Fancy Hagood

Last updated

Jake Hagood
Birth nameJake Hagood
Born (1991-03-29) March 29, 1991 (age 33)
Origin Bentonville, Arkansas
Genres Pop, [1] Country
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2015–present
Labels
Website www.fancyhagood.com

Jake Hagood (born March 29, 1991), known professionally as Fancy Hagood and formerly known as Who Is Fancy, is an American singer. He co-signed with Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta on Big Machine Label Group and Dr. Luke on Prescription Songs. [1] [2] His single "Goodbye" was released in early 2015, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart. [3] Fancy was presented at the iHeartMedia Music Summit, although his identity was kept secret. [3]

Contents

Early life

Jake Hagood was born March 29, 1991, in Bentonville, Arkansas. He taught himself to play piano at age eleven. He grew up listening to Christian and Country music. [4] After finishing high school in Arkansas, Hagood moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Trevecca Nazarene University. [5] The name, "Fancy", was a nickname given to him by coworkers at Forever 21 during this time. [6]

While attending university, Hagood wrote original music and performed around the Nashville area. [7] He left the university after being discovered by producers Scooter Braun, Scott Borchetta, and Dr. Luke. [5] Hagood is openly gay. [4]

Career

Beginning in January 2015, Hagood, his management team, and his record label, built a viral campaign around the singer and his debut single "Goodbye". The single was released without revealing the person behind the "Fancy" pseudonym. A series of pseudo-music videos and a lyric-only clip were viewed more than 4 million times on YouTube, and with early radio support from stations like New York's Z100, the song reached number 29 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart, [6] number 48 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart, [8] and number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100. [9] Three music videos for the single were released, featuring three different actors lip-syncing to the song. Each video dealt with themes like gender identity and body positivity. [10] A fourth music video featuring the performer himself in the same setting was filmed but never released. [11]

In an interview with USA Today, Hagood said that one of motivations behind the campaign was for people to "know [his] art before they knew [him]". [12] However, the concept met with a mixed response from some of Hagood's friends, including pop singer Meghan Trainor, who says she was vocally against it from the start. "I felt like you're hiding this guy," she told The Canadian Press. "What I loved about (Who is Fancy) was his appearance. He's this bubbly, happy person ... he has the confidence, he has everything, and they just — I don't like what they did." [11]

Hagood finally revealed his identity on April 7, 2015, in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon .

To promote his second single "Boys like You", Who Is Fancy performed with collaborators Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande on Dancing with the Stars on January 23, 2016.

After "Boys Like You" failed to perform on the charts, Hagood parted ways with manager Braun and Republic. In an interview with The Canadian Press, he said that he hoped to relaunch his career in summer 2016. [11]

In 2016, Hagood was featured on Clean/Photograph, a Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran mashup by Nashville singer-songwriter Louisa Wendorff. The mashup received good reviews, and was featured in articles on Billboard, Seventeen, and others.

He later returned to Nashville to re-evaluate his career, taking on the new stage name Fancy Hagood and incorporating new genres such as Country, confessional Pop, and glam rock to his music. [13]

In July 2020, he released his first single under the new moniker, titled "Don't Blink."

Follow-up singles that year included "Another Lover Says" "The Same Thing" and "Forest." Three more singles "Mr. Atlanta" "Good Man" and "Southern Curiosity" were released in 2021 ahead of his upcoming album.

His debut album Southern Curiosity was released on April 9, 2021. [14]

After the release of his album, Hagood released a couple of collaborations with Devon Gilfillian ("Let Me Be" in 2021), Abby Anderson ("Where Did All the Cowboys Go?" in 2022) and Kacey Musgraves ("Blue Dream Baby" in 2022) as well as a solo single "Bored" (in 2022).

Hagood reflected on his experience with a major label, and how they softened his gay persona: "It was everyone wanting to see me win, and they were like, 'Well, maybe you can't win if you're this (type of person),'" he says. "But maybe I could, you know what I mean?" [11]

In Late 2023, Elton John gave praise to Fancy, calling him a "hoot" on Elton's Apple Music Rocket Hour, identifying Fancy's rise as a country music star.

Concert tours

Hagood has opened for both Meghan Trainor's MTrain Tour [15] and Ariana Grande's The Honeymoon Tour. [16]

He opened for Elle King on her "Drunk And I Don't Wanna Go Home" tour in 2022. [17] [18]

Discography

Albums

• Southern Curiosity (April 9, 2021)

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[19] 		US
Pop
[20] 		NLD
[21] 		NZ
[22] 		POL
[23]
"Goodbye" [24] 20159829———Non-album singles
"Boys Like You"
(featuring Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande)		— [upper-alpha 1] —892647
"Don't Blink"2020—————Southern Curiosity
"Another Lover Says"—————
"The Same Thing"—————
"Forest"—————
"Mr. Atlanta"2021—————
"Good Man"—————
"Southern Curiosity"—————
"Let Me Be" (with Devon Gilfillian)—————Non-album singles
"Bored"2022—————
"Where Did All the Cowboys Go?" (with Abby Anderson)—————
"Blue Dream Baby" (with Kacey Musgraves)—————
"—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart.

Music videos

Notes

  1. ↑ "Boys Like You" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number 18 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Machine Records</span> American record label

Big Machine Records is an American record label, distributed by Universal Music Group. Big Machine is based on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. The label was founded in September 2005 by former DreamWorks Records executive Scott Borchetta and became a joint venture between Borchetta and country singer Toby Keith. The purchase of Big Machine Records by Scooter Braun's company, Ithaca Holdings, in 2019 resulted in a highly publicized dispute and controversy with American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift regarding the ownership of the masters to her albums for the label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ariana Grande</span> American singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1993)

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Regarded as a pop icon and an influential figure in popular music, she is noted for her four-octave vocal range and her signature use of the whistle register.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scooter Braun</span> American businessman (born 1981)

Scott Samuel "Scooter" Braun is an American entrepreneur, record executive, and the CEO of HYBE-America, the North American subsidiary of South Korean entertainment company Hybe Corporation. Braun has managed artists including Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, Ozuna, Dan + Shay, and the Kid Laroi, among others, in addition to Justin Bieber, who he is credited as discovering in 2008.

Schoolboy Records is an American record label established in 2007 by Scooter Braun, as an imprint of Universal Music Group's Republic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curiosity (song)</span> 2012 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Curiosity" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen for her EP Curiosity (2012). It was released as the second single from the EP on May 1, 2012, through 604 Records. Produced and co-written by Ryan Stewart, "Curiosity" is an upbeat pop track that is influenced by dance and synthpop. Lyrically, the track alludes to a girl who is poorly treated by a bad boy, and begs for more of his love. It received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who deemed it similar to Jepsen's previous single, "Call Me Maybe". Following its release, the track reached number 18 on the Canadian Hot 100. A new version of the track was included on her international debut album Kiss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Borchetta</span> American record executive

Scott Borchetta is an American record executive and founder of the Big Machine Label Group. He started the label in 2005 with Taylor Swift as its first signed artist and 13 employees, he served as its president/CEO, encompassing four imprints: Big Machine Records, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment , The Valory Music Co. and Nash Icon Records. In 2015, he became an in-house mentor on American Idol in the program's 14th and 15th seasons. He is also a sports car racing driver in the Trans-Am Series and owner of NASCAR Xfinity Series team Big Machine Racing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fancy (Iggy Azalea song)</span> 2014 single by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX

"Fancy" is a song by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea featuring British singer Charli XCX, taken from the former's debut studio album, The New Classic (2014). It was released on 17 February 2014 by Def Jam Recordings as the fourth single from the album. "Fancy" was described as an electro-hop, electropop, and pop rap song. It was written by Azalea and XCX, composed and produced by production team the Invisible Men, alongside additional producers the Arcade. It was leaked under the title "Leave It" in December 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Problem (Ariana Grande song)</span> 2014 single by Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea

"Problem" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande, featuring Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. It was released by Republic Records on April 28, 2014 as the lead single from Grande's second studio album, My Everything (2014). It was written by both alongside Savan Kotecha, Ilya and Max Martin, being produced by the latter two with Shellback, with Peter Carlsson serving as a vocal producer. "Problem" is an uptempo dance-pop and R&B song with influences of funk music, which comprises a melody based on drums, saxophone loops, and trumpets. The chorus features uncredited background vocals from American hip-hop artist Big Sean. Lyrically, Grande has stated that the song is about "the feeling of being absolutely terrified to re-approach a relationship that's gone sour – but you want to more than anything."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meghan Trainor</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1993)

Meghan Elizabeth Trainor is an American singer-songwriter and television personality. She rose to prominence after signing with Epic Records in 2014 and releasing her debut single "All About That Bass", which reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold 11 million copies worldwide. Trainor has released six studio albums with the label and has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award, four ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and two Billboard Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All About That Bass</span> 2014 single by Meghan Trainor

"All About That Bass" is the debut single of American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, released on June 30, 2014, through Epic Records. The song was included on Trainor's debut extended play (EP), Title (2014), and her debut studio album of the same name (2015). Written by Trainor and producer Kevin Kadish, "All About That Bass" is a bubblegum pop, doo-wop and hip hop track. Trainor, who as a teenager struggled with her negative body image, was inspired to write the song to promote self-acceptance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Last Time (Ariana Grande song)</span> 2015 single by Ariana Grande

"One Last Time" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released digitally by Republic Records on August 22, 2014 as the second promotional single from her second studio album, My Everything (2014). The song was sent to contemporary hit radio as the fifth and final single from the album on February 10, 2015. It was written by David Guetta, Savan Kotecha, Giorgio Tuinfort, Rami Yacoub, and Carl Falk. The song was produced by the latter two, with Tuinfort serving as a co-producer and Ilya serving both as a co-producer and vocal producer. A French version of the song featuring French singer Kendji Girac, alternatively titled "Attends-moi", was released on February 16, 2015, in France, Belgium and Switzerland. It is also included on the deluxe version of Girac's debut studio album Kendji (2015). An Italian version of the song featuring Italian rapper Fedez was released on May 26, 2015, only in Italy.

<i>Title</i> (EP) 2014 EP by Meghan Trainor

Title is the debut EP by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor. Kevin Kadish produced all of its songs and wrote them with Trainor. The two conceived the EP shortly after Trainor signed with Epic Records in 2014. The label released it on September 9, 2014, and replaced it with a pre-order for Trainor's 2015 debut major-label studio album of the same name the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like I'm Gonna Lose You</span> 2015 single by Meghan Trainor

"Like I'm Gonna Lose You" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor from her debut major-label studio album Title (2015), featuring guest vocals from John Legend. Trainor wrote the song with Justin Weaver and Caitlyn Smith, and produced it with Chris Gelbuda. Epic Records released it as the album's fourth single on June 23, 2015. A soul love ballad, "Like I'm Gonna Lose You" is about savoring moments spent with loved ones and not taking them for granted.

"Title" is a song by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor from her 2014 debut extended play of the same name. Kevin Kadish produced the track and wrote it with Trainor. Epic Records considered it for release as Trainor's second single but eventually decided on "Lips Are Movin" (2014). The song is in a doo-wop style with Caribbean influences. Lyrically, Trainor demands that her partner define their relationship more clearly and call her his girlfriend.

Shane Pittman, better known by his stage name Shane Stevens, is an American singer-songwriter born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys Like You (Who Is Fancy song)</span> 2015 single by Who Is Fancy featuring Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande

"Boys Like You" is a song by American singer Who Is Fancy, featuring singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor and singer Ariana Grande. Fancy co-wrote it with J.R. Rotem, Jason Gantt, and Bob DiPiero, while the former of the three handled production. Republic Records released the song for digital download and streaming as a single on November 23, 2015. The doo-wop and pop song has a beachy vibe and lyrics about Who Is Fancy, Trainor and Grande attempting to court the men they desire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breathin</span> 2018 single by Ariana Grande

"Breathin" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released on September 18, 2018, by Republic Records as the third and final single from her fourth studio album Sweetener (2018). It was sent to contemporary hit radio stations in the United States on September 18, 2018. Produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, "Breathin" is a dance-pop song that features synthesizers and an upbeat production incorporating disco and EDM elements. The lyrics discuss how breathing can alleviate panic attacks, based on Grande's experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of a terrorist bombing that killed 22 people in one of her concerts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stuck with U</span> 2020 single by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber

"Stuck with U" is a song by American singer Ariana Grande and Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was released through Republic Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Silent Records Ventures as a single on May 8, 2020. Both artists wrote the song alongside producers Freddy Wexler and Gian Stone alongside Whitney Phillips, their manager, Scooter Braun, and Skyler Stonestreet. The song marks the second collaboration between Grande and Bieber, following their duet on the remix of the latter's chart-topping single, "What Do You Mean?"; the original song and remix both appear on his fourth studio album, Purpose (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor Swift masters dispute</span> 2019 dispute over ownership of recordings

On June 30, 2019, the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift entered into a dispute with her former record label, Big Machine Records, its founder Scott Borchetta, and its new owner Scooter Braun, over the ownership of the masters of her first six studio albums. Ultimately, Swift re-recorded several of the albums and released them between 2021 and 2023 as Fearless , Red , Speak Now , and 1989 . The dispute drew widespread media coverage and provoked debate and discussion in the entertainment industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fancy Like</span> 2021 single by Walker Hayes

"Fancy Like" is a song recorded by American country music singer Walker Hayes. It was released on August 2, 2021, from his fifth EP Country Stuff via Monument Records Nashville. Hayes co-wrote the song with Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins, and Shane Stevens, and co-produced it with Joe Thibodeau and Shane McAnally. A remix featuring guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Kesha was released on September 10, 2021.

References

  1. 1 2 Feeney, Nolan (February 13, 2015). "Who Is Who Is Fancy?". Time Magazine. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Class of 2015 – Republic Records". Republic Records. February 13, 2015. Archived from the original on February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Exclusive: Scooter Braun Talks Bieber and Rick Rubin, Carly Rae Jepsen's Topping 'Call Me Maybe' & More". Billboard. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Who Is Fancy? Not Your Average Gay Pop Star | Advocate.com". www.advocate.com. October 1, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Former Trevecca student Fancy finds pop music success". TrevEchoes Online. May 2015. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Who Is Fancy Talks Shedding The Mystery: 'I Never Thought I'd Be Coming Out Again'". Billboard.
  7. ↑ "Former Trevecca student Fancy finds pop music success". TrevEchoes Online. May 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Who is Fancy". Billboard .
  9. ↑ "Who is Fancy". Billboard .
  10. ↑ "Out pop star Who Is Fancy discusses identity and representation in new music videos". GLAAD. July 14, 2015. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Friend, David (June 24, 2016). "Musical Pride: How a generation of LGBTQ voices are reshaping music videos" . Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Who is Fancy? 'Goodbye' to guessing". USA TODAY. April 12, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Fancy Hagood Was Almost an L.A. Pop Star. He Finds His True Self on a New Nashville Album". Rolling Stone . April 12, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Southern Curiosity". Spotify .
  15. ↑ "Meghan Trainor: The MTrain Tour" . Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Ariana Grande: The Honeymoon Tour" . Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  17. ↑ https://twitter.com/vintagevinylstl/status/1501301735255461891?s=46&t=Yi1jEHa_Ujum5le5Q1L40Q [ bare URL ]
  18. ↑ "Fancy Hagood | Opry".
  19. ↑ "Who Is Fancy – Chart History". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  20. ↑ "March 21, 2015 - Mainstream Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Discografie Who Is Fancy". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  22. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". February 1, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Polish charts - 06.02. - 12.02.2016". OLiS . Retrieved February 15, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Who Is Fancy - Goodbye". iTunes. February 10, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
  25. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved February 26, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.