Fossil Collective

Fossil Collective are a British folk group from the United Kingdom, made up of David Fendick and Jonny Hooker. The duo also work as multi-instrumentalists and both come from the Leeds music scene. Before forming Fossil Collective, they have crossed paths in different bands, and the pair also have a background in Leeds band Vib Gyor, where they first worked together before deciding to start again with a more stripped-back approach.

Sound and approach

The group’s music is built around layered harmonies, melodic songwriting and careful arrangement. Their sound draws on folk and indie folk traditions, with references in the music to artists such as Neil Young, Simon & Garfunkel, Midlake, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys and James Taylor. They focus on song, lyrics and melody, and avoid a conventional band setup by bringing in different local musicians as needed. The idea is to keep the project open and varied rather than fixed to a standard lineup.

Early recordings and visual work

Fossil Collective begin with three rough demos recorded in a small studio in a crypt outside Leeds. Those sessions become the basis for the self-released Honey Slides EP. Around the same period, they work with Leeds animator Ashley Dean of Broken Pixel on a video for “On & On”. The animated wolf-and-stag courtship film becomes widely shared online and attracts a large number of views.

Live activity and touring

After the early recordings, the duo start to attract attention from other musicians and begin playing live with additional collaborators. Their third gig is at Shepherds Bush Empire, where they support Benjamin Francis Leftwich. They then tour with him and also support soul singer Ren Harvieu on another UK run. Their expanding live profile also leads to support slots with The Civil Wars, including shows at Camden Roundhouse, Manchester Apollo and Glasgow O2 Academy.

EPs, radio support and album

Their debut EP, Let It Go, appears in 2012. Its lead track is named iTunes US Single of the Week, and the release receives radio support from Mark Riley, Radcliffe and Maconie, Chris Hawkins, Steve Lamacq, Bob Harris and Dermot O’Leary. It also appears on playlists at 6 Music, Radio 2, XFM, Q and NME. The EP wins the 6 Music Rebel Playlist and helps establish the band’s audience in the UK and beyond.

Fossil Collective follow this with the On & On EP later the same year, which receives similar radio backing and leads to a Daytrotter session. Their debut album, Tell Where I Lie, is a ten-track release that comes out in 2013. It is named iTunes Editors’ Choice and reaches number one on the US New Artist Billboard Chart. The album also draws coverage from Clash, Q Magazine, NME, Drowned in Sound and Hunger.