We Speak Indie Artist
Austin Fox 狐 Reveals Latest Album Genkurō 源九郎
Rising Virginia rapper Austin Fox 狐 has unveiled his latest masterpiece in the form of brand-new album Genkurō 源九郎. This album weaves a captivating narrative inspired by Japanese culture, mythology and martial arts philosophy, delivering a profound musical experience that transcends boundaries.
Genkurō 源九郎, a shapeshifting fox spirit, takes centre stage in this unique musical journey. In Japanese lore, the fox spirit is known for its role in assisting Minamoto Yoshitsune against the forces of Yoshitsune’s own brother, Yoritomo Yoshitsune. Austin’s deep appreciation for anime and Japanese culture, reflected in the Japanese kanji for “fox” in his name (狐), motivated him to create a project that pays homage to these influences while connecting them to his personal life.
As Austin Fox 狐 explains, “Genkurō 源九郎 is a story of love and dedication to one’s craft. It is a take on loyalty to yourself and those around you who deserve it. It is another opportunity to discover who I am as an individual.”
The album draws inspiration from the teachings of Japan’s legendary swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, who went undefeated in over 60 duels and authored the famous Book of Five Rings. Musashi’s philosophy emphasises the importance of strategy and discipline in mastering swordplay and, by extension, life itself. Each of the book’s five sections corresponds to one of the elements (earth, water, fire, wind, void/space). Austin Fox 狐 found a serendipitous connection to Musashi’s themes in his own discography, where his first five project releases unintentionally align with these elements. This realisation inspired the creation of Genkurō 源九郎 as the sixth release in his catalogue.
The album delves into themes of loyalty and love, building upon the artist’s previous works such as Ranger396v and SCORIAN VALLEY. Austin Fox 狐 explores the loyalty exhibited by Genkurō toward Yoshitsune, mirroring the loyalty he feels toward his closest allies and his lover. Genkurō 源九郎 serves as a culmination of the lessons learned from his previous projects, offering a refined and skilful execution of his artistic vision.
One notable aspect of Genkurō 源九郎 is that it marks the first time Austin Fox 狐 has chosen not to feature any other artists on his album. The creative process for this album was a natural and deeply personal journey, resulting in verses and songs that exceeded his own expectations.
The album’s focus track, “Lady Shizuka”, exemplifies the overarching theme of love and dedication. Through its poignant lyrics, Austin Fox 狐 emphasises the importance of his relationship, acknowledging the brilliance of his lover and his commitment to resolving any challenges that arise.
Genkurō 源九郎 is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of artistic expression and self-discovery. Austin Fox 狐 invites listeners to embark on this extraordinary musical adventure, exploring the depths of love, loyalty and personal growth. Genkurō 源九郎 is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Keep up to date with the latest from Austin Fox 狐:
Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.
Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.
The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.
What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.
With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.
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