The Fools Mask (Introduction)

"One of Tampa Bays most creative and successful underground songwriters"

 Hello and Thank You for stopping by. This blog will center around my 6th Independent album release The Fools Mask. My name is Brian Fox (aka Foxman) and I am an artist/songwriter from the Tampa Bay area. I created my small business/record label Foxman Music in 2001 and I currently have 5 album releases to my credit (4 regular releases and 1 demo). Over the years I have built up a very loyal global following of kick ass down to Earth music fans. I have become best known for being a creative writer who tends to cover multiple musical genres (Pop, Rock, Blues, Punk, Folk, Metal, Country, etc). I employ a Hollywood approach to many of my songs, which means that I don't always write from my own eyes and life experiences. This approach allows each song has its own unique storyline and perspective. Some of my song themes include; mafia, CIA/spies, freemasons, vagrancy, money, greed, battle between good and evil, doppelgangers, vampires, hauntings, nostalgia, death, karma, lucky voodoo, faith, killer priests, addictions, corrupt politicians, urban decay and much more. With the exception of a few guest appearances, everything you hear in my music is all me. I do all my own vocals and play all my own instruments (guitar, bass, keys and percussion). I am also responsible for all recordings and the albums graphic designs. For more information (song lyrics, music videos, song/album hype, links, quotes, CD sales, etc), please make sure to visit the coolest Independent Music website on the planet at:

www.foxmanmusic.com

 

Foxman Music Discography

1) Songs From The Gallery (2001, 9 song demo)

2) Like The Freak You Are (2005, 9 songs)

3) Crazy Like A Fox (2010/11, 13 songs)

4) Folklore & Superstitions (2013, 15 songs)

5) The Hollywood Blacklist (2015, 17 songs) 

6) The Fools Mask (2017, 14 songs)

I know that I have a lot of music to choose from and things can get to be a bit overwhelming. Please don't get discouraged! I recently released a 2 part Foxman Theatre video series which will take you inside the madness that is Foxman Music. Both of these videos contain live commentary, live performances, news and much more. These videos are the perfect way to get familiar with myself and my music. I am an animated person in real life, so I guarantee you will also find the videos to be very entertaining.

The Hollywood Blacklist was released in early 2015 and is the crowning achievement of my entire career as a songwriter. The CD contains 17 songs, nearly one full hour of groundbreaking music, ultra-creative song themes and some very notable guest appearances, which include world class saxophonist Butch Thomas (Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Jaco Pastorius) and guitar virtuoso Dennis Stadelman (CoPe). The new album has been garnering me a ton of attention and accolades and is already receiving regular airplay at WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa Bay (call in #: 813-239-9663). This is the CD Sampler Video For The Hollywood Blacklist. The video contains 30-50 sound clips of all 17 songs, plus plenty of theatrical/freaky photographs and effects to keep you well entertained along the way.

How about an extra little treat! One of my most successful and recognized songs is the haunting love song Sweet Adelaide. This song is a chilling venture into the realm of immortality and painful loss. The music video for this song is an absolute must see!! It is easily my most popular and professional music video ever released. Exceptional filming (Kevin Killelea), settings and story line. It's an absolute classic! In the words of one of my fans "Hitchcock reincarnated". Huge Special Thanks to my friends Kevin & Ann Killelea and Steve & Linda Norsen.

Well, now that you have had a chance to get familiar with me and my various album releases, I have some huge news to share. As part of my War Against Greed campaign, all of my music (4 CD's/52 songs) is currently available as free downloads at CD Baby!! This is my way of saying Thank You for your friendship and support. Just click the link below and let the fun begin.

FREE FOXMAN DOWNLOADS at CD Baby

Still feeling overwhelmed and unsure? I have written/released 64 songs total and there is a lot to choose from. Here is a list of some of my most popular and downloaded songs. City Streets (about a homeless person who has lost everything and is holding on to the memory of a lost love because it is all he has left), Same Old Troubles (my big band New Orleans lucky voodoo song), Under The Weather (a fun/catchy, melancholy break up song), Sweet Adelaide (a chilling venture into the realm of immortality and painful loss), The Freaks Waltz (a kick ass and entertaining instrumental), Ne'er Do Well (about a hobo who is questioning his faith and searching for signs to help him on his way), Terrible Tale (about a priest who has committed murder, served 20 yrs in prison and is returning home to try and make things right. Features Butch Thomas on saxophone), Halfway To Memphis (a fun venture down the crossroads, also features Butch Thomas on saxophone), Alone With You (a fun Rockabilly love song), Time's A Real Drag (a venture into the seedier side of city life), Shake For Me Now (Rockin strip club song. There will be a version of this song on The Fools Mask), Shadows (an ominous instrumental about the ongoing battle between good and evil), Wilderness Of Mirrors (CIA/spy song. All lyrics are made up of doublespeak and spy terms), Where's The Sun (a bloodthirsty vampire song), Hard Times (one of my heavier songs, about a mobster on the run), Last Resort (an ultra catchy retro/Pop song. Written while I was in Chicago for The Voice audition in January 2014), Old Highway (biker song), Going On The Run (A Punk Rock masterpiece), Same Song (one of my favorites. About life and contemplation and hearing a song on the radio that takes you back), C'mon Tampa Bay (dedicated to the Tampa Bay Rays and their quest for a pennant), Best Days Of Your Life (a kick ass retro Rocker about the good old days and feeling nostalgic. There will be a remake of this song on The Fools Mask), Shady Deal (about falling for the wrong type of girl/prostitute. Features guitar virtuoso Dennis Stadelman) and Caroline (about finding a former love living on on the streets)

If you would like to  purchase physical copies of my CD's, then I have some more huge news to share. I am currently selling a Foxman Box Set (pictured above). All 4 CD's for just $15!! S&H fees are free for all orders in the USA and I will also gladly sign/date all copies for no extra fee. This is the absolute best offer that I can possibly make. The Foxman Box Set is available at the following websites

 (Pay Pal approved/major credit cards accepted). 
 

The Foxman Store

Foxman Music at eBay

The Foxman Art Studio (Etsy)

Some of my high end/low end collages are also available at my art studio

The Fools Mask 

   
You did it!! Now that you are all caught up with my past accomplishments it is time to move on to my future ones. In March 2015, I began working on my 6th independent album release The Fools Mask. If all goes well, this new CD will be released at some point in 2017. There is no doubt in my mind, that this new album will one day be regarded as one of the most groundbreaking Independent releases EVER!! I have been writing/releasing my own CD's for nearly 15 years now and I am very confident about what I am capable of doing. Of course I can't do it alone and I am going to need all of you to help me out. For songwriters like myself, word of mouth means everything. Hopefully you will all believe in what I am doing and you will share the news, free downloads and music videos with others. I have created this blog to help keep everyone up to date on my progress with the new CD. Thanks Again & Keep Rockin!! 

 Promo picture for The Hollywood Blacklist

The Fools Mask (Song Hype)

 Song Hype

Meet Again Some Day - Completed in March 2015. It is a very catchy and playful Rockabilly/Folk love song. I am positive that this song will be track #1 on the new CD. My vocals are very smooth and easy to listen to. I lost a few loved ones in 2015, so there is a bit of a double meaning to the song, which adds to the surreal vibe that it projects. Just one month prior, I got a new Taylor Acoustic guitar as a gift from one of the deceased (I love that guitar!) and it made its debut on this song. The story line of this song is exceptional and it is very melodic from start to finish. This song fits perfectly under the category of the heavenly virtue patience.

That Voice In My Head - Completed in July 2015. This song is a very cool and unique retro Rocker with a bit of a British Rock vibe. I used a laid back vocal approach, which goes along well with the tentativeness of the story line. The song is about seeing a person that you are are attracted to, but not being able to get out of  your own head long enough to walk up and say hello. This song fits well under the category of the heavenly virtue humility.

Ghoulash - Completed in October 2015. How's that for a unique song title! This song is an instrumental. Sometimes when I write I like to just dive in head first with no prearranged game plan and allow creativity to take over. This song is a ghastly mash up different styles and tastes all thrown into a big bowl and cooked to perfection along with some brains and a few other freakish oddities. The song features a Hip Hop drum kit, melodic/hyptnotic driving bass, eerie guitar musings, a little splash of Blues and some exploding Grungy chorus sections. This song has a lot of stop and go moments, which represents turmoil/confusion and erupts into dramatic outbursts in the chorus sections. What this his song technically symbolizes is a battle of conscience between the deadly sins and the heavenly virtues. Are you hungry?
 
Shake For Me Now - Completed in May 2017. This song originally appeared as track #2 on my Like The Freak You Are CD (2005, 9 songs). The song is centered around a strip club and is sung from the perspective of a mobster with a conscience. I originally wrote the song while watching the final season of The Sopranos. Once I came up with the concept for this new album, I knew that Shake For Me Now had to be a part of it. The strip club theme fits perfectly into the lust category. By having a conscience, the lead character is also showing that he is battling the deadly sin pride.

No More Lonely Nights - Completed in March 2016 (took 9 months to finish!). I am very proud of how this song has developed and I am positive it will become a huge hit. It features an ultra catchy chorus section and some exceptional lead vocals. This is basically a love song where the main character has done something terrible (like maybe hanging out in the strip clubs as referenced in the previous song, or maybe he is guilty of adultery ... the deadly sin lust, or something much worse) and wants to make things right so that there will be no more lonely nights. It is a very catchy/picturesque song with a touch of a melancholy island vibe. By showing remorse, this song represents the heavenly virtue humility. The person who is being sung to in this song, will have the option of either acting out with the deadly wrath, or the heavenly virtues patience & kindness. There is also a good chance that the heavenly virtue chastity will come into play. Speaking of patience, this song took nearly 8 months to complete. It is one of the best vocals that I have ever recorded.

 Best Days Of Your Life - Completed in April 2016. This song originally appeared on my Crazy Like A Fox CD (2010/11, 13 songs). It is a very catchy Retro Rockabilly/Punk Rocker that features some kick ass lyrics and unforgettable lead guitar. The chorus section for this song is one of the catchiest that I have ever written! It is a very fun and upbeat song from stat to finish. The tune will take you back in time to the good old days of jukeboxes, vinyl 45's, muscle cars, dime bags, fuzzy dice and switchblade knives. Who knows? Maybe that really was the best days of your life. I am surely acting on the heavenly virtue of kindness, by deciding to dust off this hidden gem and share it with everyone.This song also has modern day relevance because it references marijuana (dime bag) as being used as medicine. I suppose there are many out there who would consider this shameful act to be a sin and they may even act out with the deadly sin wrath. 

Snake Oil - Completed in October 2016. This song will fit perfectly under the category of the deadly sin greed. It centers around a person playing the role of a prophet who is promising to help/save people, but his only true ambition is making money. This is a very relevant topic for modern times and a perfect platform to portray the never ending battle between good and evil. The term snake oil salesman refers to a person (charlatan/shyster) who is knowingly selling a fraudulent product. In the old days, the term referred to the traveling medicine shows where miracle cures/elixirs where peddled in grand celebratory fashions. In modern times, the term is most often used to describe the pharmaceutical industry. This song features an amazing saxophone track by Butch Thomas (Sting, Lenny Kravitz). Butch is also featured in 2 songs on my The Hollywood Blacklist Cd. 

 Everything - Completed in April 2016. This song originally appeared on my demo release Songs from The Gallery (2001, 9 songs). This song centers around the deadly sin of greed. It is a semi-simple tune, but very effective! It will probably be one of the signature songs on the album because it references a mask in the chorus section (The Fools Mask). This is one of the most theatrical songs on the album. Besides singing the song, I am also using my lower register voice to play the role of the devil! How many songs can make that claim to fame? Here are the lyrics in the chorus section ... "Give me a mask and a pot of gold. I'll give you my conscience and my soul. Give me a shelter, with the whole world at my feet. And I'll give you everything". This is where the devil voice comes in and says "I want Everything". Choose your path wisely, there are consequences for your decisions!!

The Freaks Waltz - Completed in May 2016. This song originally appeared as track #7 on my Folklore & Superstitions CD (2013, 15 songs). I had originally planned on doing a remake of Guilty, but this song is a much better choice. The album needed another instrumental to breaks things up and this one is perfect! It has a bit of Godfather-ish main groove and plenty of mischievous twists and turns along the way to keep you well entertained. The song is a bit creepy at times and may even be best described as a strange and twisted nightmare. As far as where this songs fits into the concept of the album .... that's for you to decide!

If Only For A While - Completed in October 2016. This is a very unique song idea that is inspired by 2 true life experiences that I encountered. One situation was honest and respectful but grew out of the most unlikely of circumstances, the other was a friendship that turned into something ugly and vindictive. Both created kind of a unique heaven and hell scenario, which fits perfectly with the theme of this album. The song is about sharing a brief innocent and loving moment with someone, but knowing that real life circumstances make the chance of it growing into anything else very unlikely. The theme of the song centers around honesty, maturity and being able to respect a friendship first. Everything doesn't always have to be 'all or nothing' right away. Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to relationships. In some cases, love is just a moment .... If Only For A While. In other cases, it could mean so much more. This song is also represented by the heavenly virtues of humility and kindness. On the other side, there is also the potential that the deadly sin of wrath may come into play.

One Crazy Night - Completed in April 2017. This is another song that is somewhat based on a real life experience. Meeting somewhat under circumstances where both people are in their mess and at their worst (darkness, deadly sin of lust), but it ultimately leads to them getting to know each other at their best (light). The song is sung in a melancholy manner, which represents humility and centers around the hope that they will meet again some day. This is where the heavenly virtue of patience comes into play. 

Shady Deal - Completed in October 2016. This song is a perfect example of the deadly sin lust. It originally appeared on The Hollywood Blacklist Cd and it features an unbelievable lead guitar track by Dennis Stadelman. The song is technically about falling for the charms of a person with a questionable reputation (a black widow, prostitute, etc). I thought it was a clever move to put this song after One Crazy Night. In a matter of speaking, maybe all the patience and waiting led the character to slip back into the darkness and the deadly sin of lust. I like the back and forth, battle of conscience vibe. It fits in perfectly with albums theme. 

Alone With You - Completed in December 2016. I wanted to end the album on a positive note and this was the perfect way to do it. This song originally appeared on The Hollywood Blacklist Cd. It is a fun and catchy love song with a bit of a Buddy Holly groove and mood. It make take a bit of patience and humility, but love prevails. As mentioned in the inner album sleeve 'Never lose faith in love and miracles'.

The Damage Is Done (Bloodline) - Completed in January 2017. Around Thanksgiving 2016 I had something amazing happen to me. I was accepted to do a background acting role on the Netflix series Bloodline!! Needless to say, I am a HUGE fan of this series. I will be in the background of 6 scenes in episode 4, appearing as one of Kevin Rayburn's boat yard employees (I may also be appearing in more episodes in the future). My experiences with the show led me to come up with a new song titled The Damage Is Done. This series goes along perfectly with the concept of my new CD. Murder, family secrets, drugs and the battle of conscience. The deadly sin of wrath is very dominant throughout the series.

Picture of me on the set of Bloodline. Working as one of Kevin Rayburn's boat yard employees

CD Sampler Video for The Fools Mask

 

The Fools Mask (Graphic Design)

I have always taken a lot of pride in the graphic designs for my albums. It gives me a chance to allow my artistic side to take center stage. For example; the images portrayed in the design for Like The Freak You Are are of various acrylic paintings that I have done and the voodoo dolls and stage setup for Crazy Like A Fox were 100% hand made. With my last 2 album releases, I focused more on photography and digital editing rather than on artwork. The photography approach was fun, but I am anxious to do something handmade again. If my idea can come to fruition, then I guarantee that the graphic design for The Fools Mask is going to be a classic!! Very shocking and unforgettable. The underlining theme for much of my music can be summed up by one old adage "God, the devil and the conscience in between". Simply said, I write from the crossroads, the good the bad and the ugly. Life is full of decisions, some are good and some are bad. Sometimes we give into the temptations, sometimes we rise above them. Nobody on this Earth knows everything, we are all just doing our best to get by and live our lives. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail. To further elaborate; some songs that I write are dark and disturbing, others are happy and fun. Collectively they all work together and create balance. This approach allows me all the freedom that I need to be an effective creative writer. The idea that I have for the front cover of The Fools Mask is going to be very deep and will center around the 7 deadly sins and the 7 heavenly virtues. That is all I can share for now, because it's just an idea at this point in time, but the good news is that I'll be sharing the evolution of this idea right here in this post.
 

October 15, 2015 - Here is where it all begins! I love Halloween time!! Got a mannequin head, voodoo skull mask, a blank white plaster mask, adhesive lettering, a top hat with a red rose on the side, paint and paint brushes. Just the basics, nothing extravagant or overly expensive. One thing I have learned over the years, that applies to both songwriting and artwork, is to keep it simple. If you try to throw too many ingredients in the soup it just isn't going to taste good anymore. The old saying is "less is more".

October 16, 2015 - The Fools Mask is born!!! This was much more fun than carving a pumpkin. Simple but effective. The stickers didn't want to stay adhered to the mask, so I ended up using them like stencils. I did a little research online to see which colors corresponded with the 7 deadly sins before painting them. I still need to create a backdrop that will incorporate the 7 heavenly virtues and other religious symbols, but having the actual mask already completed is a huge step in the right direction.

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The 7 deadly sins and their corresponding heavenly virtues are;  

lust (chastity), gluttony (temperance), greed (charity), sloth (diligence), 
wrath (patience), envy (kindness) & pride (humility)

 

October 31, 2016 - It is Halloween time, I had to share something new!! This is a cool promo flyer that I made which features an old deserted church with the 7 heavenly virtues written in blood red.

 December 15, 2016 - Here is the official front cover design for The Fools Mask. I am very happy with how everything turned out. I didn't want the cover to be too scary so I used cartoon and other effects to dull the overall appearance and make it more playful. The 7 heavenly virtues are in the background and the 7 deadly sins are on the actual Fools Mask. I chose yellow for my name and the album title because it represents caution.

December 20, 2016 - Here is the front cover with the inside sleeve panel. It took a lot of work, but I am very happy with the results. With the inside panel, I was able to elaborate on the theme of the album 'the ongoing battle between good and evil'. I was also able to show a more in depth image of the Fools Mask with all the various colors for the 7 deadly sins (I did research these to make sure that I got them right).

 

December 20, 2016 -This is where the magic comes in! Check out this image from a distance. Doesn't it look like Jesus with a cross on his forehead? Kinda like a Shroud Of Turin? The actual image was of a wall with a window and flowers on both sides. I chose the original image because the frame in between the window represented a cross and I wanted something religious on the back panel to offset the intensity of the Fools Mask on the front cover. After I fed the original image into my digital editor and did a little experimenting, THIS is what emerged!! How perfect is THAT!! God is guiding me on my journey and good will always defeat evil.

 January 9, 2017 -This is the 2 panels that will make up the inner sleeve for the CD. I decided, once again, to keep things nice and simple. The Fools Mask on the cover and on the actual disc (next image) can be a bit scary and intimidating, so I wanted to make sure to emphasize the 7 heavenly virtues in the inner sleeve. Afterall, good does ultimately prevail. YES, the QR Code does lead right here to this blog. I will also be creating another post that will contain all the song lyrics. I thought it was a clever idea.

January 9, 2017 - And here it is, the image that will appear on the actual disc!! I am very happy with how it turned out. Once again, I used a cartoonish effect to dull the scariness of the actual image. I also thought it was cool that I was able to blend the mask into the background with the money. Greed is after all .... the root of all evil!!

May 19, 2017 - This was the day! I officially signed off on the graphic design/music and everything was sent out for replication. I should receive all the copies in about 3 weeks. I am aiming for a 4th of July, 2017 album release!!


Promo Flyers

The Fools Mask CD Sampler Video