Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Fayye

THE RELEASE

The Greek-Irish singer-songwriter FAYYE, who resides in London, is a trailblazer in the pop music industry, carving out a career for herself as a solo performer. FAYYE is a classical concert pianist with a background whose music is characterized by seductive vocals, alluring melodies, and ethereal undertones. Her songs capture ephemeral moments of beauty, whether it's the mood of a darkly lit city street, the peaceful calm of dawn, or the adrenaline of an athlete crossing the finish line. She explores themes of vulnerability, perseverance, and frailty without fear. FAYYE has won praise from publications including Clash and BBC Radio, as well as audiences like Ronnie Scott's. FAYYE's music heralds a new beginning as she gets ready to release her second EP, "Rise," and encourages listeners to make their own fresh begins.

FAYYE's most recent single, "Different Today," is a compelling prelude to her upcoming, four-track EP, "Rise." The song's seamless blending of serene melodies and layered harmonies creates a dreamy and regal soundscape. FAYYE tells a tale of independence, mental health, and empowerment over this entrancing musical soundtrack. The lyrics were inspired by a pivotal early-morning moment, when the rain had washed away the ghosts of the past and the air was filled with hope for new beginnings. The song "Different Today" is a testimonial to the countless opportunities that exist in the morning, before the direction of the day has been set. The EP as a whole and this single encourage listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewed self-worth, making it an anthem for anyone embracing a fresh start.

THE INTERVIEW

What song or moment in time sparked your passion for music?
When I was a child, I remember watching my mum play piano and all those beautiful pieces by Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy. I found the piano keys myself aged four, and I never looked back. I come from a whole family of pianists, so a love of music might have been inevitable!

If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?

1. My mum. Who introduced me to the piano aged four and encouraged me, throughout my younger years, to keep working at it! Now, all my songs start at the piano.

2. Joni Mitchell. My dad introduced me to her ‘Blue’ album when I was about 8 years old, and I immediately fell for her songbird-like style and poetic lyricism. ‘A case of you’ is in my top five favourite songs. She’s my gold standard!

3. Taylor Swift. What can I say, the woman is a force. I went to her first-ever UK concert and have been a die-hard Swiftie ever since. She’s incredible at turning words and phrases to tell vivid and hugely relatable stories. Mostly though, I admire her self-assurance, honesty, ingenuity and incredible work ethic.

4. Dario Marionelli. I grew up wanting to be a film composer. Listening to the scores Marionelli wrote for Atonement, Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, I was inspired to start composing my own piano scores. From there, I started experimenting with lyrics - and it all grew out of that.

How does your creative process work from the moment you develop the idea to the completion of the record?
I usually start with an idea for a lyrical hook. Maybe it’s something I overhear, or it’s inspired by something I read in a poem or a book. From there, a broad concept for a song emerges. I like to write music that captures the flicker of a moment – whether it’s the ambience of a dimly-lit city street, the quiet stillness of daybreak or the thrill of an athlete inches away from the finish line. So I try to build a picture of the scene in my head: where is the central character, how are they standing, what’s surrounding them, and what’s happened immediately before? From here, I sit down at the piano and start working out different melodic and harmonic lines. I’ll get the main melody line down, record it on my phone, and then keep working on the lyrics as I go about my week - playing with the order of things, changing and swapping out words. Usually, after two to three days, it has taken shape.

I co-wrote ‘Different Today’ with Louis Ryan. We worked on it together via zoom, because at the time, because of Covid, we couldn’t meet in person. I remember sitting there on screen working out all the lifts and falls until they were just right. I'm truly grateful for Louis’ incredible attention to detail in perfecting the melody.

As for this release, who is the producer and what about the production moved you?

‘Different Today' was produced by Jim Molyneux. Because we produced it during Covid, we connected over the phone to work on the track. I described the atmosphere I wanted to create, but when Jim delivered the final product, it was fifty times more beautiful than I had imagined! Jim created these soft, shimmering overtones using synths and strings, with a piano timbre that makes me think of glistening dew or raindrops. I also love how the track gradually builds up towards the end, leading to a soaring finish.

When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?

My songs draw on personal experiences. But the reason I write is to connect with people, inviting them into the song to reflect on the moments of triumph, struggle, vulnerability and resilience we all share in our lives. I wrote ‘Different Today’ one summer morning at 5am. It was that glittering moment at dawn, before the day has decided what it’s going to be. It felt like the rain from the night before had ‘washed the ghosts away’, and it was a new beginning. The song is dedicated to everyone making a fresh start.

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