Local Listens #14: Interview with Thinking Foxes

LOCAL LISTENS | COLUMN | MAHIMAHI / SEX

Interviewed by Hirimaia Eketone (they/them) | @hiri_music | Te Ao Māori Editor

Local alternative-rock band Thinking Foxes are determined to take on the world, starting right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Evolved from the solo project of front-man Gabriel Parkins-Craig (Scantily Clad), this dynamic four-piece has been elevating the standards of live music performance since 2022. With Luca García Ferrari on Bass (Waveslave, HIRI, Slow Rage, ADV) Taygen Newton on Guitar and Synth (Clementine, HIRI, Sincere Sapling) and Noah Page on Drums and Production (ADV, SOJØURN, Becca Caffyn) this star studded lineup is well and truly omnipresent throughout the Auckland music scene. Special shoutout to original member, Daniel Markham (Scantily Clad), who has since moved to the UK with Taygen filling the spot.

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of interviewing the band at Depot Sound Studio, their main base of operations, right before they recorded the last guitar tracks on some exciting unreleased music. With all four squeezed onto the infamous Depot Sound couch, I delved into the band’s history, plans for the future and what they hope to achieve with their unique sound.

Kia ora Thinking Foxes, thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me! Who are you guys and how did you get started?

G: From what I can remember, we were all in different bands at different gigs and that’s how we met, except for Taygen. When I knew I wanted to start a band, I knew I needed a good bassist, y'know, as a bassist myself. So I grabbed Luca, and then I got Noah on the project because I didn’t know how to do anything mixing or drums related.

N: And we (N+L) kinda come in a package deal. (Luca and Noah had previously played together in Universal Authors).

G: Yeah, so I think that sort of chemistry was already there? And then once Daniel, the original guitarist moved to England, there was a hole that needed to be filled.

N: And Taygen is very good at filling holes.

(All laugh)

G: Yeah so Luca was like, I know someone. We did a trial and ended up picking the first candidate, Taygen, and we’ve been playing together ever since.

What are the overall goals you guys have for the band?

L: World domination.

T: Play good music, be happy.

G: Write good songs.

N: We really enjoy the range of inputs that each of us have and give to the music process, like we all kind of come at writing and producing and playing in different ways. I think, like for all of us, this is a very kind of core aspect to our music, especially when we’re all busy with work and life and all that stuff.

How have you guys found the use of technology in elevating your sound or your performances?

N: AMAZING question, well you see ACTUALLY - 

L: We’ve thought about this a lot.

N: Thinking Foxes is the most technically-

T: Technically advanced indie band?

N: Thinking Foxes is the most technically reliant band in the Auckland scene, and also the band in the Auckland scene with the most technical mishaps because of what we’re trying to do. We want the live performances to both be as close to the studio version as it can be, and also just to bring the best quality performance to the audience.

G: I think just to do the songs justice live. 

T: I think one of the main things with Thinking Foxes is the cleanness, like the gritty cleanness, because every part has its purpose and its function. So to portray that to the audience, it has to be at that level.

N: And I think a lot of influences for this band have been very polished, very like - not stadium rock, but a very clean and tight, live produced sound.

L: I’d describe the music as written to be recorded, so when we perform live there’s a type of noise that has to be kept in. And having the technology to do that improves our performance.

We’ve attempted to make video work for two and a bit years. Not every single performance, but maybe like, once a year.

G: Ultimately, we try to deliver the best performance and gigs we can, so the technology makes it a bit more well oiled and better.

What does your studio process look like as a band?

N: I think for the sort of upcoming work we’ve really tried to take our time to get things right. And obviously with my background (check out Noah’s production work at Depot Sound here), I really want to have this music represent like, not my best - it doesn’t have to be necessarily the most perfect version of my production or engineering or playing, as long as it captures the vibe of the songs and the effort we’ve put in.

And lastly, since this is for our Sex Issue, what are some of your artist/band hear me outs?

(after much much MUCH deliberation and explanations of the trend by Taygen.)

G: Hear me out…. I feel like this would be a largely unpopular opinion until recently but hear me out. Nickelback. Honestly, they had so many great hits and great songs.

L: I won’t hear you out. 

N: Charli XCX.

L: No! Everyone likes her! She won four grammys!

N: Clairo?

(everyone laughs)

L: I feel like I play a hear me out. I feel like people constantly don’t hear me out. ( To see what Luca plays, check out the Debate socials for the video interview )

Endless debates around gear and artist discographies aside, Thinking Foxes are in a prime position to not only take over the Auckland music scene but to change the way local artists approach the production and performance of their music. With their current released discography, a brilliant music video and gigs to come, they are a must-have in your local listening playlist. Whether you’re after an alcohol-inspired banger, brilliant visuals or just a great group of guys to support, make sure to check out these guys on all the online forums.