Foley on their debut album ‘Crowd Pleaser’
New Zealand’s favourite indie pop duo Foley recently debuted their incredibly dynamic live show in the US and Australia, also joining iconic singer-songwriter Remi Wolf on her tour. As well as picking up new fans along the way with their highly sought-after opening slots for Tove Lo, Still Woozy and Two Door Cinema Club, they’ve proved they’re a force to be reckoned within the global pop scene.
Their latest project brings the perfect mix of fearless, innovative pop anthems, tunes with groove & grit amongst ballads with magical vulnerability.
Hey team, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us! First of all, a huge congratulations on your debut album "Crowd Pleaser"! How do you think your sound has evolved since your last project in 2021, the "Vacation" EP?
Thank you so much! It feels to us like our sound has gotten a lot bolder and almost matured with us. We fully allowed ourselves to have fun with this album and be as creative as possible - I think that only comes from working together for a long time and feeling confident enough to explore. The album definitely sounds more sure of itself as a result.
How did you start the process of writing an album and what was the overall writing and production journey like?
It was about 2 years of just writing non stop! We worked across NZ, Aus, and the USA just exploring lots of sounds and production styles to see what felt right. We didn’t rush things which is hard at times, but I am so glad we didn’t! Harry Charles, Josh Naley, and Josh Edmonds were 3 collaborators that were super crucial to the end result - they all worked so hard with us to get the production and writing fitting together cohesively. LOVE THEM.
What were your artistic influences going into this album?
Remi Wolf, Tove Lo, Prince always, Dominic Fike - honeslty so so many. We listened to so much music through this process and that’s always the best part - getting inspired by other artists and falling in love with what they do.
What themes were important to you to write about in this album, and how did you land on the album name "Crowd Pleaser"?
I think this record explores a range of things you experience in your early 20s - it goes from relationships, to breakups, to friendships, to loss, to partying, letting go - just everything! That’s how we landed on '“Crowd Pleaser”; we didn’t want to narrow the themes, so we left it with something in it for everyone. The album is just the conversations that Gabe and I have as best mates, put into song.
Congrats on over 550K streams on Spotify alone for "Smooth It Over" - it's such a fun, energised track! Can you tell us a little bit about the concept of this song?
Thank you! That song is about when you're falling for someone but hiding the parts of yourself that you don't think are attractive. It’s hard to let go and give your whole self to someone - even the bits that are tough! But it’s worth it and you have to go for it.
Of course, we also love "Killing Me Babe" - full of your sharp signature pop production & infectious melodies! What inspired you to write this track?
That one was such a fun session - just so chaotic and messy in all the right ways. Josh Naley had written a lot of that beat already so we just came in full send and threw a thousand ideas out there. I think you can hear the energy and the vibe in the final version.
What were some your favourite or most memorable moments working on the album?
So many incredible memories - but my favourites are always when we get in the car after a session and listen to what we've made. We get really giddy and excited and its so so so much fun.
Plus, you were recently selected to perform at Live Nation and One NZ’s "One To Watch"! What was that experience like?
So fun! We were dressed by Public Library for the Fashion Week collab - which was unreal. We matched on stage and it felt so dope, we were feeling ourselves hard!!! Our band was on point too - they are such amazing players so we always feel so gassed on stage to play with them. A pleasure xx
In addition, you've had some incredible moments in your musical journey including securing the lucrative cover of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist for Australia and New Zealand, which saw you appear on billboards in Times Square, New York City! What do you think has been the highlight of your career so far?
That was definitely an incredibly special moment - looking up at it was pretty surreal. It’s so hard to pick one moment but I did feel so proud not only of the billboard but what it represented. I have always been so passionate about women in music and fighting for more equal lineups, support, plays, and treatment. So that moment was really amazing for me as a woman and to get to stand for my other female artists at my side.
What's next for you for the rest of the year and beyond?
We have the South Island shows coming up that we just announced! Cannot wait!! And then a bunch of festies too - its gunna be a good summer!!!
Thanks Foley! Make sure to catch them on the road keep up with them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Spotify or Apple Music.
