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John Foxx, born Dennis Leigh in 1947 in England, is a pioneering figure in electronic music, best known as the lead vocalist and founding member of the influential band Ultravox. He played a pivotal role in the early development of synth-pop, merging experimental electronic sounds with avant-garde pop. In 1977, Foxx left Ultravox and launched his solo career, which would become a cornerstone of the electronic music landscape.
His debut solo album, Metamatic (1980), is regarded as a seminal work in the genre, capturing the cold, minimalist ethos of early electronic music. Featuring stark, synthetic textures and futuristic soundscapes, the album’s iconic track “Underpass” cemented Foxx’s place as an innovator. His work in the early 1980s resonated with the emerging new wave scene, and his influence can be heard in the music of artists like Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, and Depeche Mode.
Foxx’s collaborations throughout the years have been just as notable. In the 1990s, he formed the group The Maths with Benge, producing a series of highly regarded albums that pushed the boundaries of ambient, experimental, and electronic music. His ongoing collaborations with visual artists and musicians such as Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and the sound designer Stephen Lipson have continually expanded his sonic palette.
While much of his music is instrumental, Foxx has consistently blended his ethereal vocals with complex, textured productions, creating hauntingly atmospheric works like The Golden Section (1983), In Mysterious Ways (1985), and London Overgrown (2019). His 2010s works, including The Shape of Things and Cosmogony, reflect his continued engagement with technological advancements and the evolution of sound.
Foxx’s influence on electronic music is immeasurable, shaping not only the new wave and synth-pop genres but also inspiring generations of artists in ambient, industrial, and experimental music. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of sound and his unwavering artistic vision ensure that his legacy remains as vital as ever.