We had the chance to chat with members of rock quartet Foxera about their new music including their latest single with Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens called “Away From Me” available on all streaming platforms.
Check out what band members Julian Witt and Michael Swank had to say!
How excited is Foxera to be releasing new music?
Swank: It’s safe to say that we are all on an amazing high after releasing these songs. Personally, I haven’t released anything with my voice on it in years, and the guys had been searching for a singer for a while. Everything is falling into place, and nothing compares to that feeling at the moment.
Julian: Beyond excited. It’s the best feeling ever to know our music is finally out there after working on it in secrecy for so long. The reception has been really amazing and welcoming too – it’s just really rewarding. Can’t wait for what the future holds.
What can you tell us about this new track?
Julian: ‘Away From Me’ is an introspective look at how hard it can be falling out or losing touch with someone close to you, especially when you’re left with a lot of unresolved emotions and thoughts about it. When someone goes from being your ride-or-die to feeling like a stranger, sometimes you find yourself wondering if they still think of you too, if you should reach out or maybe you’re just holding on to something you need to let go of. The song leaves off on a hopeful note, looking at the power of reconnection and growth. It starts from a first person look at an uncertain situation, a bit of nostalgic reminiscing on the past and then as Kellin’s parts start to come in, it’s essentially the other person reaching out and opening up a dialogue between the two people. Sometimes people do grow apart and that’s a part of life, but here it highlights that sometimes people just need time to grow on their own and communicating with each other is often the key to resolution.
What was it like collabing with Kellin Quinn for “Away From Me”?
Julian: Kellin was a pleasure to work with. He was really stoked on the song and called me shortly after hearing it to talk in detail about it and what we wanted to write about. His enthusiasm and openness to try the things we envisioned for the song was really cool – he brought so much to the table. The song went through a few stages where each time it just became better and better until it was everything we all wanted. His experience really lent a lot to the process and made it surprisingly easy to do from a long distance. It was also a very full circle moment, as we all loved Sleeping With Sirens so much when they came onto the scene doing something different, so having him be so about our music and wanting to be on the track was a very validating feeling as well. We’re fortunate to have crossed paths, all around it was a super fun experience.
Did you always know that music was something you wanted to pursue?
Swank: I’ve been singing my entire life – it’s definitely something I’ve always been in love with. Discovering bands like Taking Back Sunday and Fall Out Boy when I was a teenager truly inspired me to start playing in bands. When I was in high school, I dreamed of touring and traveling the world, and I was given the opportunity to do so shortly after with Myka Relocate.
Julian: I’d been put in choir and piano lessons at a young age, but it didn’t resonate with me. It’s a bit ironic, but I sort of rebelled against it and ended up quitting both early on. I’d always been obsessed with listening to music, but my true love for playing music started when I got my first guitar. There was just something in particular about it that resonated with me. I was heavily inspired by my local music scene in my small hometown which had a really tight knit DIY punk/hardcore scene, and I started going to shows starting at a very young age. It was the first time I felt like I belonged somewhere.
I was always drawn to the energy of shows and guitarists in particular. I think Tom Delonge and early Blink 182 records played a role in what ended up making me want to get my own guitar. So once I convinced my mom, I had received my first guitar towards the end of high school and I’d find myself ditching class to play all morning and night in between skateboarding sessions. It kind of quickly took over as my main passion, and I found myself wanting to craft my own sound and be in a band. I’d always dream of being in this perfect band one day, so I chased that dream for all the years it took until Foxera was formed. I’m so happy I did.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Swank: Enjoy the process. Don’t rush into things. Never take anything for granted, and appreciate the people that support you. Finding your own voice within this realm can be a daunting task, but create as much as possible, and NEVER be afraid to experiment. You never know where doing things a bit differently can lead you until you try.
Julian: If you know you want to do music, start learning to craft your own sound as early as you can. I think it’s really important to carve out your own lane. Don’t let your worries of what others will think influence you – one of the best parts of writing is the freedom of personal expression, so be true to yourself and your vision. Sometimes, realizing that vision can take a long time. Take your time allowing yourself to grow and show up every day because that consistency is key. Stick to it no matter what life throws at you. In the end, you have to want to do music because it fulfills you in a way that nothing else can. Try to collaborate with others, especially those better than you, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips and advice. Always find ways to improve your skills along the way. Also it’s never too late, so don’t ever tell yourself that.
What is your favorite song(s) to perform live?
Swank: We haven’t had a chance to play out live yet as a band, but as far as practicing goes, I would have to go with ‘Way Out’. There’s just something so natural about the flow of the song, and it has such big, emotional moments that I know the song will go off in a live setting.
When people listen to Foxera, what are you hoping they get out of it?
Julian: I hope our music enriches their lives in some way, whether it helps them through something, or becomes associated with meaningful memories that they’ll think of when they hear it. I just love the idea of our music being the soundtrack to someone’s life. I want people to get hyped and throw it on when they’re living their best life, or when they need an escape from the weight of the world.
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Stream “Away From Me” here
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