Fresh off their set at The Independent iSessions, I caught up with Gil, Michael and Henry from Nottingham band Foule to talk emojis, playing on roofs and calling their mums.
Gil (vocals and guitar), Michael (drums) and Henry (bass)
When did you guys start up?
G: It was December…
H: 1998.
G: I thought it was 1999? [Laughs] It started properly this year. Me and Henry have been playing together as Foule for almost a year.
And the name comes from?
G: I read it in a book. Thought it was cool.
M: It’s actually Igbo for ‘lads’.
I’ll double check that one. Who inspires your music?
G: Urm…I love Peace.
[All laugh]
brb fangurling
You met them didn’t you?
H: We met Peace.
G: I was trembling.
M: I met Jimi Hendrix once.
Bet that was weird, he’s been dead a while. What about your favourite venues to play in Notts?
G: Rough Trade. We like it there.
You also played on a roof once…
H: Also a favourite venue.
G: It was fun. I couldn’t hear any of the music but it was super cool.
safety first
What can people expect from a regular Foule gig? (not one from dizzying heights)
G: Lots of passion.
M: Sweat.
H: Sweat.
M: And you know what… musical creativity.
oxjamming
Of course. Any pre show rituals?
M: Do some stretches at home, you know, gotta warm up. Then we all ring Gilad’s mum.
[All laugh]
G: We go and eat food.
M: We get battered sausages. Then we put it all on Snapchat and Instagram as that’s what cool people do.
Seriously though, why doesn’t Foule have an Instagram account?
M: Did Jimi Hendrix have Instagram?
Very fair. Can you sum up your sound for me in three emojis?
H: The okay hand sign.
M: I’ll go for the skis.
G: The moon face.
foulemoji
Eclectic. What are Foule’s plans for the remainder of 2015?
G: We’re doing a Christmas gig. Stay tuned.
And why should people vote for you on The Independent’s iSessions site?
M: We’re the best.
G: And we’re nice.
Thank you for your time guys!
Foule would love your vote in The Independent iSessions’ competition. They’re representing Nottingham in a national battle of the bands- you could even win an iPad Mini by casting your vote! Voting is open over at: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/isessions-a6750276.html
You can find Foule on:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/you_are_a_foule
YouTube: https://youtube.com/Fouleband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fouleband
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Fouleband
(Sadly, not on Instagram.)