I first came across Foothead through a network of mutual friends, and their name kept popping up in conversations, accompanied by whispers of their rising presence in the Perth music scene. Curiosity piqued, I decided to dive into their catalog—and I’m so glad I did. There’s something undeniably captivating about their sound. From the first few looks, I could hear why they were making waves: a perfect blend of indie-rock melodies and raw alternative energy that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The more I listened, the more I found myself hooked on their dynamic, evolving style and emotionally charged lyrics.
What really struck me was the way Foothead manages to feel familiar yet entirely fresh. Their music feels like it’s been crafted from the hearts of people who’ve lived and breathed the same DIY culture that fuels the indie scene, but they’ve made it their own. Their tracks carry that deep, authentic energy, and it’s clear that they’re not just a product of the scene—they’re adding something real and unique to it.
Naturally, I reached out to them to learn more, and that’s when I got the chance to chat with Jasper, Tim, and Noah about their journey. Foothead, a 4-piece indie-alternative band out of Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia, has supported nationally touring acts like Sly Withers, Noah Dillon, and Late 90’s, and played major local festivals like Hyperfest and Sidefest in 2023. Born out of the all-ages scene in Boorloo, Foothead’s blend of influences and passion for creating music that resonates with both themselves and their growing fanbase has put them on a path to leave a lasting mark on the Australian music scene.
What I love most about Foothead is how they’ve managed to hone their sound without compromising their roots. Their music reflects a commitment to both experimentation and authenticity. Every song feels like a piece of their story—an honest reflection of where they’ve come from, but also where they’re headed. It’s hard not to root for them when you hear the passion and energy they pour into every note, every lyric, every performance.
Foothead
In the vibrant, ever-evolving music scene of Perth, Western Australia, Foothead stands as a testament to the raw power of youthful energy and musical evolution. Formed in their early teens through the Rock Scholars program, each member bringing their own flavour to the mix, from deep-rooted musical influences to a shared passion for collaboration. In this interview, they reflect on their journey, from their humble beginnings to their most memorable gigs, their creative processes, and what’s next for the band.
The Beginning: How it All Started
Music runs deep in the veins of Foothead’s members, and each one traces their inspiration back to childhood. Jasper, for instance, was surrounded by music from a young age thanks to his parents, who met because of their shared love of music. His early introduction to drums and guitar set the stage for a lifelong journey, while Guitar Hero helped him discover foundational music. For Tim, it was his dad’s extensive music library that sparked his interest, though it wasn’t until the end of Year 10 that he truly picked up an instrument. The pivotal moment came when his dad sat him down with a bass guitar, and before he knew it, they were jamming to Midnight Oil. For Noah, the guitar was a gift at a young age, but it wasn’t until his early teens that he truly began to explore it, quickly falling in love with the instrument after learning just three chords.
Who Inspired Them to Make Music?
For Jasper, making music was a natural progression. His fascination with how music was made pushed him to start crafting his own songs as a teenager. Tim, on the other hand, wasn’t aware that music could be created in informal spaces like a garage or living room until he joined Rock Scholars. From that point on, he drew inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Midnight Oil, Spacey Jane, and Jeff Rosenstock. For Noah, it wasn’t any specific artist that inspired him but rather the people around him—friends and musicians at Rock Scholars—who made the idea of songwriting seem accessible and achievable.
Evolution of Sound
Foothead’s sound has undergone significant evolution since their early days. What began as a straightforward indie rock style has now grown into something more complex and experimental. Jasper reflects, "We started playing together when we were 15-16, so it all started from a fairly basic indie rock sort of style where we would just do what came naturally." But as they’ve matured as musicians, their sound has become more reflective of their varied influences. Tim highlights how each member brings their own musical background to the table, allowing the band to continue pushing the boundaries of their sound. Noah adds that while early on, their sound unintentionally gravitated towards their influences, it has since become a more conscious effort to shape their unique style.
Rock Scholars: Where It All Came Together
Foothead’s formation is largely credited to the Rock Scholars program, which pairs young musicians with local mentors. This unique environment not only provided a platform for consistent rehearsal but also served as the breeding ground for a number of successful local bands, including Sly Withers, Increment, and Turtle Bay. Jasper calls it "a miracle" that the four of them were matched together, noting that they have become a great fit over the years.
Memorable Gigs: The Best and the Worst
The road to success hasn’t always been smooth, but the band has played some unforgettable shows along the way. Jasper’s personal highlight was opening for Jeff Rosenstock, a major influence of his, last November. He recalls, "It was genuinely insane to have that opportunity, to play for a big crowd at the Rechabite and to meet the guy." Tim also recalls a standout moment at HyperFest 2023, which solidified his passion for pursuing music. As for the worst gigs, Jasper humorously reflects on a duo acoustic show he and Noah performed, promising to never do anything like it again. Tim also points to a show in Bunbury, where he kept missing notes and cues, an experience he’d rather forget.
The Creative Process
Foothead’s creative process is dynamic and ever-changing. Jasper explains, “It really changes song by song.” Sometimes Noah will bring a riff, and Jasper will complete the song, while other times, Noah writes most or all of the music. More recently, the band has embraced a more collaborative approach, with everyone contributing to the creation of a song from start to finish. Tim adds that the process has evolved into a space where they critique each other’s parts, ensuring the final result is something they’re all proud of.
High-Energy Performances
When it comes to performing, the band thrives on crowd interaction. Jasper loves performing their unreleased track “My Therapist Told Me Not to Say 'It Is What It Is,’” a slow-building song that explodes toward the end. Tim cites the crowd participation in “Dinosaur” as one of the highlights of their shows, while Noah shares his excitement when the crowd sings the lyrics back to them.
Lending the Hat of an Artist They Admire
Each member draws inspiration from artists they admire when they step on stage. Jasper is particularly influenced by drummers like Dave Grohl and Aaron Gillespie, citing their loud and powerful styles as inspiration. Tim, meanwhile, recalls the unmatched energy of Peppa from Spacey Jane and strives to replicate that same enthusiasm in his own performances. Noah, on the other hand, continues to be inspired by the raw, powerful energy of other bands, channeling that into his own performance.
Advice and Collaborations: What’s Next?
The best advice Foothead has received is to lean into their uniqueness. Jasper reflects, "Art, to me, is only worth making when it sounds like nobody else in the world could have made it." Tim also shares a piece of wisdom: “In the nicest way, people don’t actually care about you or what you're doing, so do whatever you want.” This advice has helped the band maintain their authenticity and confidence.
When it comes to collaborations, Tim dreams of working with the group behind the "No Music on a Dead Planet" campaign, which uses music to promote environmental awareness. In terms of their aspirations, opening for their idols remains a top goal. For Jasper, it would be Mom Jeans, Joyce Manor, or The Beths. Tim shares a deep love for Midnight Oil and Spacey Jane, while Noah dreams of performing alongside bands like Oso Oso or Sweet Pill.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Foothead?
Foothead is gearing up for an exciting year ahead. Jasper teases that new music is on the horizon, with the band planning to release new material very soon—perhaps as early as next month. For now, their focus remains on playing loud, energetic gigs, creating more music, and connecting with their growing fanbase.
As they continue to evolve both creatively and professionally, one thing is clear: Foothead is a band to watch. Their passion, energy, and dedication to their craft are undeniable, and with more music and shows to come, their journey is just getting started.
Foothead’s upcoming shows and new music releases will be announced on their social media platforms, so be sure to follow them for updates!
