Joby Fox – Songwriter & Musician

I had this idea 5 or so years ago for a short film called “Lost Commandos”. It was an idea I just could not let go of.  It’s a story about four commandos lost on a mission in Belfast. The idea is that they get lost and then end up back to the place where they started out from. Yes, that is it. Sounds familiar?

There is a twist though, but you will just have to come along and see it when it gets out there.

Imagine four commandos with AK47s running around some of the most politically sensitive locations in Belfast, like Stormont, the Shankill Rd, The Falls.

How did we get away with it? I hear you ask. Well, good planning and a brass neck. Sophie is the master when it comes to planning. She had to clear all the locations and have a police escort with us at all times. The actors were all stoked when they got the parts, though as we came close to the three-day-shoot the emails started coming in to the office: ” Hey have you told the police were going to be running around with Ak47s?” Signed Yours, a bit concerned. Self preservation is a strong instinct, we think…

See the trailer here

Joby Fox

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The debut single, Perfect Stranger, will be launched at Kings Street Arts centre on Thursday 25 February, as part of the Nashville Songwriter Festival. There will be a very special live performance from Joby to be filmed for DVD, to be released later this year. Joby Fox will also perform at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival’s 6th Birthday Concert at the Kings Head on Sunday 28 February with the legendary Ultravox front man, Midge Ure.

Joby Fox was a founding member of the iconic Belfast rock band Energy Orchard. The band released their classic, self titled and critically acclaimed UK Top 50 album back in 1990. Energy Orchard where famously championed by then MCA record label mate, Steve Earle. They toured the world and, reputation has it, properly enjoyed a true rock n’ roll experience!

Whilst the majority of the songs were written by front man Bap Kennedy, it was Joby Fox that wrote the bands breakthrough single, Belfast. This debut single made the official UK singles chart and was an Irish number 1.

Brought up in Catholic tradition, though now a practicing agnostic, writing has always been a vehicle for Joby to purge his emotions and relieve his emotional tensions. This debut single, Perfect Stranger, explores the period in his life which was ruled by alcohol and hedonism.

Joby’s confidence in song writing has developed over recent years. This has helped him import some of the subjects that he feels are important to write and sing about. Although his sound is more contemporary pop than folk, telling stories and dealing with particular issues, social, political or otherwise, is what defines him as a song writer today.

“I’ve grown up with a folk tradition of storytelling through songs,” says Joby, “My mother would often launch into a ballad at any given point in the day, and my father would tell stories that were at times horrifying and others like parables and useful for life.”

Joby Fox is also a well known member of Belfast local arts community. He works day to day with various community groups and regeneration projects, and runs the independent arts organization King Street Arts in Belfast’s Castle Quarter area.

Available via on-line retail from: Monday 22 February
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Fest, Kings Street Arts @ 7pm: Thurs 25 Feb (free)
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Fest, King Head (Midge Ure): Sun 28 Feb

Joby is launched his new single “Perfect stranger‘ at King Street Arts  as part of The Belfast Nashville Songwriters’ Festival on 25th Feb 2010 . Joby  played with his band and performed songs from the forthcoming EP “End of the War”.  sophie@kingstreetarts.com or phone us on 02890 327297.

Joby Fox playing at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters’ Festival, 25/2

When at the age 14 he accidentally saw Rory Gallagher perform in the Ulster Hall his life set off in an unforeseen direction. Three years later, mentored by Gerry McAvoy the bass player in Rory’s band, Joby was himself performing in the Ulster Hall with the infamous Bankrobbers.

Belfast, one of the first songs Joby wrote as a teenager growing up in the war-torn city would later, with Energy Orchard, make it to number 42 in the British Charts and number 1 in Ireland.

Over the years he has worked with a variety of artists from Steve Earle to Lee “Scratch” Perry, as well as top producers Mick Glossop and John Brand.

His new single, Perfect Stranger will no doubt surprise and intrigue you. Joby will perform live at the launch with his band.

DATE: 25th Feb.
TIME: Doors open 7.00pm. The gig will be filmed and starts 8.00pm sharp. Doors will close 20 minutes prior.
VENUE: King Street Arts, 48 King St, Belfast city centre (by Ibis Hotel).
TICKETS: Tickets are free and can be obtained from the venue on 02890327297 or by email sophie@kingstreetarts.com. There is a limited amount of seats so it is advisable to obtain a ticket prior to the gig.