London-based singer/songwriter Fox Jackson dives deep into the inspirations and creative process behind his new EP, ‘So Divine.’

**London based singer/songwriter Fox Jackson has just released his new four-track EP, So Divine, a compilation of tracks that encompasses everything to do with relationships.**

Delivering his signature blend of funk, soul and playful energy, the EP explores the highs and lows of relationships, from love and romance, to the complexities of communication.

His irresistibly groovy music shines bright with a refreshing authenticity and captivating storytelling lyrics. So Divine perfectly captures who the artist is, emitting a charm and fun-loving atmosphere that draws listeners deeper into his world.

Atwood Magazine spoke with Fox Jackson about the new EP, his music video adventures, and his journey from London’s West End to the release of So Divine.

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:: stream/purchase So Divine here ::

:: connect with Fox Jackson here ::

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Stream: ‘So Divine’ – Fox Jackson

A CONVERSATION WITH FOX JACKSON

Atwood Magazine: We're loving “So Divine”! For those who haven’t yet heard the single, how would you describe it in three words?

Fox Jackson: Fresh, funky and flirtatious.

“So Divine” was the first single to be released from your new EP, which you’ve mentioned focuses on all aspects of relationships, including love, romance and communication. Why are these themes important to you, and how do you hope your listeners will connect with them?

Fox Jackson: I mean, is there anything else? XD (do people even do laughing emojis like that anymore?)

I think our relationships are always what ground us. Whether that’s friends, family or romantic relationships. For me personally it’s the thing that connects us most. I’m always trying to deepen my connection with others and I think my music reflects that as well. I can only hope that the listeners can either understand or empathize with the journeys I’ve gone through in my own endeavors through love and stuff.

Fox Jackson 'So Divine' © Emma Last — Fox Jackson ‘So Divine’ © Emma Last

You also just released a music video for “So Divine” where audiences can see you swimming fully clothed. Are there any funny stories from the shoot that you’d care to share?

Fox Jackson: Swimming is putting it very nicely! we’re sort of doggy paddling around each other in a fun and cute way but thank you for the swimming compliment. I’ll take that. Yeah, actually there was a really funny part of the shoot where my co-star Grace Morrison and I were trying to shoot a scene where she had to swim towards me and give me a cuddle. I don’t know if you’ve ever done acting before but sometimes you have this outer body experience where you stop being in the moment and start realizing what you’re doing is kind of funny and silly. We tried to get the shot so many times and every single time she kept swimming up to me we were just bursting into laughter. The way she was paddling up to me was just hilarious, being sexy and doggy paddling ain’t it! Haha! It’s a very hard skill. We had to shoot that scene about 20 times. We couldn’t stop laughing and she kept on trying to blame me but I think she started it (she would disagree) luckily the camera wasn’t on me so I could laugh all I wanted.

The EP also includes “Like That,” which speaks about wanting to be the best version of yourself. Can you tell us more about the story behind this track?

Fox Jackson: Yeah, I mean it’s more about wanting to be the best version for someone and asking them, what is it you really want from me and can I do anything to change to give you that? I Think we all have feelings after we’ve been through something we say to ourselves what should I’ve done instead? or how could I have done that Better? could’ve acted differently? As sometimes in relationships, I can be too keen. l have been told a few times that I have puppy energy. Whatever that means! haha! Or as the internet would say, “notice me energy.” So when I wrote the chorus of the song, “If I talk smooth like that. Act real cool would you type back?” It’s me asking the other person am I too much? Do I come on too strong? Maybe I should play it more distant, you know. Less available, more of a smooth talker (definitely not me). Let the person come to me. Wondering if doing that would give them the time and space to say how they feel. But c’est la vie, a tiger can’t change its stripes and I can’t change my over-excitable nature and neither should you! If someone’s not willing to meet you on your level, then that’s that.

Fox Jackson: Well Billy Elliot was the best role anyone can dream of as someone going into the entertainment industry. I was only 11 years old when I landed the role and performed my first night in the West End at the age of 12! As I’m sure you can imagine the training was grueling and long but 100% amazing at the same time. Every single day would be a lesson. I would have the best people around me teaching me dance, singing and acting. I was very fortunate to gain so much experience from that. And for those people who haven’t seen the show, you can always check out my performance of “Electricity” on YouTube. I did the show for two years and still hold the record in London for the most number of shows out of any of the Billy Elliot cast, which still stands at 205. No matter what I’m doing, whether that’s acting, dancing and now music, I always draw from everything I learn at my time in the West End.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting their career in music or musical theatre? Is there anything that you wish you knew before you entered the industry?

Fox Jackson: Yeah a simple thing actually, your vibe attracts your tribe. And what I mean by that is don’t try to chase anything just be who you are and you will eventually end up in the right place whether that’s people you’re collaborating with, or meeting managers, or finding the right audience. As long as you’re authentic to who you are and what you want to create as an artist, you’ll find the right lane and you’ll find the right people.

Also this might sound really cliché, but it’s true. You just have to keep going! If doing music or musical theatre was easy everybody would choose to do it, but it’s the hardest thing to pick something you love because it’s gonna be the biggest uphill battle. You just have to keep going.

How do you climb a mountain? One step at a time! 🙂

Your music blends elements of funk, soul, pop, and R&B. Was there a specific artist you would listen to when you were younger, that sparked your love and inspired you to create music in these genres?

Fox Jackson: Yeah, I mean I’m always drawing from lots of different artists, but I think the main three that I always end up taking the most from at the moment is probably Prince, Anderson .Paak and Nick Hakim. All three of these artists do an amazing work of genre blending each of their styles. Like I always say, you are what you eat and I think to a certain extent you are what you listen to as well. If you grew up listening to a style of music, I think a lot of the time that’s gonna reflect in what you write and create as well. I think what makes these artists truly brilliant is getting across complex emotions and thoughts and feelings through their music and that’s something I try and chase to be like as well.

How do you see your music evolving in the coming years? Are there any new genres or styles you’re interested in experimenting with?

Fox Jackson: I’m always up for something different and I think that when I write I’m never trying to write in a certain genre it’s just whatever I’m feeling and whatever music sits best with it. I’m happy to explore as far as my music capabilities will take me whether that’s House or disco. I don’t think artists should ever try to limit themselves or put a cap on how high they can fly just because they are worried about what genre they currently sit in. For example, we’ve just recorded a new tune called “Dance” and it’s probably our most grungy Foo Fighters rock music that we have made so far! And that’s exciting I think in terms of being an artist or a musician the thing that we’re always looking for is innovation and how we can keep it for ourselves but also for our fans.

What can fans expect from your new EP?

Fox Jackson: Just really fun songs. They are upbeat, funky, sexy, playful, romantic, cheeky, introspective, soul searching, vibey, calming, dance worthy, meaningful, groovy, baseline heavy and unskippable!

I might be a little bit biased so the best thing to do is go listen to the new EP now and make up your own mind about what you think about the songs whether you like them fingers crossed or not! 😉

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