As a classically trained actress, Fay Wolf has worked in theatre, film and television with guest appearances on Law & Order, Numbers, Bones, Ghost Whisperer and NCIS: Los Angeles. And her music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Covert Affairs, and Pretty Little Liars. Her cover of The Outfield’s "Your Love" was released exclusively on the Pretty Little Liars Television Soundtrack in February 2011. This LA based Renaissance Woman is also an accomplished singer-songwriter who has already made an artistic impact with her full length debut Spiders that will grasp the ears of both Tori Amos and The National listeners.
Although Wolf’s website boasts of sad songs- she more proudly associates herself with the intelligent artistry of Sharon Van Etten, The National, James Vincent McMorrow. We recently had a chance to talk to the songstress, actress and professional organizer following the release of Spiders.
What has the general reaction been so far to Spiders? Is there more a sense of accomplishment knowing that your an artist with a full LP recorded rather than just an EP?
I’m very happy to report that the general reaction has far surpassed anything I would have conjured up. In fact, I was so used to the album not being done for so long that I never thought about the part where people would actually listen to it and maybe enjoy it. It’s been lovely. And yes, it feels great having three times as many songs out in the world as I did before. Giving birth to Spiders has felt especially special.
What is the story behind the cover photo of Spiders? – it looks like there’s a deep story behind it or am I wrong?
A deep and true story of love. Featuring a couple I may or may not be related to…
What moments on Spiders are you most proud of and how does it grow creatively from your EP Blankets? Did the songs evolve over a certain period of time or was it gradual?
The songs came over time, and in their own time. A few songs on Spiders were even written before Blankets. Still, Spiders has always felt like a natural progression. I’m proud of the whole record and the talented people I got to work on it with me, especially producers Billy Mohler and Joshua Ostrander.
You embarked on an adventure called Kickstarter that yielded the funds needed to finish and release Spiders and you met your financial goal. Obviously this wouldn’t work for every artist – you had a prior fan base that assisted. What words of advice would you give to another artist thinking about using Kickstarter to help fund an artistic project?
Kickstarter is a super-wonderful platform. I do have a small and awesome fan base, but I still had to make raising those funds a full-time job. I reached my goal because I was basically at the computer or on the phone reaching out to people for 10-12 hours a day, for 30 days. As far as advice for other artists, I would say to be as organized as possible about the task ahead before launching the campaign, do your research on what works and doesn’t, ask for and accept help, and get ready to share love and be loved.
You have a strong following…can you talk about building that up? Did you have a residency?
I’ve not had a residency, no. I’m lucky to have a large friend base on both coasts, and that has helped spread the word about my music. And now I’m lucky to have fans who I’ve never met before. I’m grateful for every one and do my best to engage authentically with folks over the ol’ social networks and at shows.
Your website motto is “Making you Cry since 2008” – how has that worked for or against you? Do you really see yourself as a “Sad” singer-songwriter? Do you ever go for the “happy?”
People seem to enjoy my making-people-cry gimmickry. I write sad songs. Mostly. And so far. if the songs really do make people cry, awesome. If the taglines make people laugh, awesome. "Yours" and "Pull" are happy songs. Kinda. But the light and dark are both just inevitable parts of the ride, right?
You quit music for 17 years and got back to it after working as an actress – was there anything in particular that got you back into music?
Well, I quit piano lessons at 12. And suddenly began writing songs at 29. I believe it was just a case of sitting back down at the piano at the right time. It was time to get all the muck out.
How much does the piano/keyboards play a part in your artistry? Do you see yourself as a piano based artist in the way of Tori Amos or Regina Spektor?
The piano is my instrument. I hope to learn others eventually, but yes – the piano is absolutely a huge piece of the puzzle, and those two lovely ladies are definitely influences.
Which of your contemporaries do you feel most feel a musical kinship with and who would you most like to collaborate with?
I’ve been known to say things like, "If Tori Amos, Sara Bareilles, Ani Difranco, Regina Spektor and Feist had a baby…" Sharon Van Etten, The National, James Vincent McMorrow are certainly sad-song comrades who I gravitate towards lately. Today, I’d love to collaborate most with McMorrow. And of course there are so many more…
Do see yourself exploring the Spiders sound on future releases or what other sounds or genres do you hope to record within?
I am open to all the wondrous sounds that exist out there. Or will exist one day. I have no idea what will happen next. And I like it that way.
