Indie-Alt Trio Them Fantasies Discusses the Importance of Tackling Toxic Masculinity in New Single, "Nice Guy"

PHOTO BY ISABELLA GROSSLING

Los Angeles based, Them Fantasies, discusses hard-hitting social issues in their new single, “Nice Guy.” The alt-pop, indie rock trio met through Berklee College of Music, and have been in the music scene since 2017. With their first EP released in 2018, followed by their debut album, Caffeine Queen, and having gone on two tours, the band is moving forward with new music while continuously working on their next creative outlet. 

This song highlights the very important topic of toxic masculinity. As I have noticed, within today’s society, this topic is not brought up often enough. Unfortunately, the topic doesn’t seem to be spoken about frequently because it is such a societal norm. A lot of men are out of touch with their femininity, which leads to toxic masculinity. In an industry where toxic masculinity is often considered the norm, Them Fantasies is taking their own position and outlook on what it means to be a bystander and witness to this problem. 

“There's a line he likes to cross that he's blurred too many times.”

Throughout “Nice Guy,” the band introduces a party scene, and what it is like to be friends with someone who has a tendency to act poorly around women. The story begins with the perspective of the writer at a party, watching his friend get rejected by a girl and not being able to take the hint. Everyone is uncomfortable watching this situation unfold, even though no one is saying anything. The lyrics then shift to the perspective of the writer actually talking to his friend about his actions and how they are not okay. With the point of view of the song as a bystander and a friend witnessing the uncomfortable situation, it introduces new insight to toxic masculinity from a male perspective 

The song has an upbeat tune while the lyrics cover a very downbeat story. Starting off with a funky pop beat that contrasts the overall meaning and tone of the lyrics, “Nice Guy,” makes you feel like you’re there at the party, grasping the attention of the audience and giving a vibe to set the scene. By including harmonies and an upbeat drum line, despite the important and disconsolate connotation behind lyrics, Them Fantasies is showing how important issues can be discussed in a way that still allows the listener to be intrigued and have fun connecting the dots. 

Them Fantasies highlights the importance of the song through their overall lyricism. In the chorus of “Nice Guy,'' they write, “Getting hard to be your friend, I got nothing to defend and it’s so uncomfortable.” Many people can relate to this situation of being in a friendship where a person makes some intolerable remarks. They also write, “But now I can't keep quiet, boiling up inside,” to represent how at a point, it becomes so hard to defend this person it physically feels like he is boiling over, and can’t hold in how he feels anymore. The title also plays a big part in the song. A lot of men tend to question why “nice guys always finish last,” when in reality they do unacceptable things. The lyrics found within the bridge of the song, identify the morals of the “nice guy” in explaining the point, “Only sorry you got caught.” 

“While a subject matter like this can be difficult to pull off, we hope this can inspire people across the spectrum to not only hold their male friends accountable, but check themselves to make sure they’re not unknowingly hurting the people around them.”

- Them Fantasies

In terms of what this song brings to the music industry, it will definitely open doors to have conversations like this more often. It’s so uncomfortable to be a bystander to things like witnessing toxic masculinity, but when no one says anything, nothing will change. There’s power in the song coming from an all male trio, as the male perspective on this subject is few and far between within the industry. It’s really unique how they managed to make the song so upbeat, but maintain lyrics that are reflective. This allows people who truly listen to the lyrics of the song - not just the sound - to make connections as to what the band is trying to say. “Nice Guy'' is the beginning of a new era of music that steps up to social issues, and does not shy away from discussing tough topics within songwriting. Them Fantasies is helping to encourage people to stand up to friends and their actions, but also help them learn right from wrong.

The band is taking a new approach to creativity and innovation in the industry. We are not only excited to hear future songs pertaining to these issues, but to continuously watch the growth of the band and their songwriting process.

Make sure to check out Them Fantasies’ new single, “Nice Guy” on all streaming platforms now!