Having already found praise from the likes of BBC Introducing and Notion for her recent releases, London-based artist Faye Meana is on the grind once again with her vibrant new single 'Stuck In The Middle'.
Capturing a wonderfully rich and dynamic approach to the 80s electro-pop sound, 'Stuck In The Middle' makes for a beautifully lofty listen. With her warm and tender vocals riding a bright and bouncing production throughout, she is continuing her rise as one of the more captivating names emerging right now.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Well, I’ve been playing the piano since I was 5 years old. I remember being super drawn to it, both playing it and listening to it. After I started playing, I never stopped.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My childhood hero was Aretha Franklin, I used to listen to her ‘Aretha Now’ album on repeat. But Motown in general was most definitely my genre of choice for the majority of my childhood.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I used to steal a lot of my mum and dad's CDs but I remember my first independent purchase being the Dreamgirls soundtrack. I used to listen to it and belt out the tunes for hours on end. I remember one of our neighbours 2 doors up saying they were enjoying the singing although in hindsight it was probably a polite way of asking me to take it down a notch haha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is SUCH a tough one as there are so many but I think Wildfires from Sault probably takes the top spot. One of the most incredibly written and produced songs of the past 10 years in my opinion.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
No actually, not at all. I think for me my creativity only really flows when I’m experiencing new things so I try to switch things up as much as I can. I guess my one habit though could probably be the fact that I like to write in the dark.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Q, Gotts Street Park, NEIL FRANCES, Sunni Colon.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Again, this is a pretty rough one but I think Tame Impala would be pretty sick.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think reading people's messages about how my music has affected them in a certain period of their life. I think the idea of being the soundtrack to someone’s life is insane. Also, bringing people #1 on Spotify Wrapped is always a nice feeling haha.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Having creative block, by a long shot.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as an artist?
Industry advise - the music industry is a business so take things with a pinch of salt.
Creative advice - write what you want and how you want. Not what you think people would want to hear. People usually tend to relate more to the former.
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Faye Meana's new single 'Stuck In The Middle' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.