Local artist profile: Loui Froia

THIS week we chat with dynamic local singer, songwriter, and musician Loui Froia.

What initially motivated you to become a musician?

I was always on a heavy diet of rock and pop music as a kid. Mum would have ABBA in the car and the Beatles. Dad would listen to Pearl Jam, AC/DC and Matchbox 20, some of which have become major influences in my music. I guess I resonated with music and I wanted that to be something I was doing. Soon I saved up for my first electric guitar, and by the age of 12 started guitar lessons with local legend John McNamara at a video store he and his brother Keith managed in Maryborough. The rest is history.

How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?

My style, at its core, is pop but with rock influences. My previous band Alpha Centauri was pop punk and alt rock based. I took a lot of influence from bands like All Time Low, Foo Fighters and Blink 182. This experience taught me about writing hooks and harmonies.

After Alpha Centauri disbanded in 2017 I had a lot of time to spend with just my acoustic guitar. I was influenced by acts such as Thirsty Merc, Taxi Ride, and a band from the early 2000s called Imprint featuring Shane Harman. Early on Shane took me under his wing, and because of him I learnt how to sing, do sound, and be an entertaining performer. The stuff is only on disc, so you won’t find it unfortunately.

The Loui Froia band started on this foundation in 2018 and has been going since. Newer influences have seeped into the band. Weddings Parties Anything, Paul Kelly and local fellas Four Lions and Ruteger.

Which other bands or musicians inspire you and why?

A lot of the local punk and rock scene in Melbourne inspires me. These guys are smashing it and have a lot of attitude that is admirable. They help me remember that it’s all about the art and at the end of the day nothing else really matters if what you’re putting out doesn’t reflect the artist. I also think the work ethic of musos like Shann Lions inspires me. Shannon is pretty switched on in the industry side of things. Whenever I’m planning gigs or a release I’m always chipping away at him for knowledge.

How can people check out your music online?

Right now I’m putting a lot of focus on Bandcamp. If you follow me there you’ll get comprehensive lists of when/where I’m playing, whereas on insta and Facebook you’ll just get it as they come up. On socials I’m @Louifroiamusic. There’s some live clips on YouTube as well, and of course your standard music streaming services Apple Music and Spotify.

What would you say to any young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

My only advice would be is to take risks. I need to remind myself this too. You won’t get anywhere if you don’t get up off the couch and take a risk. Post that video of you playing, ask your mate for an opener slot, start that radio segment, pick the funny band name. People connect with personality so show it. You will be rewarded and acknowledged for your authenticity in due course.