A Chat with Foxford (09.07.25)
Drawing together a wealth of experience, diverse influences, and a mutual passion for music, UK-based brothers Michael and Liam Finnigan offer raw, honest music rooted in emotion and authenticity. As Foxford, the lads have turned heads internationally and are quickly earning a reputation for energetic, engaging and enthusiastic performances bound by their fiery love of music. We speak with Michael Finnigan about their debut EP, Heaven Here, what music means to them, and much more.
OSR: Cliché, but considering this is our introduction to Foxford, could you tell us what drew you to music? How did Foxford come about?
Finnigan: I got into music when I was around 13-14 years old, I used to look through my Dad’s old vinyl records, and remember getting sucked into ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. I got my first guitar age 16, and became really interested in the craft of songwriting, meticulously studying Oasis songs. My brother Liam grew up learning drums, and was in a few bands whilst we were growing up. Music has been a part of my life for a long time.
OSR: You recently released your debut EP, Heaven Here. What can you tell us about the EP? Is there a particular theme or backstory to its creation?
Finnigan: I wrote the single ‘Heaven Here’ when I was about 23 years old! That’s about 20 years ago!
I never managed to record it, and hadn’t felt happy with it until now. Myself and Liam got asked to play a gig in Ireland after performing at a wedding, and that was what brought us together to form Foxford. From there we decided to create the new EP, and we are incredibly proud of the result! It also includes a cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, which feature’s some epic vocals from Liam, and it’s one of our favourite songs to perform live. The other track ‘The Only Face In The Crowd’, is a ballad about friendship and love.
OSR: What do you hope people take from Heaven Here, and what do you take from the EP?
Finnigan: For everyone to really connect with the music, for it to leave a long lasting impression, and for people to feel something.
OSR: You’ve both performed as solo artists and part of a band. What do you feel are the pros and cons of being in a band versus being solo?
Finnigan: It has been amazing to work with Liam, a dead relaxed environment and really easy going. We both get on great and enjoy sharing ideas. For me it’s better to be part of something, and share the experience rather than do it all on your own.
OSR: You’re also brothers, I see. Do you feel the family connection contributes to you creating and performing music? If so, how?
Finnigan: Yes 100% ! I think our voices are well matched, and I love it when we sing together. There is a definite solid sibling connection, plus some rivalry at times too.
OSR: As self-taught instrumentalists, when meeting or listening to a trained musician, do you find you make comparisons between the trained and self-taught aspects? If so, what are those thoughts or comparisons? It’s a silly question, but I’m curious.
Finnigan: Actually it’s a great question!
Although I don’t feel we really make conscious comparisons personally – I’ve been taking lessons with a trained piano teacher in recent times, and I have loved them. She commented that I’m very musical with a deep understand on notation, which is a nice complement to receive when you can’t read music!
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Finnigan: This might sound cheesy, but it means everything! I would be lost without it.
OSR: If you had to introduce Foxford to a new listener, which song would you recommend and why?
Finnigan: Hmmm, I suppose I would say ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, despite being a cover it perfectly showcases our harmonies, and Liam sounds great on it.
OSR: What can we expect from Foxford in the future?
Finnigan: A lot more live gigs and recordings! We really want to work hard, and keep up the momentum. It makes me feel alive.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Finnigan: Many thanks for reading this. My first musical interview!
Many thanks to Michael Finnigan for speaking with us! Find out more about Foxford on their X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
