Inside Fool Nelson’s ‘Bad Dreams’
Emerging Perth indie rockers Fool Nelson are riding high after the release of their third EP, Bad Dreams. Currently touring the EP across the nation, the trio chatted to The Note about their new release, their favourite track from the EP and the wildest tour story.
Interview Tobias Handke // Image supplied
The release of your new EP, Bad Dreams, arrived a week into your Australian tour, which included two packed shows in Adelaide. How have the shows been so far, and how have the new songs been received by audiences?
Yeah, the shows have been really fun! We can’t believe that we’re able to put on gigs around Australia and have people show up. The new songs are also being received really well, which we’re stoked with.
As a band who are gaining a reputation for their live shows, what is it you enjoy most about playing in front of packed crowds?
It’s just so fun. Music hits differently live. You feel it in your chest or something. Haha. It’s also been great hanging out after shows and meeting everyone who’s been listening to our music.
You’ve toured with some great acts, including Skegss and Old Mervs. What lessons have you taken from these tours?
Just giving it your all. The energy translates from the stage to the crowd.
What’s the wildest thing that’s happened at a Fool Nelson gig?
That’s a tricky one. They’re all pretty wild. We played a free-entry gig at the start of the year, and a huge number of people came, far more than we expected. It ended up being the biggest headline gig we’ve ever played. When we finished playing, people were leaving with cuts and bruises from the mosh pit. It was hectic. I really didn’t think people would go that hard [at] our gigs, but apparently they do!
Switching topics, your new EP Bad Dreams is now out in the world. It’s five tracks of uplifting indie rock. Tell us about the process behind writing and recording the album. Is it a collaborative effort?
We wrote it over the last year. Some of it during a writing trip, and the rest in Darcy’s sun room at his house. It was very collaborative.
What were you listening to while making the EP, and did any bands influence you during the process?
I can’t quite remember; I think we were all listening to lots of different stuff individually. As a band, I think we were loving Slow Pulp and Ball Park Music at the time.
How do you think the band has grown since the release of last year’s Falling Apart EP, and how has this manifested on the new EP?
I think our songwriting has gotten better (I hope!). I also think it was more of a collaborative process compared to the previous EP.
READ MORE: SoSo: Dreams, Dedication and Defying the Odds in the Australian Music Scene
One of the standout tracks on the EP is the opener, ‘Bad Dreams’. It’s got a real feel-good summer vibe to it. What can you tell us about the track?
Yeah, that song is probably our favourite to play live. Funnily enough, it was actually tough to record for some reason. I don’t know why, but we just couldn’t get it right. In the end, we were like “stuff it, let’s just release it”. Looking back now, I really like it.
The EP was produced and mixed by Andy Lawson (The Buoys, Death by Denim) and mastered by George Georgiadis (Ruby Fields, Hockey Dad). What did they bring to the project?
Andy is awesome to work with. He has played a significant role in helping our sound develop over the last couple of years. He killed it with this EP; the same goes for George with the master.
Is there one song on the EP you’re particularly proud of or super excited for fans to hear?
I’ve been loving ‘Forget It’. It’s been going off live recently, which is cool!
The Perth indie scene is kicking off at the moment. You’ve got the likes of Spacey Jane, Old Mervs, The Kickons and yourselves making an impact. It must be exciting to be part of this new scene.
Yeah, Perth has a really cool scene. Because it’s so far removed from the East Coast, everyone kind of gets along with each other and is extremely supportive.
Are there any local bands that aren’t as well known outside of Perth we should be looking out for?
Yeah heaps! Paint, Polly, Daisy Park and Ullah are a few of our faves!
Finally, with three EPs in the books, can we expect a full album in the near future?
Yep. Definitely.
Bad Dreams by Fool Nelson is out now.
