Foreign Affairs Biography

The Journey of Foreign Affairs 

Foreign Affairs is the musical collaboration of brothers Adam and Lawrence Purnell, who began writing together in their early teens before Adam relocated to Brussels to study guitar. The move continued their progress, with writing sessions over Skype maintaining their productivity and the long-distance partnership inspiring their band name.

On Adam’s return to the UK, the duo released their first single, ‘Sell My Soul,’ which received local and national BBC radio play. In December 2018, the band released their first EP, The Old Fire Station. The record was the culmination of their journey to date, the sounds, sights, and experiences the brothers shared. The EP received widespread critical acclaim, with one reviewer noting, “Foreign Affairs show off their musical influences on a solid and satisfying second release.” 

The duo signed their first publishing deal to Peer Music in October 2019 and released a host of new music garnering support and national radio play from BBC Radio 2 (Dermot O’Leary and Bob Harris) and BBC Introducing.

Foreign Affairs has also been working with acclaimed producer/songwriter Julian Emery (Nothing But Thieves, McFly) on sync / commercial side projects, as they were scouted for their songwriting and lyrical talent.

“Foreign Affairs Live Show

The prodigious live show of Foreign Affairs has toured extensively throughout the U.K. and Europe, with several appearances at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, a run of U.K. sold-out headlines as well as festival appearances in France, Holland, and Denmark. As the brothers explain, “Our fans online and live have always been so supportive of the music and just want more of it, so now it’s our time to deliver that album!” 

Blending Blues and Rock

When asked to describe their music, the duo says, “It’s a blend of blues and rock with some intricate harmonies thrown in for good measure!” Growing up, they were heavily influenced by music coming from Texas, Nashville, and the Southern states, with the “honesty and emotion that we heard from that music really grabbing us.”

Discography Foreign Affairs

2018 EP The Old Fire Station 6 songs

“Foreign Affairs show off their musical influences on a solid and satisfying second release.”

2019 Single “You Got a Friend In Me”

2020 Single One of These Days, One Minute, The Hope That Comes Again, One of These Days is described by Bob Harris as follows: “The song, the atmosphere, the harmonies are all special. What a wonderful record” Bob Harris

2021 Single “Rosanna” 

2021 Single “Make a Move” selected for commercial use for BT Sports Europa League Football programming

2022 Single “Chained To Love”

2022 Single “Hits Like Lightning” BBC Introducing artist of the week

Press Quotes

“Serving up a summer anthem filled with slick guitars and catchy lyrics is brother-duo Foreign Affairs with their new single “Make a Move”. Building upon their songwriting ability in the single, we see the duo deliver yet another hit single as they ride the rock ’n’ roll production, intertwining elements of old school blues with feverish energy.” – Wonderland Magazine

“Dynamic roots songwriting, their subtle Americana has won fans across the land, with their simple but strikingly melodic song writing.” – CLASH.

Emerging Power 

If Foreign Affairs were a nation, Brussel’s diplomats would categorise them as an emerging power. Don’t miss your chance to experience the captivating sound of Foreign Affairs live. Book your tickets now for the British Country Music Festival 2024, where the brothers will be taking the stage to showcase their unique blend of southern-inspired blues, rock, and Americana. This is a performance you won’t want to miss, so secure your spot today and get ready to be swept away by the dynamic Foreign Affairs.