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.
we are up early again honey bug
Fox Academy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
an open field,
with nothing but a black sky out in front of you,
big enough to swallow you,
big enough to make you feel as if your significance might not mean something
I wish the Big Dipper would come down and scoop me up, I want to float, be cradled by the universe
And there's something in the back of my head telling me everything is going to be just fine, when looking at the stars, they practically spell out "
ITS OK"
From the tips of your fingernails, to the heels of your feet, you are made of star stuff, cosmic lattes, you matter
I used to have a nightmare as a kid, I was surrounded by darkness and then all of a sudden every object, person, feeling, everything that ever existed in my life, collided in on itself.
A giant mass of a mess, floating right in front of me
My stomach hurts, bring me a butterfly net, please catch whatever is inside of me, put it in a jar, label it "
ITS OK"
The lyrics of Fox Academy's "We Are Up Early Again Honey Bug" suggest a feeling of being lost and insignificant, being swallowed up by the vastness of the universe. The first verse describes running through an open field with a black sky ahead, which represents the unknown future. The reference to the Big Dipper alludes to a desire to be captured by the universe, to feel connected to something bigger than oneself. The second verse acknowledges the idea that sometimes we must face our fears without the comfort of another's hand. However, the singer finds solace in looking at the stars, which seem to spell out the message that "it's ok."
The third verse reminds us that we are all made of the same cosmic material, and therefore, we all matter in the grand scheme of things. The final verse references a childhood nightmare in which everything that ever existed collides into a chaotic mess. This could be interpreted as a fear of losing control, but the singer asks for someone to catch whatever is causing them distress and label it as "it's ok." The song as a whole suggests that despite the uncertainties and fears we face, we are not alone, and there is comfort to be found in the vastness of the universe.
Line by Line Meaning
Running,
Moving ahead with purpose
an open field,
Unlimited possibilities
with nothing but a black sky out in front of you,
The future is unknown
big enough to swallow you,
Overwhelming and intimidating
big enough to make you feel as if your significance might not mean something
Feeling small and insignificant
I wish the Big Dipper would come down and scoop me up, I want to float, be cradled by the universe
Seeking comfort and security from the vastness of the universe
Because I know you can't always have a person hold your hand, even if you are scared, because there are some things you just have to do and nobody can hold your hand
Accepting the need to face challenges alone
And there's something in the back of my head telling me everything is going to be just fine, when looking at the stars, they practically spell out "ITS OK"
Finding reassurance and hope in the stars
From the tips of your fingernails, to the heels of your feet, you are made of star stuff, cosmic lattes, you matter
Recognizing the connection and importance of humanity to the universe
I used to have a nightmare as a kid, I was surrounded by darkness and then all of a sudden every object, person, feeling, everything that ever existed in my life, collided in on itself.
Fear of overwhelming chaos and loss
A giant mass of a mess, floating right in front of me
Feeling helpless and unable to control chaos
My stomach hurts, bring me a butterfly net, please catch whatever is inside of me, put it in a jar, label it "ITS OK"
Desiring relief and comfort from inner turmoil
Contributed by Camden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.