By Griffin Dunn
A former Trevecca student has found worldwide success in the music industry this year.
Fancy (originally Jake Hagood) is the artist behind the song “Goodbye” and the “Who is Fancy?” campaign. He performed the hit song this month live for the first time on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon as his official reveal.
Originally from Bentonville, Arkansas, Fancy attended Trevecca from 2008-2010 where he served as sophomore class president from 2009-2010.
Students knew him around campus as a blooming musician. While at Trevecca, he competed in Trojan Idol, performed at the first Boonearoo, and wrote original music that he recorded and played around town.
“I owe most of my career to Nashville,” he said. “That’s where I performed, came out, and became Fancy. So much of my story is in Nashville.”
The opportunity to get started in music in Nashville happened while Fancy was studying at Trevecca, said Matt Spraker, associate dean of students for community life.
“Jake began to have opportunities to continue pursuing his music professionally and left Trevecca, but it is always wonderful to see students come to TNU and find opportunities to follow their dreams,” Spraker said. “We are all excited for Jake’s success and ongoing pursuit of his dreams.”
Maybe more noteworthy than the buzz around Fancy’s reveal are the people with whom 24-year old Fancy is working.
His manager Scooter Braun is known for his work with Justin Bieber, and his industry megastar friends Scott Borchetta and Dr. Luke can brag about Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift.
Before his reveal, TIME, Billboard, and other media outlets commented on the mystery behind the music.
While living in Nashville, he worked at Forever 21 in the Opry Mills mall. He says that’s where he got the name Fancy- referencing the song by Drake.
Now on a promotional tour, Fancy said the most rewarding part of the entire experience has been the chance to empower people to be who they are.
Seeing people own their imperfections and celebrating them has been inspiring, he said.
“I’m getting to hear a lot of inspiring stories. That’s rewarding,” he said.
Fancy is signed to the label Big Machine and Republic Records.
“You can expect a full Fancy record sometime this summer,” he said.
