Michael Todd Berland and Christian Novelli have been releasing music together as Fox Academy since 2012. Their sound is characterized by drowsy and adventurous indie rock, appealing to fans of American Pleasure Club, Alex G, Strange Ranger and Oso Oso. Their approach to bedroom pop carries a distinct woodsy quality, often interweaving pop culture references and subtle humor amidst the prevailing melancholic vibes. Notably, their album Angel Hair, released in July 2019, features tracks titled "NASCAR" and "Property Brothers," with an opening line that humorously states, "I got metal in my headphones, metal in my face, I put metal in the microwave."
The duo released their first full album, "Luxury Beverage," in January 2015, followed by their second album, "Saint Molly," in April 2017. In 2020, Fox Academy presented their full-length documentary film titled "Late Nite Saints." The movie captures their exploration of the Pacific Northwest, seeking beauty and miracles in unexpected places. With a hypnotic ambient quality reminiscent of their music, this film provides a glimpse into the duo's lives.
In September 2020, Fox Academy released their fourth album "rabbit." The collection comprises hazy guitar tracks brimming with emotion and musical ingenuity. While an underlying emo sentiment is present, expressed through lyrics like "Nothing hurts like growing up" and "I hope that I see you tomorrow" in the final songs, the overall aesthetic leans toward a homemade, lo-fi slowcore sound. While guest appearances, including Jordana on the mellow electronic slow jam "Luck," are sprinkled throughout the album, "rabbit" primarily provides a window into the shared mindset of two friends who have embraced the subdued spirit of the times while upholding a longstanding DIY tradition.
hair die
Fox Academy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hands are shaking never still
dancing on the lawn
nodding along
nodding along
nodding along
i will dye my hair
always moving always moving
calm and slow all alone
drifting through a darkened room
i hear sounds i dont want to
tying ribbons to black balloons
goodbye for now
goodbye for now
goodbye for now
dancing on the lawn
nodding along
nodding along
nodding along
i will dye my hair
always moving always moving
calm and slow calm and slow
calm and slow
autre nom
The lyrics to Fox Academy's song "hair die" seem to be describing the feeling of being disconnected from the world around you and the desire to create something new and different as a way of coping. The opening lines mention "silent figures in a film" which could represent a feeling of being a passive observer rather than an active participant in life. The next line, "hands are shaking never still" suggests a sense of anxiety or nervousness.
The repetition of "nodding along" creates a hypnotic effect, almost as if the singer is trying to convince themselves of something. The line "i will dye my hair" could be interpreted as a symbol of rebellion or self-expression, a way of breaking free from the monotony of everyday life. The next section of the song, with its use of the phrase "always moving always moving", could represent a need for constant change or the feeling of restlessness.
The line "calm and slow all alone" is interesting because it seems to contradict the previous section, suggesting a moment of introspection and stillness amidst all the movement. The singer is "drifting through a darkened room" and hearing "sounds i dont want to", which could be interpreted as negative thoughts or fear.
The final section of the song brings back the repetition of "nodding along" and "goodbye for now", signaling that the singer is ready to move on from their current state of mind. The line "dancing on the lawn" suggests a sense of freedom and release, while "i will dye my hair" is repeated once more, reinforcing the idea of personal transformation.
Overall, the song seems to be exploring themes of anxiety, disconnection, and the desire for change and self-expression. The repetition of certain phrases creates a kind of mantra or inner monologue, as if the singer is trying to convince themselves of something. The use of dance imagery, along with the mention of dying one's hair, creates an interesting juxtaposition between the physical body and the desire for personal transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
silent figures in a film
Observing the world like a quiet observer, detached from it like watching a movie.
hands are shaking never still
Feeling anxious and restless, unable to find stillness or peace.
dancing on the lawn
Joining the chaos and uncertainty of life by actively participating in it.
nodding along
Going with the flow, accepting whatever happens without resistance.
i will dye my hair
Making a drastic change in appearance to express a desire for control and self-discovery.
always moving always moving
Unable to stay in one place, constantly seeking new experiences and ways to escape.
calm and slow calm and slow
Finding peace in stillness and slowness, the opposite of the anxious restlessness.
calm and slow all alone
Finding peace and solace in solitude, away from the chaos of the world.
drifting through a darkened room
Feeling lost and disconnected, navigating through the unknown.
i hear sounds i dont want to
Being forced to confront unwanted emotions and experiences, unable to escape them.
tying ribbons to black balloons
Creating a dark and morbid symbol of letting go and moving on.
goodbye for now
Saying farewell to a part of oneself or a past experience, without knowing if it will ever return.
dancing on the lawn
Returning to the chaos and uncertainty of life, even after saying goodbye to it.
nodding along
Continuing to go with the flow, even if it leads to pain or discomfort.
i will dye my hair
Repeating the mantra of control and self-discovery, even when it seems impossible to achieve.
always moving always moving
Continuing to seek new experiences and ways to escape, even if it means never finding true peace.
calm and slow calm and slow
Finding fleeting moments of peace and stillness, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
calm and slow
Enduring the ups and downs of life with a sense of calm and slowness, as a means of survival.
Contributed by Ellie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.