Fool Nelson checks in as they return home from their 'Bad Dreams' EP national tour
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for WA indie-rock outfit Fool Nelson. Fresh off one of their biggest national tours yet, the three-piece band is riding high on the success of their latest EP, Bad Dreams, a tight, hook-laden release that’s landed all three singles (“Bad Dreams,” “Don’t Feel Right,” and “Big Shot”) on the Triple J rotation.
We check in with lead singer Tom Broadbent as the band makes their way back home to wrap things up with a show at Port Beach Brewery this Friday, November 7th:
Congrats on the EP! It’s been on repeat for me since it came out. It's such a nice collection of punchy, tightly assembled tracks that build on each other so cohesively.
How did this EP come together? Was there a specific idea or running theme behind it?
Tom Broadbent: Thanks, Howie. Yeah, there is a bit of a theme behind the EP. A lot of it touches on navigating early adulthood and the big feelings that come along with that. We didn't intentionally mean for the EP to have that theme; it kind of just happened. There are a few ideas that didn't make the cut for one reason or another on this EP. I think we'll save those for later.
There's a real sense of confidence in the production. What were you drawing inspiration from when putting this EP together?
Cool to hear! Yes, I think that unconsciously, a lot of what we watch and listen to bleeds into our music. For this EP, we kind of went for a '90s aesthetic.
What do you hope people will take away from listening to the EP? What has the reception been?
Hopefully, people connect with the songs and feel good listening to 'em! So far, the reception has been really encouraging!
This national tour is not your first rodeo, having done one supporting Skeggs early this year. What lessons did you learn from touring the country the first time around that you took with you this time around?
I think I've learnt to pack more clean socks. Also, to eat lunch! It can be hard when touring to fit in eating. We also learnt that when playing live, the energy on stage translates to the crowd, so give it your all!
In what way does touring for your own EP launch feel different from touring as a support?
When you're supporting a band, you really need to work hard to try and sell it to the crowd. The majority of people have never heard of you. With a headline tour, people have spent their hard-earned money to watch YOU. That's an absolute honour; therefore, we try to put on the best show we possibly can.
What has been your favourite show of the tour so far?
Sydney was unreal. Adelaide is also always a highlight. They've all been so good, though, it's hard to pick favourites.
The WA scene's always bubbling with talent that doesn't get enough love. Who do you think are the most underrated WA bands/musicians that people are sleeping on right now?
Paint, Polly, Daisy Park and Ullah are a few of our faves at the moment!
What's next for you guys after tour wraps up? What are you most excited about?
We've got a few festivals over the summer. We're also supporting Spacey Jane alongside Stella Donnelly for two nights in Freo, which will be unreal! Next year we're heading to the UK and Europe, which we're also really excited for!
Following sold-out all-ages Halloween shows at The Y HQ, Fool Nelson will be playing at Port Beach Brewery on Friday, November 7th 2025, with supports Paint, Free Aviary, and Lily Rawson. Click here for tickets. “Bad Dreams” EP is out now.
