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Charlie From Dream Team Bargains.
Brook Fox who joined this past week's Indie Show
Breaking Through
South Wales singer-songwriter Brooke Fox is enjoying a breakthrough year. With the release of his debut EP Everybody’s In Love, a successful headline tour across Wales, and a prestigious support slot alongside Emily Sandé on the horizon, the Burry Port musician is proving that determination, creativity, and a DIY ethos can take an independent artist a long way.
Speaking on Newport City Radio’s Indie Show, Fox reflected on his journey into music, the creation of his debut EP, and his ambitions for the future.
An Unexpected Route into Music
Music wasn’t always the plan for Brooke Fox.
Growing up in Burry Port, he was heavily involved in rugby, progressing through academy pathways and playing for both Burry Port and Llanelli. However, a serious head injury forced him to rethink his future.
“It shifted my perspective from everything,” Fox explained. “I decided to learn guitar on a whim during lockdown. I had an old rusty guitar and just became obsessed with learning.”
That obsession quickly developed into songwriting and recording, eventually leading him down a completely different career path.
Influences That Continue to Evolve
Like many young Welsh indie artists, Fox’s early influences included Oasis and Catfish and the Bottlemen. Learning their songs helped him understand not only how they were written but why they connected so strongly with listeners.
Today, his influences are constantly evolving.
“At the moment I’m looking into Bruce Springsteen and that modern Springsteen vibe from artists like Bleachers and Jack Antonoff,” he said. “I want to be one of those artists who can evolve their sound.”
That desire to grow creatively is already influencing the direction of his future material.
“I don’t want to stay confined to one box or one genre. Maybe we’ll move more towards pop. Maybe even try a ballad. I just don’t want to restrict myself.”
Building a Band
Although Fox initially performed solo, he knew he eventually wanted the energy that comes with a full live band.
His bassist, William Ellis, has been a friend since childhood, while guitarist Alex joined the project after the pair met while studying Music Technology at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Drummer Leon completed the line-up.
The result has transformed both the live experience and the recording process.
“Having four different creative inputs changes everything,” Fox said. “Recording live drums and working together as a band brings so much more energy to the music.”
Songwriting as Craft
Fox describes songwriting as a constantly evolving process.
Sometimes lyrics arrive unexpectedly and demand immediate attention. Other times he approaches writing more methodically, setting aside dedicated sessions and beginning with melodies rather than words.
“I’ve been trying to think of songwriting more like an exercise,” he explained. “The more you do it, the better you get.”
He also referenced a piece of advice often attributed to Ed Sheeran—the “dirty tap” analogy.
“The more songs you write, the more you clear out the bad ideas. Eventually, the water runs clear and you find the good songs.”
Standing Firm Against AI Music
One topic Fox feels strongly about is artificial intelligence in music.
While he acknowledges AI can be useful for administrative tasks and improving workflows within the music industry, he draws a clear distinction when it comes to creative work.
“Music is meant to be created, not generated,” he said.
Although he believes regulation is improving, he remains concerned about the long-term impact of AI-generated music flooding streaming platforms.
“Human creativity will always prevail,” he added. “That’s what people connect with.”
A Milestone Release
Released in May, Everybody’s In Love represents a significant milestone in Fox’s career.
More than simply a collection of songs, the four-track EP was designed as a cohesive story exploring modern romance, hope, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
“When people search my name on Spotify, that’s what they’re going to see,” he said. “I wanted those songs to capture who I am as an artist.”
The title track serves as the emotional climax of the project, bringing together themes developed throughout the EP.
For Fox, the release also marked the first time his full band featured on studio recordings, helping establish the sound he wants to pursue moving forward.
Success Beyond Streaming Numbers
While streaming figures matter, Fox defines success differently.
The most rewarding moments came during his headline tour, when audiences in Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen and beyond sang his songs back to him.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” he said. “Knowing someone has taken the time to listen to your music, memorise it and connect with it means everything.”
Independent in Every Sense
One of the defining features of Brooke Fox’s career is his independence.
From organising tours and managing ticket sales to maintaining his website and overseeing merchandise, much of the operation is handled personally.
That independence comes with challenges, particularly financially.
“Funding opportunities are competitive,” he explained. “Advertising and promotion cost money, and that’s often the biggest challenge for independent artists.”
However, Fox recently received support from Youth Music to help fund his next recording project—a major boost that will allow him to continue developing new material.
The Importance of Grassroots Venues
Fox is passionate about the role grassroots venues play in developing emerging artists.
Reflecting on his early days, he credits venues such as Swansea’s Bunkhouse for giving him opportunities before he even had a full band.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get,” he said. “These venues are there to help artists grow.”
He also encourages aspiring musicians to build relationships in person rather than relying solely on emails.
“Networking is so important. Go to gigs, talk to people, make connections.”
Looking Ahead
Following the success of Everybody’s In Love, Fox has no intention of slowing down.
A headline show at London’s iconic Dublin Castle, a support slot with Emily Sandé at Llangollen International Eisteddfod, and plans for a new EP are all on the horizon.
The Emily Sandé opportunity arrived unexpectedly, making the moment even more special.
“When we found out it was Emily Sandé, my jaw just dropped,” he recalled. “It’s going to be life-changing.”
Beyond the upcoming performances, Fox is eager to return to the studio and continue pushing his songwriting into new territory.
Future releases may move away from the romantic themes that define much of Everybody’s In Love, with ideas exploring nostalgia, social commentary and broader life experiences already taking shape.
“We’ve got momentum now,” he said. “I don’t want to go quiet. I want to keep pushing.”
For an artist who only picked up a guitar during lockdown a few years ago, Brooke Fox’s rise has been remarkable. With growing support across Wales, a dedicated fanbase, and a clear artistic vision, his journey is only just beginning.
Click to listen to the full interview
Click to listen to the repeated Indie Show from 6PM on Sunday
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