The Dream Academy was a British band known for their folk-rock and synth-pop fusion, active from 1983 to 1991. The trio, composed of Gilbert Gabriel, Nick Laird-Clowes, and Kate St. John, were particularly recognized for their ethereal soundscapes and use of non-traditional instruments like the oboe. They gained significant attention with their hit single "Life in a Northern Town," a tribute to the singer-songwriter Nick Drake, which reached number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Dream Academy's distinctive sound and lyrical depth left a lasting impact on the pop scene of the late 1980s.