FOX MICHAELS AND THE REAL NICE RASCALS: A Soulful Performer in A Dignified Suit
Whether the setting is at a house party or a local venue, Fox can do both! Fox is a fresh new singer-songwriter that you NEED to see live! Multi-talented and in many local bands; he is finally in his solo era.
Photo taken by @tyfoxphoto
I had the honor of witnessing Fox Michaels at a cozy house party rightfully named “The Big Gay Witch Harvest Party.” It was raining that night, and you could smell the cinnamon spice radiating from the historical wooden home. As I walked into the house, I maneuvered my way through the crowd buzzing with conversation. This was a bangin’ night. Faux candles were glowing around the gear; I felt like I was about to hear a raw live session.
There were two great voices before Fox came on: Samer Bakri and Bella Cloud. Samer delivered, and Bella graced us with her presence. It was a night to remember for singer-songwriters and local artists.
Photo taken by @tyfoxphoto
It was Fox’s turn now, and it was my first time seeing him live. Fox opened it up with a cover of “The 59th Street Bridge Song'' by Simon and Garfunkel. Fox’s booming voice commands and captivates the listener with each song. An alchemical heaven was created with Fox’s voice and his lead guitarist, Jeremy Smucker, A.K.A a Rascal. The guy’s guitar tones are absolutely incredible! I was told he purchased most of his pedals from Craigslist– a universal local musician’s experience. Think surf meets indie. I can still hear Fox’s voice singing out a satisfying ‘groovy.’ Even with the use of the Cajon, I could feel a full band. The cajon filled the air with a steady electric beat.
Fox then popped off with his own song, “Burnt.” “Burnt” is my personal favorite. The lyrics offer a powerful rhythm on their own. Read them here:
“You're burnt
You're fried
Please get out of my life”
“Burnt” is a catchy song, which I enjoyed. In Fox’s own words, he tells me, “Burnt was written about a friend of mine who, at the time, was overdoing it on psychedelics. I think, in general, she was someone who would be a different person each day I saw her. I was never sure what version of her I was gonna get. Was it gonna be the warm, flirty, fun friend that I was close to and adored, or was it gonna be the stranger who acted like she didn’t know me? Like I said, I think she was kinda like that in general, but she was dropping on the regular. I myself am fond of the use of psychedelics. But, having been around more than one person who maybe overdoes it, it gets a bit tiresome. I understand we’re complicated animals. But, sometimes you just get tired of it. I didn’t wanna deal with it anymore. We’ve reconciled and made up, even though we’re not as close as we once were. We had other issues unrelated to this specific one that we had to come back from. Truth is, I did want her in my life, and that’s why I wrote the song. Because I was upset about the hot and cold of it when I just wanted us to be closer.”
Photo taken by @paloma_louise_
His song “This Morning, My Mood” offers great storytelling any Bob Dylan lover would enjoy. Fox’s lyrics showcase his aura and define the kind of artist he is.
“My personality: eccentric
My state of mind: completely tantric
My tastes are: eclectic”
Fox is a distinct, sensual wordsmith. He tells me via message, “This song is one of the most deeply personal I’ve ever written. I’ve probably written well over 100 songs. This was one of the few I’ve written that felt like an artistic achievement when I was finished with it. It still stands out to me as one of my strongest lyrical efforts. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with severe, debilitating depression and suicidal thoughts. I’ve spent a lot of my time here on this earth glued to my bed. Unable to move. The weight of the reality of what my life has been, crushing me completely at times. I was having one of those days. I could hear the wind outside whipping violently. The sky was gray and hopeless. My guitar was right next to my bed, so I didn’t even need to get up to grab it. I started writing. It’s about what I was feeling that morning: Just wanting to feel loved. Ruminating on the idea that life has treated me so unkind. Feeling that I deserve better than I got but also that I’m the author of my own misfortune at times. Unable to get past my abandonment. I think I did end up staying in bed that whole day.”
Photo taken by @paloma_louise_
In his song “Inspired Game” he writes with hopeful strength:
“But to my surprise
When I see it through your eyes
I feel I must begin to trust
That every little thing's gonna be alright”
He wrapped up the night with his new single, "Irrelevant." This song is out now. Go give it a listen! The lyrics are honest and real, which I loved to witness live, because, at the end of the day, is everything truly irrelevant?
Read them here:
“But you hurt yourself now by severing ties
And believing all those violent lies
That tell you you're irrelevant
Is it all irrelevant?
Look what I've become...”
Photo taken by @paloma_louise_
A month later, I saw Fox live at Humble Heart. Humble Heart is located on the busy street of Newport, down in free-natured Ocean Beach. The lineup consisted of Frankie Doppler, Widowmade, and Fox. It was my first time seeing WidowMade live as well! A fiery duo featuring half of The Band Cope; Marc and Bill. Marc is one of my favorite local drummers. It’s always a treat to see them! They were flashy and sassy. Highly recommend seeing WidowMade and The Band Cope live.
I stood waiting for Fox’s grand appearance, with a sense of nervousness. The lights felt hot and heavy. This time, Fox was fully electric. He opened it up with "Irrelevant" again. Fox is perfectly vintage yet exciting in the 21st century. I love a blend of vintage sounds mixed with 21st-century indie, and Fox fulfills this craving of mine.
Then, he hopped on his guitar pedal and prepared to perform "Something Good." I loved the upbeatness of it, which conveyed contrast to the bitter lyrics. Something Good is full of melodic hope, like all of Fox's songs. This was my favorite Fox original of the night.
The outro lyric is bold and powerful:
“There is nothing as pure as a hope for something good.”
“An American to Scare Again” was the final song of the night. (Also on Spotify.) An American to Scare Again is one of his most groovy songs! The song felt very old Hollywood. I imagined gambling in Vegas, with a martini in hand at the poker table.
“All the people cruising through the discotheque
The Thief, the Con, the Hypocrite”
Photo taken by @paloma_louise_
Fox is the king of groove! Fox seems to have found his footing in his newfound solo career. Check out his recently released tracks on Spotify/Apple/Amazon music, and go see him live!
