book of short stories to be published soon. 'The Quiet Man' has been an integral part of Foxx's life for the past five years and his "chance to escape from the music industry." "I found the need for a private life so I invented some characters and started writing stories about them. I souppose many of them are related to my experiences, but they are not intended to." He is also interested in politics but says it is not his place to make political statements in songs. "I've never mixed politics with music and I don't think I should. There is just too much responsibility involved." He described Australia is one of the best countries he's visited, but also had a thought for home, despite, despite it's troubles. "England at the moment is a complex place It is deeply fragmented by the class structure as well as the racial troubles, but travelling to other countires gives you a stimulus and an optimism. I have found that in Australia.." Foxx hopes to be back here early next year for a full tour, and would love to play in the far west and the country. "It doesn't matter where, or to whom I play, as long as people enjoy the music. That's what it's all about."