Foley Can't Help The Way Interview

Foley Is Best Friends: Ash and Gabriel

Foley started almost as a dare - a challenge between two longtime friends to put a meaningful spin on pop music.

The pair have made a name for themselves by acting out against the standard producer-vocalist two piece model; instead writing, performing and producing everything completely collaboratively. In an industry where female vocalists are often commoditised, it's an important distinction to make.

Foley have developed a strong point of view as commentators of millennial doubt and confusion. They have never shied from laying bare the stark challenge of navigating love and relationships in your 20s, attempting to piece together some sense around the most universal of emotions.

Honest to a fault, Foley have quickly picked up a fanbase of young like-minded listeners for their fun-loving attitude, and genuinely unbreakable friendship. Their transparency with each other and their fanbase makes for a hilarious, emotionally authentic and carefree relationship that will have you laughing and crying in the same breath.

In late 2018, Foley premiered their third single 'Stranger' on global tastemaker site EARMILK, and the long list of achievements that followed is proof that going against the grain works.

Interview with Foley

Question: What inspired the track Can't Help The Way?

Foley: The track is about letting go and feeling free- essentially it's centred around the confusion and internal conflict of picking the right pathway, partner and friendships. It's so easy to go back and forth and we are both such over thinkers! There a real beauty in the acceptance of the unknown; not dwelling on the doors closed by past decisions, and instead embracing the unrelenting messiness and imperfection of life. Love is out of your hands and sometimes you just can't help the way you feel!


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why? Our favourite track might be this one! It's got such a great energy about it and people always seem to get really into it. It's such a blast when people don't even know the words yet but still want to join in and bop along.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Foley: PLEASE Stevie Nicks, she's absolutely incredible and I wouldn't be beside myself... Although maybe not because I might freak out and pass out from the excitement… not great on stage!


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Foley: They are so different; recording is all about being meticulous and making sure everything is perfect. It allows us to be creative and experiment which is always fun so that's definitely a real strength of recording- getting to test the waters and see what you can create. Live is such a buzz because it's so different every time! The crowd's energy is always so different and leads to a completely different show even though it's the same songs. I guess we probably prefer live but only by a smidge.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Foley: We saw it on a fridge in some of those magnetic letters and just ran with it!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Foley: I guess we motive each other. We really bounce off each other and get each other hyped up so a lot of the energy behind the writing comes from each other. It's mostly about our life experiences though- writing is such therapy for us because we write super honestly about our lives and our failures and faults.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Foley: I am a huge fan of SZA, Jungle, SG Lewis, Middle Kids, Slenderbodies, LEISURE, Bene, ahhh so many people. We are huge Kiwi and Aussie music fans too and listen to loads of local acts for inspiration!


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Foley: We both started out in bands during high school and it mostly just grew from there. I don't think it's really a decision you make I think it just happens if you're passionate about music. We never really had a choice we just ended up writing a lot and kept performing because we loved it. I guess it's not a conscious choice you just do what you love and it happens.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Foley: How good would a cheeky Kendrick feature be though…


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Foley: Getting to write songs with your best mate; we are so lucky that every day we get to hang out and write music and just enjoy something that we love. It can be stressful of course but it's so fulfilling and exciting to get to do this with someone that you trust and love as your bestie.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Foley: www.facebook.com/wearefoley
@wearefoley


Interview by Brooke Hunter