Interview with Future House Producer: Foxa

11/11/2018

Could you give us a history of how Foxa was created?
I started out making music when I was around seventeen and the first stuff I produced was a far cry from what I'm making now. Some of the first tracks I produced were straight jump up and liquid drum and bass. That only lasted for a short while and then I tried my hand and producing Avicii-style tunes as well some classic electro house music like Deadmau5. After that, I teamed up with my friend, Arno Van Nieuwenhove to create a project together called "Midnight Wolves." When we started out, we were really close but eventually we began having some communication issues and I don't think I was mature enough to handle it. Recently, I've gotten back in touch with Arno, who've currently producing and DJing under the name ARVANO, so I'm really happy about reconnecting with him. But back to the topic at hand: At eighteen, I left the duo and started Foxa as a solo project.

Can you give us an update on whether Foxa will continue as a solo project or if it will go back to being a duo?
Last year, I decided to try teaming up with Mats Verheyden because we've been best friends for a long time and he's always had my back like the brother I never had. In terms of music, we decided that it would be best if he took a break from music and leave Foxa by the end of this past summer and he agreed to it. The decision was made because he had other obligations with his studies as well as some personal stuff to take care of which left me doing most of the work by myself. In the end, it was best for Foxa to continue as a solo project because that's how it started out and that's how I think it's supposed to be.

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While it's still possible that Mats could return to the project, it's more likely that Foxa will keep evolving as a solo venture to deliver powerful and quality productions. It's not always easy for me maintain the high level of production and content delivery rate because I have a fulltime job and other obligations outside of music. Despite that, I'm still giving all I've got to this project.

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Can you tell us about why you have two management agencies?
I got my first management by a chance encounter at a music meeting in Antwerp. There I met Thibaut Knuts, founder of Highjackers Agency, and we quickly became close friends. His attitude and will to keep growing and improving as a manager as well as the amount of effort he puts into his artists is just amazing.

Later on, I got an offer from Camille van Gurp to join Encore. I was conflicted at first because I still care a lot about my connection with Thibaut, but we settled on Highjackers handling my booking deals and such in Belgium and Camille will take care of worldwide deals with labels and eventually bookings. I'm very glad to have managers who can both handle the business side of things as well as be fantastic friends to me.

You have adopted this style in your "Like I Do" Remix and "Show Me" which to me, sounds like future bass in a future house format. Could you sort of describe what this sound is to you? How did you come up with this sound and who did you get inspiration from?
It's hard to name producers who inspired me to create this sound. When I first started making future house, I was always really inspired by artists such as Don Diablo and Madison Mars for sure! The thing is, I started out by making tracks that sounded like tracks that were already released so that I could try and capture that same vibe. From there, I tried to do my own thing by using sounds that everyone is already familiar with but add my personal touch to it.

Tell us about how your first live performance went!
My first big live performance as Foxa was over a year ago in Antwerp. I was the headliner for this huge crowd at Oktopussy and my set was two hours long! Back then, I didn't really have anything big released yet like even "Find You" wasn't out, but they still believed in me, Regardless, I managed to prepare a solid set and the crowd reacted in an amazing way!

What has been the proudest moment of your career thus far?
As of now, I think that it would have the be when I won the "Like I Do" remix competition with Conor Ross. Having an official remix release for David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and Brooks made me lose my mind when I first heard the news! I was so proud when I was finally able to announce that release! More recently, I'm also really proud that I'll be featured on an album which will be supporting UNICEF.

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From now on @teamfoxa will be featured in United! Together with a few other producers he's working on an EP which will support @unicef . This album will be out the 10th December! â¤ï¸â–¡ . . . #charity #musicforcharity #unicef #producer #music

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Could you tell us some more about the album and charity you're part of?
I'm working together with Gabriele Mirabile, the founder of United, as well as a few other producers from Spinnin' Records, Revealed Recordings among others. Together, we are working on an EP in which all of the money earned will go directly to UNICEF. The tracks will be focused on a theme that deserves our attention in these current times and so each of us will be representing a different value. My track is a bit lower tempo than my other releases and it focuses on dealing with stress and overthinking at the wrong times. In the end, we're trying to make a difference and help support children in need.

Are there any upcoming tracks or collabs that you're already willing to tease?
I do have more tracks upcoming with my friends at We Are Loud, who have always been a massive inspiration to me. I've also teamed up with LexBlaze, Jordi Rivera, Sonny Bass and many more! There are a few really huge tracks coming up with my good mate from Brussels, HIDDN. He's by far the most inspiring producer I've ever met in real life because he's so creative, talented and ambitious. I'm also excited to announce that my first release on Spinnin' Records will be available on the tenth of December! So make sure to keep an eye on Foxa, lots of big things coming your way!

A big thanks to Foxa for taking the time to answer our questions! Be sure to follow him on social media for all of the latest releases and updates.