Foxes (singer)

Foxes

Foxes in 2015
Background information
Birth name Louisa Rose Allen
Born 29 April 1989
Southampton, Hampshire, England
Genres
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals, guitar, drums
Years active 2011–present
Labels
Website www.iamfoxes.com

Louisa Rose Allen (born 29 April 1989), better known by her stage name Foxes, is an English singer and songwriter.[4] She is best known in the United States for her featured vocals on Zedd's 2013 single "Clarity", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Her debut album, Glorious, was released in the United Kingdom in 2014 and features the top 20 singles "Youth", "Let Go for Tonight" and "Holding onto Heaven".

Early life and education

Allen was born in Southampton, Hampshire and grew up in the city's Swaythling and St Denys areas. She attended St Denys Primary School, Cantell School, and Eastleigh College.[5] She started writing music when she was 14 years old and reached the final of a local talent competition in 2009.[5] At 18 years old, she considered training as a beauty therapist, but her sister persuaded her to move to London to pursue her singing ambitions.[6] She attended the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance but dropped out, preferring to write and perform music than study it.[7][8]

Music career

2011–2013: Warrior EP and featured appearances

Allen decided to devise a stage name to differentiate herself from British pop singer Lily Allen. She considered the alias Foxes after a suggestion from a friend, the first song she had written being titled "Like Foxes Do"; her mother then told her that she had a dream the previous night "about these foxes running up our street and they were howling and making these beautiful noises", which she said reminded her of her daughter's music. Allen chose Foxes based on this connection.[9] She began performing gigs as Foxes in London in 2011.[5]

Foxes released her debut single, "Youth", in January 2012 on Neon Gold Records,[10][11] and the following month was signed to Sign of the Times, a Simon Fuller-owned UK imprint of Sony Music Entertainment.[12] "Youth" and its B-side, "Home", were featured in the American television series Gossip Girl and an EP, Warrior (produced by Samuel Dixon, also known as Sam Kennedy), followed in July 2012, which Foxes promoted with a US tour.[13][14][15] Paste magazine described Warrior as "a beautifully ethereal EP that warrants all sorts of comparisons, but equally manages to stand on its own two feet",[16] while PopMatters wrote that it was "a powerful, well-rounded set" and Consequence of Sound introduced the singer as "[i]f Florence Welch and Katy Perry had a beautiful, brunette love child".[17][18] Later in 2012, Foxes toured with Marina and the Diamonds on her Lonely Hearts Club Tour and released a second single, "Echo".[8]

"Youth" caught the attention of dance producer Zedd, who invited Foxes to feature on his song "Clarity".[19] "Clarity" was released as a single in late 2012 and became a major hit during 2013, reaching number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs.[20] The song was certified double platinum in Australia, platinum in the United States,[21][22] and silver in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, Zedd and Foxes won the award for Best Dance Recording.[6] Also in 2013, Foxes featured on Fall Out Boy's song "Just One Yesterday" from their album Save Rock and Roll, on the Rudimental single "Right Here" (a top 20 hit in the UK), and on the Sub Focus track "Until the End" (from his album Torus).

2013–present: Glorious

Foxes in 2014 at Sommarkrysset

Foxes' "teaser" single "Beauty Queen" was released in May 2013, followed by a US re-release of "Youth" in August 2013 after Foxes signed to RCA Records in the country.[19][23][24] In the UK, "Youth" reached number 12 on the singles chart in October 2013, concurrent to the song's use in a high profile advertising campaign for retailer Debenhams.[25][26] During late 2013, Foxes embarked on a headline tour of the UK.[5] A newly recorded version of "Let Go for Tonight", a track previously featured on the Warrior EP, was released as a single in February 2014, charting in the United Kingdom at number seven—Foxes' first top ten hit.[27] Foxes' debut album, Glorious, was released in May 2014 following the single "Holding onto Heaven" (number 14), and debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart. A fourth single, "Glorious", followed in August 2014 and was used in an ITV advertising campaign promoting the network's autumn season of programmes.[28]

During September and October 2014, Foxes served as the opening act for R&B musician Pharrell's Dear Girl Tour, playing to arenas across Europe.[7] Pharrell personally offered a support slot to Foxes after hearing her cover of his hit single "Happy" for Radio 1's Live Lounge;[29] Foxes later accused producers of the televised singing competition The X Factor for copying her arrangement of "Happy" for a performance of the song by contestant Lauren Platt, as both versions interpolated the Massive Attack song "Teardrop".[30][31][32] Also in October, Foxes featured in the eighth series of the iconic BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, performing Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" in the episode "Mummy on the Orient Express".[33][34] In December, Foxes toured the UK once again as a headliner.[29]

In November 2014, it was reported that Foxes would be collaborating with veteran dance producer Giorgio Moroder on his solo album, which is to be released in early 2015.[35] The following month, Foxes said in an interview that she had commenced work on her second album.[29] She has also been writing material for other recording artists.[36]

Artistry

Foxes describes her music as "experimental pop",[37] and her debut album, Glorious, as having a "dark streak ... as well as a pop element that runs through it".[23] She has cited dance music as a major influence on her work, and lists Björk, Kate Bush, and Patti Smith among her musical inspirations,[38] although she also said that she finds greater inspiration in film visuals than music.[39]

Fashion

Foxes in 2012

In 2013, Foxes appeared in an advertising campaign promoting retailer Debenhams' autumn/winter collection, which featured work by Henry Holland and other famous fashion designers.[25] She compiled a playlist to accompany the London Fashion Week premiere of Markus Lupfer's autumn/winter collection in 2014,[9] and later in the year she was revealed as the brand "face" of Adidas's Energy Boost line of running shoes.[40][41][42][43] For stage outfits on her 2014 tours, Foxes collaborated with fashion brand River Island, citing Björk and Patti Smith as inspirations.[44]

Foxes has said that she favours shopping at charity shops and for vintage clothing, her day-to-day style frequently incorporating vintage sun dresses, boots and Converse trainers.[45][46] Her favourite fashion brands include Moschino and Chanel.[47] Her fashion sense has been influenced by fellow singer Cyndi Lauper and characters in films such as Empire Records (1995) and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997), as well as by grunge fashions and Japanese street fashion.[44][48] In 2014, ASOS.com declared Foxes "a total fashun muse" and praised her bangs as "great for hairspiration",[49] while Elle referred to the singer as a "fashion maven" and invited her to perform for their ELLE Sessions series.[40][50] Foxes is signed to the modelling agency Premier Models, has appeared in shoots for Vogue and Nylon magazines, and has been dressed for various red carpet events by Mark Fast, Markus Lupfer, and Miu Miu.[9][49][51]

Discography

Main article: Foxes discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2014 Doctor Who Singer "Mummy on the Orient Express" performing Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" in the style of a 1920s jazz number

Awards and nominations

Year Ceremony Category Result
2013 2013 Video Music Awards Artist to Watch – "Clarity" (with Zedd) Nominated
2014 56th Grammy Awards[52] Best Dance Recording – "Clarity" (with Zedd) Won
2014 Billboard Music Awards Top Dance/Electronic Song – "Clarity" (with Zedd) Nominated
2014 Radio Disney Music Awards Best Musical Collaboration – "Clarity" (with Zedd) Nominated
Glamour Awards NEXT Breakthrough – Herself Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "Artists | BMG Music Rights Management". Bmg.com. 16 June 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  2. ↑ "Epic Records UK - Foxes". epicrecords.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Foxes | The Official RCA Records Site". Rcarecords.com. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  4. ↑ Lester, Paul (2011) "New Band of the Day: Foxes (No 1,142)", guardian.co.uk, 4 November 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2013
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Churchward, Sally. "Former Southampton pupil is taking the states by storm". Southern Daily Echo. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 John Dingwall (27 April 2014). "Singer Foxes almost missed chance at stardom for a life with nail varnish and make-up". dailyrecord. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Foxes singer and Grammy award winner Louisa Rose Allen talks teaming up with Pharrell and starring in Doctor Who". The Evening Standard. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Foxes Talks New EP, Touring, And Working with Zedd | Life+Times". Lifeandtimes.com. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "British singer Foxes has gone from unknown to Grammy winner and red-carpet regular in less than a year". The Independent. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  10. ↑ "GOLD030: FOXES " Neon Gold Records". Neongoldrecords.com. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  11. ↑ Michael Cragg. "New music: Foxes - Home". the Guardian. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  12. ↑ "Foxes signs to Sony". Complete Music Update. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  13. ↑ Blake, Jimmy (2012) "Neu: Foxes: ‘It Feels A Bit Like A Dream!’", This Is Fake DIY, 15 June 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2013
  14. ↑ Hurwitz, Gabrielle (2012) "Lucky Listens: Louisa Rose Allen of Foxes", Lucky, 2 July 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2013
  15. ↑ Tadgell, Luke (2012) "Foxes: In Demand!", Gigwise.com, 1 May 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2013
  16. ↑ King, Katie. "Foxes: Warrior :: Music :: Reviews :: Paste". Pastemagazine.com. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  17. ↑ "Foxes – Warrior EP - Album Reviews - Consequence of Sound". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  18. ↑ "Foxes". PopMatters. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Foxes: 'I Don't Want To Be That 'Featured' Artist'". Billboard. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  20. ↑ "Zedd Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100". Billboard Hot 100. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  21. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles". 19 October 2013.
  22. ↑ "Zedd's Clarity Goes Platinum". 7 July 2013.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Foxes Signs To RCA Records, Announces 'Youth' EP". Billboard. 12 August 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  24. ↑ "Foxes Releases New Track 'Beauty Queen' Released May 13th 2013". Contactmusic.com. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Debenhams rethinks spend and adds in-store AR for new season". marketingmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  26. ↑ "Shop the TV Ad: Autumn/Winter ‘13 | Debenhams Blog". Blog.debenhams.com. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  27. ↑ "Top 40 Chart Archive". UK Chart Co. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  28. ↑ "DigitalPianoNews.co.uk - Foxes – Chasing Her Musical Tail". DigitalPianoNews.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 "Final nod to Glorious youth: Foxes on new chapter in 'whirlwind' career". mancunianmatters.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  30. ↑ "Foxes Claims X Factor Lauren Stole Her Song Idea - MTV UK". MTV UK. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  31. ↑ "Foxes criticises Lauren Platt's X Factor song choice". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  32. ↑ "Foxes accuses X Factor's Lauren Platt of copying her". 4music.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  33. ↑ "Foxes to appear in new series of Doctor Who". BBC. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  34. ↑ "Foxes performs 'Don't Stop Me Now' on board the Orient Express - Doctor Who: Series 8 (2014) - BBC". BBC. 11 October 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  35. ↑ "Giorgio Moroder Unveils New Video ’74 Is The New 24’, Announces First Solo Album in 30 Years". OUT. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "Foxes on her celebrity fans and Calvin Harris being a loser - Daily Mail Online". Mail Online. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  37. ↑ "Popping Up: Foxes « Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com". Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  38. ↑ "Electrocutie Music Blog - Eternal Youth: An Interview With Foxes". electrocutieblog.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  39. ↑ "Sweet Foxes". Interview Magazine. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "5 minutes with Foxes". elleuk.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  41. ↑ "Foxes on fame, working with Pharrell and fitness as she models for Adidas - Daily Mail Online". Mail Online. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  42. ↑ "Foxes fitness health diet tips adidas collaboration (Glamour.com UK)". glamourmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  43. ↑ "Foxes and Adidas team up for new film". harpersbazaar.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Foxes Q&A - Fashion collaboration with River Island tour outfits (Glamour.com UK)". glamourmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  45. ↑ Gabrielle Hurwitz. "Lucky Listens: Louisa Rose Allen of Foxes". LuckyShops. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  46. ↑ "U.K. Singer Foxes Talks Heels, Hats, And Why She's Obsessed With American Fashion Magazines - Style". Style. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  47. ↑ "Foxes - Louisa Rose Allen Interview". Refinery29. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  48. ↑ "FALLING FOR FOXES". topshop.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Loving Your New Holding Onto Heaven Video, Foxes! - ASOS". ASOS. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  50. ↑ "Foxes debut album - Fashion, Trends, Beauty Tips & Celebrity Style Magazine - ELLE UK". elleuk.com. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  51. ↑ "“Foxes” - premier blog". premier blog. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  52. ↑ "Grammy Awards 2014 Nominations, Dance Genre".

External links

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