Human beings by nature are social, complex beings, which is why so many people struggled with having to stay indoors when the pandemic hit. While Fox Fagan’s new song “Gotta Get Out” is named like a repeated, anxious ache in someone’s head in the heat of the lockdown, there’s much more to it beyond just this that warrants unraveling. Beginning with inviting yet ominous keys in its intro, it’s followed by moody drums that continues throughout the song. The vocals are layered with a strong bass line in its shadow, climaxing in the chorus that is delivered like a wake-up call, a jolt after each verse. Fagan has personified themes of self-doubt, confusion and escapism through heavily distorted guitar solos and maintaining a slow tempo, borrowing from elements of psychedelia. alternative and a neo-rock-revival sort of a sound. The song deals with frustration from monotony and dissatisfaction with yourself but at the end, there is also a message, which also almost mirrors the way the song itself was written. Fagan sings of not interrupting the flow of things, because sometimes you are the impediment in your journey. Once you realize that, the urgency of get out of your own way becomes apparents and the sooner you act on it, the better.
Based in Los Angeles, Fox Fagan is a singer-songwriter with an appetite for experimentation in genres. He has also recently released a music video accompanying his debut single. FNE got a chance to get a glimpse of the process behind the music in an interview with the artist. Here’s what happened.
FNE: This is the first song you’ve produced and mixed. What was the creative process behind the song?
FF: It all started with a melody line that came on the old piano, one surreal night at my house. I recorded it on my phone. It stayed with me for a while and then one morning a few weeks later I woke up with the vocal and the first line in my head. I quickly started to lay all the parts down and made sure that I didn’t stop that day till I had exhausted every idea that was coming. I programmed drums on it to start. But I asked my friend, Yotam Weiss, to lay down some live drums at his place remotely and they came out great. The vocals are 3 part harmony all the way I think.
I enjoyed recording it, and mixing it, and I could talk about that for hours.
FNE: It shows that you’ve abandoned the confines of a genre – how would you describe your sound here?
FF: Kind of has a trip-hop feel to it, and it swings, but it’s all stemming from the piano line. Everything flows from that. And I just did what came naturally, with the guitars, I had fun with them. The solo was the first take that I played. I was always thinking I’d re-do it, or get someone good to play it. But I never did. And now that’s what you hear.
FNE: In my listening, I could pick up elements of psychedelia and alternative rock. Who would you cite as your influences?
FF: At the time I was listening to a lot of 60 & 70’s bands, Shuggie Otis, Nazz and Spirit all sneak in there I think. But I tried to step out a little to try some things so I sampled myself, and there’s a vocoder in there too, and strings as well. I didn’t hold back.
FNE: This song explores themes of questioning yourself and some sort of rediscovery. What inspired you to write this song? What is the story sought to be conveyed through the music?
FF: I think you’re right. At the time I was writing it I was really wanting to let it flow that day. So I sort of came up with ‘Gotta get out of my way today’ as a mantra, or a note to self.
I think the message is a positive one. The lyrics were written in the midst of a global pandemic but the story in the song is relevant to every person everyday. Get out of your head and let things happen, or at least that’s what I go through anyway, could just be me.
FNE: What would you describe as the best way to enjoy your music?
FFL Probably in headphones if you’re really wanting to listen. I’m happy if anyone can enjoy my music in whatever scenario they find themselves in, I hope it adds or is part of the experience.
FNE: How do you think your sound finds relevance in the current pop culture landscape? What do you think is the most unique quality that your music has to offer?
FF: Well, that I honestly don’t know. Have to see what happens once it’s released and see how people respond. Hopefully, it resonates and each person finds their own way to relate to it.