Woody Cook, the 25-year-old son of Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim, has opened up about the awkward moments dating can bring when his parents are two of the most famous names in music. Seeing his mum on TV or hearing a Fatboy Slim track start playing can make things uncomfortable, he admitted.
Woody, whose real name is Norman Cook's son, grew up surrounded by fame. His maternal grandfather is TV presenter Johnny Ball, and he spent his childhood watching his dad DJ in places like Ibiza, seeing his mum on television and hearing her on the radio. Now, he has released his debut single, Afters, in collaboration with garage pioneer Zed Bias.
Growing Up with Famous Parents
Speaking to the Mirror, Woody said: "My mum and dad, Mr Slim Boy Fat and Mrs Zoe Louise Ball, are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. That's the first thing I'd say about growing up with them. They're so lovely." He added: "They have so much love for everyone around them, so much kindness, joy and humility."
Yet, as a child, Woody had no idea just how famous his parents were. "Until I was about 15, I didn't really know," he laughed, adding: "They were just my annoying parents, rather than these cultural juggernauts!" He went on: "We're kind of like any normal family, except occasionally it's, 'Oh, that's Mum on TV,' or, 'That's Dad on the radio,' when I'm trying to go on a date! It makes you feel a little bit like you're in The Truman Show. But I guess I don't know any different."
Advice and New Music
As Woody ventures into music, his parents have offered valuable guidance. "I've had some amazing advice from my parents," he explained, adding: "I think the biggest thing is USP — unique selling point. What makes you stand out from everyone else?" He also mentioned a family motto: "You give a little love, and it all comes back to you."
On a potential Fatboy Slim collaboration, Woody teased: "Never say never," but noted that releasing a flip of an old track is more likely than a completely new collaboration, as his dad is not making many tunes at the moment. He said: "I'm making no promises, but forever is a long time, and I'm not going anywhere! If you don't mind a ten-year bet, I'm sure I'll have done one in ten years."
Woody is proud of his dad, who recently raised £50,000 for charity through two intimate shows at Quarters in Brighton. The shows, which took fans on a journey through Norman's career, raised the amount for Brighton & Hove Albion FC Foundation, with 100 per cent of ticket sales going to the charity.
Creating 'Afters' and Truth Tribe
Woody's first single, Afters, was an idea he had "years ago" but the track was in "limbo" for a while. He said: "I worked on it with my friend Aloka, then got Johnny Dutch involved, and bit by bit it came together. It was in limbo for a while, then I showed it to Zed Bias, and he loved it. We turned it into a jungle track, and then eventually into a garage track, and we've ended up where it is now."
The track took about two years from when he first came up with the lyrics and recorded the first bit. Woody, who has been producing since his teens, starts with a vocal idea and melody rather than drums. He said: "I've noticed that I love a hook. I love creating a story, storytelling and trying to take someone on that journey."
Working with Zed Bias was a dream come true for Woody. "He's like the godfather of dance music," he exclaimed, adding: "He helped me out so much with sample packs, software and production techniques."
Woody's music is released via his own label, Truth Tribe, which he said is "important" to him because the label aims to link together artists who might not have had their moment to shine yet. He commented: "I think independent labels are an amazing way for people to start."
Having played his first Glastonbury, Woody admitted to being a bag of nerves. "I was s******g myself," he said, adding: "I really wasn't confident in the set. The funny thing was, when I listened back to it afterwards, it was actually great." He has since played another 45 sets and found it easier over the years.
As for next year's possible headliners, Woody hasn't paid too much attention, though he has "heard something about Harry Styles" and would love to see the Swedish group Goat on stage. Afters is available now on all major streaming platforms.
