Q&A: Introducing Vicky Farewell Navigates Musical Exploration and Emotional Depth in 'Give A Damn'
HAILING FROM ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA - indie pop artist Vicky Farewell's musical journey is a tapestry woven from diverse influences and dedicated study. From classical piano studies in her childhood to her discovery of jazz and eclectic genres in her teenage years, Farewell's musical odyssey culminated in her distinctive artistry, shaped by a passion for exploration and innovation.
Farewell's debut album, Sweet Company, released in 2022 on Mac DeMarco's label, received acclaim for its dreamy blend of bedroom pop and soul, offering a joyful reflection on the pain of change. Now, with her latest release, Give A Damn, Farewell embarks on a new chapter in her artistic evolution, showcasing a lyrical maturity and sincerity that mark a departure from her previous work.
Entirely self-written and produced from her Los Angeles apartment, Give A Damn delves into emotional complexity, insecurity, and attachment, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Farewell's inner world. Rediscovering her Yamaha S08 synthesizer served as a catalyst for much of the album's romantic digital soundscape, igniting a creative flame that set the tone for the record.
From the heartfelt exploration of casual relationships in "Tern Me On" to the frustration and stagnation of intimacy in "Push It," each track on Give A Damn offers a nuanced portrayal of love, lust, and longing. Drawing inspiration from artists like Gal Costa and Heatwave, Farewell infuses her soulful ballads with unique key centers and memorable melodies, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.
As Farewell navigates the complexities of the human experience, Give A Damn emerges as a poignant reflection of her growth as an artist and as a person. With its raw honesty and emotional depth, the album invites listeners to join Farewell on an existential tour of self-discovery, resonating with the uncertainties and challenges of the times.
LUNA: Give A Damn sounds like a significant artistic evolution from ‘Sweet Company.’ Can you elaborate on the thematic shift and how it reflects your growth as a songwriter?
VICKY: I stayed away from the bubblegum pop vibe from the previous record. It’s still pop, but more adult overall in terms of writing. My focus this time was on the lyrics. Some of the songs are a bit abstract and open-ended.
LUNA: Give A Damn is more “lyrically mature, personal and sincere." Can you share some personal experiences that inspired the songs on the album?
VICKY: For a long time, I had been living in my own delusion, convincing myself that I was ok but really I was horribly depressed. I went back into therapy, took a long break from work and socializing to rebuild myself and write this record. The stories and feelings were all there clear as day, and the lyrics were just as melodic as the music I was creating.
LUNA: “Tern Me On" and "Push It" explore complex themes of desire and intimacy. How do you navigate expressing these topics in a way that's both relatable and artistically unique?
VICKY: The themes are relatable when it comes to hook up culture and relationship tension. ‘Tern Me On’ is both vulnerable and delusional, ‘Push It’ combines judgmental rage underneath calm music. It’s dark despite the sweet sound.
LUNA: You mentioned rediscovering your Yamaha S08 synthesizer and how it shaped the sound of ‘Give A Damn.’ Can you talk about the specific ways different instruments influenced the album's sonic palette?
VICKY: I hadn’t touched the S08 in over 10 years. As soon as I started playing it, I time-traveled back to my teenage years. The strings, the piano sounds, so much nostalgia. I didn’t want to hyper-focus on a specific era of music for this record, I wanted it to sound refreshing. The album is very simple: drum machine sounds, my Fender rhodes, subby synth bass, sprinkled in with the S08. I still believe that a good song is found in the writing, and the production is secondary.
LUNA: Your musical journey started with classical piano studies and then branched out into jazz and diverse genres. How do these influences come together to create your sound?
VICKY: I love analyzing song forms and writing techniques, it helps me listen to music more deeply. I used to fear that knowing too much music theory would hinder my creativity. I shifted my mindset instead, and it allowed me to open myself to any organized sound, even if I hate it, there’s still something to learn about yourself. The freedom to write whatever you want is terrifying and overwhelming. I feel a lot less restricted when writing music with form and structure.
LUNA: You cite artists like Gal Costa and Heatwave as inspirations. Are there any specific elements from their work that you incorporate into your music?
VICKY: Yeah, their arrangements are so musical and clever. It’s especially evident in the way they perform it. It really changed my approach to vocal production. I changed my technique, singing longer phrases with more dynamic range. I discovered little pockets of technique that allowed me to sound the way I do. I know a lot of classical technique, but pop singing can encompass so much more. It’s kinda cool. I think this is what style is, haha.
LUNA: Give A Damn is entirely self-written and produced. What are the challenges and rewards of taking on such a comprehensive creative role?
VICKY: I remember playing my first record for Anderson .Paak years ago. Some producer tried to add his own drums to a song and I played that version for AP. He hated it, lol. He said something like, “What’s the point of letting some guy produce your music? You got legs, you can do this yourself.” That stayed with me for ‘Give A Damn.’ I’ve found so much joy and strength in making these records by myself. The main challenge I had was questioning whether I was good enough. A lot of insecurities came out, and it was really tempting to seek additional production. At some point I just had to blindly believe in myself.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming season?
VICKY: Play hella shows. Work my ass off, not in a hustling way, but I owe it to myself to work hard. I haven’t written any new Vicky Farewell music yet, but I know it’ll happen soon enough. I made this record while I was walking through a metaphorical fire. I’m curious to see what I can come up with in the aftermath of it all.
