London-based FAYYE, a gifted singer-songwriter of Greek and Irish descent, is making waves in the mainstream of modern pop music by going her own way.
FAYYE’s new single, “Different Today,” is more proof that the artist has not just a beautiful singing voice but also an extraordinary knack for writing captivating stories.
FAYYE’s mesmerising universe has lyrics that go well beyond ordinary words, creating intense emotion and taking listeners to otherworldly realms. Her classical concert pianist training informs the way she begins each song at the piano, where her exquisite voice blends effortlessly with soaring melodies and shimmering overtones.
Her compositions depict the ephemeral nature of life, embracing everything from the calm of a morning to the elation of a sprinter crossing the finish line.
Included in her four-track EP “Rise,” “Different Today” demonstrates FAYYE’s change and personal development as an artist throughout her early twenties. The EP’s five songs all explore this formative period and are infused with the author’s growing sense of purpose and conviction. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a new chapter in life, with its stories of adventure and discovery.
The music of “Different Today” transports us to a tranquil and seductive world, full of regal and dreamlike undertones. The song develops into an engaging story about mental health, autonomy, and individuality.
The complexity of these topics is explored with honesty and tenderness in FAYYE’s contemplative lyrics, which have a profound effect. Her ethereal voice floats over the sumptuous orchestral composition, producing an absorbing and captivating experience.
With its subtle elegance, “Different Today” captures listeners’ attention and showcases FAYYE’s skill as a storyteller. The song gradually reveals deeper levels of thought and feeling as it progresses. FAYYE’s performance is noteworthy for how she manages to be both vulnerable and strong at the same time.
FAYYE is an artist that defies convention by making songs that skillfully combine contemplation with a pop sensibility. In “Different Today,” she opens out to us, telling us about her life and inspiring us to think about our own experiences. Listening to this hypnotic song is a great way to be reminded of the transformative potential of music.
“Different Today” by FAYYE is a beautiful addition to her extensive discography. This cool pop gem will speak to those who are seeking both peace and strength in its calming ambience, introspective lyrics, and entrancing melodies.
FAYYE’s work reflects her originality and commitment to her trade. We can’t wait to hear what comes next on her musical journey as she continues to make her mark in the business.
So kick back, enter FAYYE’s enchanted universe, and let “Different Today” whisk you away to a land where introspection and agency coexist in perfect harmony.
What initially sparked your passion for crafting music?
I reached for the piano keys aged four, and never looked back! When I was growing up, I wanted to be a film composer. Inspired by composers like Dario Marionelli and John Barry, I started playing with my own piano scores.
Then when I started studying poetry at university, I learned how words and phrases can be turned and combined to paint vivid scenes and stir memories. That was when the piano scores and lyrics came together, and I started writing songs.
Among the myriad of compositions, you’ve created throughout your career, which piece stands out as the most thought-provoking?
The song ‘Blind Faith’ holds special significance, as I wrote it during a period of change and growth in my life.
Often, I have sought the opinions and validation of others to guide my choices. But at the time of writing, I began embracing my own intuition and trusting my instincts, ready to face the outcomes of my decisions. ‘Blind Faith’ narrates the tale of a person walking through a city at night, illuminated by street lamps, finally having mustered the courage to follow their unique path.
Could you reveal your creative sanctuary, the place where you find yourself most creatively energized and free?
My sanctuary is a tiny island called Ithaka in Greece. I come from a Greek family, and I feel a real sense of home when I’m there.
I love waking up in the morning to the sound of the birds, the sea lapping the shore and rocks below, and the wind running through the olive trees. There’s no phone signal or Wi-Fi there either, so I just find myself at peace with my own thoughts. I write lots of lyrics there.
What would you identify as your greatest strength as an artist, and how does it influence your musical creations?
I think, because I’ve grown up as a classical pianist, playing pieces by my favourite composers – Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Debussy – I love rich, full harmonies and haunting, soaring melodic lines. There’s a lot of that in my music! And I always start my songs at the piano.
What steps and methods do you employ to bring your artistic vision to life?
I collaborated with songwriter, Louis Ryan, on ‘Different Today’. 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.
With the melody set in stone, I started thinking about the lyrics. I wrote to them one summer morning at 5 am. And because it was so early and there weren’t any distractions, the lyrics came together quickly. It felt like the rain of the night before had ‘washed the ghosts away’ and the stillness of a new day filled the air.
I wanted to write something to mark that moment at dawn when anything is possible – before the day has decided what it’s going to be. The song is dedicated to anyone making a fresh start.
Could you elaborate on the steps and practices you undertake to continually refine and enhance your musical abilities?
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with more poetry and ambiguity in lyrics. Sometimes I think that when lyrics are less direct, they leave more room for the listener to imagine their own story in the song.
And I like the idea of that. So whenever I read poems or books or am inspired by something I see (however nonsensical!), I write it down in the Notes app on my phone and come back to it when songwriting.
I also seek out opportunities to work with other songwriters, because I always learn so much from the people I work with.
What strategies or aspirations do you have in mind to extend your music to a global audience?
As I mentioned, when I was growing up I wanted to be a film composer. And my dream is still to write a song for a film or TV series. I love the escapism of films, and quite a few of my songs are inspired by my favourites.
‘Places’, for instance, is inspired by that iconic final scene in ‘Thelma and Louise’ when they leave the world behind. In terms of a strategy – I’m still growing, but I’ll take it step by step. I’ll seek out directors, agents and supervisors that may be looking for musical partners, and see what happens!
Looking back, what would you consider the highlight of your musical journey thus far, and how has it impacted your growth as an artist?
Releasing my latest EP, ‘Rise’, has been a highlight. I wrote the songs on the EP after a period of change and growth in my early twenties, so the songs are full of hope and anticipation for the future.
I learned so much from the talented, inspiring songwriters and producers I worked with to create it. And I’ve loved seeing how listeners have responded to the tracks, saying they can relate to the stories. That’s the most important thing for me.
How do you envision further developing your music and solidifying your identity as an artist?
I’m making plans for the next EP! I won’t say too much yet, because there’s lots to do. All the songs are going to revolve around one story, and I’m going to collaborate with lots of artists, dancers, songwriters and producers along the way. Keep your eyes peeled!
