A Chat with Will Foulke (12.01.26)
Rooted in expressive guitar work and an instinct for emotional honesty, Will Foulke is an artist driven by movement, both musical and personal. Blending elements of funk, blues, and pop, his sound reflects years of growth shaped by early influences like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as a deepening commitment to authenticity. His latest single, ‘Fresh Air’, captures a moment of restlessness and renewal, born from feelings of stagnation and the desire to break free. We chat with Will Foulke about all things music below.
OSR: ‘Fresh Air’ feels incredibly vibrant and alive. What personal experiences or emotions inspired this track?
Will Foulke: I decided to create ‘Fresh Air’ after feeling stagnant in my everyday routine. This song helped to express the feelings I had of what it’s like to grow complacent and feel tied down.
OSR: Your music blends funk, blues, and pop in a seamless way. How have your early influences like Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan shaped your current sound?
Will Foulke: Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan have influenced me a lot as a guitar player and producer. I love the sound they were able to make, as well as their raw emotion when performing.
OSR: You started playing guitar at 12. Can you describe the moment you realized music would be more than just a hobby?
Will Foulke: I realized I wanted to be a full-time musician when I saw John Mayer playing with Dead And Company, and it seemed very fun to me. I knew I had to pursue this passion.
OSR: Over the years, your songwriting has matured a lot. How has your approach to writing evolved since your debut single, ‘No Going Back’?
Will Foulke: I’ve written a lot of songs, and I try to write music that’s authentic to me and my life experiences. I try to write uninhibited and let my subconscious create the songs.
OSR: How do you balance technical guitar prowess with emotionally grounded storytelling in your songs?
Will Foulke: I don’t like to play guitar with technicality, but rather play the part that serves the song best. I’m very focused on letting the instruments tell a story as well as the words.
OSR: ‘Fresh Air’ seems to celebrate movement and clarity. Do you see music as a form of personal release or therapy?
Will Foulke: Yes, music is the best type of therapy.
OSR: Are there any new musical influences you’ve been exploring while crafting this record that might surprise fans?
Will Foulke: Yes, I’ve been listening to a lot of classical music recently, like Mozart and Bach.
OSR: How do you maintain creative freedom while also appealing to a growing global fanbase?
Will Foulke: I make the music I want to hear, and I hope my fans will enjoy it as well.
OSR: What’s your favourite part of the songwriting or recording process: melody, lyrics, guitar, or something else entirely?
Will Foulke: My favorite part of songwriting is catching that first melodic vocal idea and orchestrating from there.
OSR: Looking back at your journey from Mystic to now, what advice would you give your younger self just starting out in music?
Will Foulke: I would tell myself to keep calm and make as much music as you can.
Many thanks to Will Foulke for speaking with us. Find out more about Will Foulke on his Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
