DirectLyrics Interviews Fefe Dobson: Talks "Legacy", Fourth Album & Yelawolf!
Canadian singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson will, at last, release the follow-up to her 2010 third studio album "Joy". It's gonna happen in 2014. No more delays.
Fefe's career hasn't been the easiest. It's been pretty much a roller-coaster for her. Her self-titled debut album (2003) was a success in her home country of Canada, but when the time came to release her sophomore album, conflicts arose with her record label (Island Records) and she got dropped. Therefore, she couldn't release in 2005 - as it was originally scheduled - her second album, entitled "Sunday Love", (which was already 100% finished) and it was sent to "the vault". The full album leaked, though, that year online...(and seven years later it was released on iTunes. Crazy, huh?).
Fefe was eventually re-signed by her original label, Island Records (this doesn't happen so often....), and together again, they collaborated to put out a new album. Fefe's third LP "Joy" was released in November 2010 but it didn't achieve the success of the first one.
A few years later, Fefe has found the time to re-think her career, and her sound, and it's ready to release a fourth album. She began recording it in early 2013, and although the LP was said to be ready for release by the end of that year, her label pushed it back to 2014. The new album is now due in stores this Spring. The first single is called "Legacy" and it sees Fefe exploring a new sound that feels like a mix of fun. and Icona Pop. Not bad!
Even though the song was released on iTunes back in August last year (and its hilarious music video on VEVO in October), Fefe is still promoting "Legacy" hoping it can become a late-bloomer. And it should! Because the song is amazing! So energetic, with a great message, singing, and production.
Fefe recently granted DirectLyrics an interview to discuss "Legacy", the concept of the music video, her new album (which contrary to what many thought may not be called "Firebird" in the end), as well as other things, such as; getting engaged to rapper Yelawolf, or talking Adele, and telling us what her favorite songs of the moment are. Fefe also revealed her personal choice for next single from her new album.
The Interview
1. DL: “Legacy” is the first single from your upcoming album "Firebird". We definitely hear a fun. and Icona Pop vibe in it. Is “Legacy” indicative of the sound of the entire album? And, why did you choose it as first single over other songs?
Fefe: Legacy is one of the many sides of me ..it's the more fun, lighthearted, (a little) less dramatic side. Yet it's still me with my heart on my sleeve. 'Firebird' is a collection of my emotions- especially being a woman...I have many. :)
2. The video for “Legacy” was released on VEVO last October. It has a fun theme of you being a patient in psychiatric ward who dresses up as Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson and torments the lives of employees and other patients. Would you say these three late stars are some of your biggest career inspirations? What do you think is the “legacy” of each of them?
Each of those characters I portray have been influential to me at some point in my life. Kurt Cobain was there for me during my teenage angst. He helps kids figure it out. He's someone who understands the teenage mind and how hard it can be to develop it, when you have parents or authority telling you what to do. He speaks for a generation. Michael Jackson's an alien to me that was gifted with a talent unspeakable. Amy Winehouse was a woman of honesty and troubles. And was always honest about those troubles. Her music was of and not of this time. I wish I could of worked with her. And Marilyn…well what can you say. I'd rather of played Bettie Page but Mariyln worked ha.
But in all honesty I look up to many artists…most being traffic figures. They're more interesting to me and look like they had some fun!
3. Your first album was self-titled, then there was “Sunday Love”, and three years ago you released “Joy”. Why did you name your fourth LP "Firebird"?
I honestly haven't fully decided I'm going to name it that yet. `'Firebird' is a song on the album about breaking through, and rising from the flame- no one being able to shoot the bird down.
4. “Firebird” is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2014. Is the album completed? Can we expect a second single before the album is out? What songs are candidates?
The album is pretty much completed. Its pieces are all there. There are a few songs I'd like to see be the next single.Some are better for radio ..some are better for visuals. 'Charge' is my favourite song though and needs a video. I think it should be the next single
5. You are engaged to rapper Yelawolf. He recently spoke about the proposal during an interview on "Sway in the Morning". He said he asked you "the question" on Christmas morning 2012. Tell us a bit about that moment. Did you give him an immediate yes? Did you expect it? Last but not least, have guys thought about recording collaboration?
Saying yes to my best friend was the best day of my life.
And yeah, We collaborated on my Legacy Remix which was done by his dj, Dj Klever.
6. Your last album “Joy” debuted in the Top 10 (at No. 9) on the Canadian Top 100 Albums Chart in 2010. What are your hopes with "Firebird" in terms of commercial performance? Are sales something that worry you much?
This new album, in my opinion is some of my best work to date. I want it to for sure exceed Joy. I make new goals for myself with every album made. My fingers are crossed along with my toes and my eyes :)
7. You’re a talented singer but also a talented songwriter. Jordin Sparks and Selena Gomez included covers of two of your “Sunday Love” songs in their previous albums, and you gave an unreleased track to Miley Cyrus. It may be a difficult question to answer (or maybe you have thought about it in the past, who knows) but if I ask to choose one song from the many in your catalogue which do you think would be just perfect for another contemporary artist? Or, if it helps, what song of yours would you like/dream another artist to cover? And, why?
There was a song called Scar on Sunday Love that I think Courtney Love would just make sound so damn good!
Last quick questions…
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
It's hard to look that far ahead. I know a couple of things I'll be making music and loving my man.
What’s your Top 5 songs right now?
Gorillas "Kids with Guns", Lana Del Rey "Ride", Patti Smith "Rock N Roll Nigger, Black Sabbath "Changes" Tom Petty "i won't Back Down"
Are you one of 26 million people that bought Adele's "21” album?
I'm actually not..I borrowed it from a friend and never gave it back.
To wrap up, any last thing you would like to share with our readers? Thanks for your time!
Check out my instagram (@fefedobsonofficial) and twitter (@fefedobson). I'm on their personally ! and check out my vid for Legacy, and happy 2014!