In this episode, Switched on Pop explores the music of singer-songwriter Faye Webster, discussing her unique fusion of genres and her ties to Atlanta's music scene. They analyze Faye's intricate soundscape, highlighting elements like the pedal steel guitar and her vocal treatment. The hosts also discuss Faye's hypnotic and transportive music, her latest singles, and the evolution of her song 'but not kiss'. They engage listeners, promote merchandise, and mention an upcoming episode with Talking Heads.
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Quick takeaways
Faye Webster's music defies genre and convention, incorporating pedal steel, indie rock, soft vocals, and R&B sensibilities.
Faye Webster collaborates with a pedal steel player to explore its expressive qualities, adding a captivating and haunting quality to her compositions.
Deep dives
Faye Webster's Unique Sound
Faye Webster, an Atlanta-based artist, brings a unique blend of alt-country, R&B, and indie rock to her music. Despite the influence of Atlanta's hip-hop scene, her sound stands out with elements like pedal steel and rap features. Webster's song 'Better Distractions,' recognized by President Barack Obama, showcases intricate instrumentation, including a pedal steel guitar, and her powerful yet vulnerable vocals. Her song 'But Not Kiss' demonstrates her ability to create a gentle wall of sound, combining acoustic guitar, drums, and her distinctive vocals. Webster's sound is distinct and immersive, taking classic recording techniques and instrumentation and placing them in a new context.
The Captivating Role of the Pedal Steel
Faye Webster, heavily influenced by the pedal steel sound, uses this instrument to create a unique sonic texture in her music. The pedal steel, originally a Hawaiian guitar, has found a place in country, rock, and indie genres. Webster's collaboration with a pedal steel player allows her to explore its expressive qualities, creating a hypnotic and contemplative atmosphere. The instrument's distinctive sound, achieved through sliding bars and bending strings, adds a captivating and haunting quality to Webster's compositions.
The Importance of Vibe in Faye Webster's Music
Faye Webster's music is all about vibe, creating a specific mood and atmosphere for the listener. Her songs, such as 'Kingston' and 'Lifetime,' maintain a consistent tempo and sonic texture, using repetition and simplicity to immerse the listener in a particular emotional state. Webster's deliberate pacing and intimate vocals contribute to the sensory experience of her music. Rather than focusing on building big crescendos or dramatic shifts, her songs draw the listener into a sonic space where they can fully absorb the emotions and textures of the music.
Atlanta's Influence on Faye Webster
Faye Webster's hometown of Atlanta has had a significant impact on her music. Growing up surrounded by the city's hip-hop scene, including artists like Little Yachty and Playboy Cardi, has influenced her perspective and sound. Although her music may not align with the dominant hip-hop genre of Atlanta, she has found her place as a unique voice within the city's creative community. Webster's collaborations and experiences in Atlanta have shaped her approach to songwriting and her willingness to push boundaries, blending genres and introducing new sounds into her music.
The past two episodes of the show have been in Atlanta, and this week, we’re staying there with a look at singer-songwriter Faye Webster. Her music defies genre and convention: over the course of four albums, her sound has come to contain both pedal steel and indie rock as well as soft vocals and R&B sensibilities, all the while embodying the city of Atlanta. On this episode of Switched on Pop, we take a look at the work of Webster and how she builds her anomalous sound – even talking to the artist herself.