Michael Fox has been winning hearts as Andrew Parker in Downton Abbey since 2014, a role that’s seen him star in three feature films, the latest, The Grand Finale, still holding strong at the UK box office. Having just been seen on stage’ at the National Theatre opposite Juliet Stevenson in The Land of the Living, Fox is having something of a moment. But today we’re focusing on his most personal project yet: his debut solo EP.
After releasing a gorgeous folk EP with Downton co-star Michelle Dockery back in 2022, Fox is stepping out on his own with four tracks that feel like he’s letting you right into his head. “Emily,” “Bones,” “Borrowed Change,” and “Port in a Storm” are about the things that actually matter when life gets hard, family, friendship, speaking up when you’re struggling. Some were written during lockdown, and you can feel that isolation in there, mixed with this real yearning for connection.
What’s striking is how Fox doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff. He’s talking about mental health, about watching everyone else seem fine while you’re falling apart, about resisting the urge to chase fame over fulfilment. It’s the kind of honesty that makes you sit up and listen. Here, in this track-by-track, he walks us through each song, unpacking the moments and feelings that shaped them.Retry
Bones
It’s about reconnecting to what’s most important when life knocks you back. Family, nature, sitting with a friend, music. Speaking up when you’re not ok. I wanted to hold both happiness and heaviness in the song, as a mirror in the verses. When life is at its hardest it can also bring moments of real joy.
Port in a Storm
This and Borrowed Change were both written in lockdown, it’s funny how they both represent a sense of isolation and trying to connect with someone. C Duncan languid beautiful strings on this track make a lonely song feel much more expansive.
Borrowed Change
It’s a song about watching the world go by and trying to make contact with someone who is shutting off. It’s about seeing everyone around you doing well, but you feel like you’re sinking.
The world keeps spinning, but you’re spinning out.
Emily
Emily feels like it’s the most connected to my work as an actor. It’s tempting with this industry to keep chasing a dream of Hollywood – fame and fortune. And beating yourself up if you are falling short of that. It’s about keeping a hold of the things in life that are actually important. And not chasing something that is ultimately unfulfilling.
Michael’s solo EP ‘Bones’ will be released 21st November.
Live dates for Michael Fox & Friends are 15th December in The Old Church, Stoke Newington, London and 16th December in St Michaels and All Angels Church in Bassett, Southampton.
For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com
Photography Ryan O’Doherty
