Lena Fayre

Her intentions are personal when it comes to music and she has no desire to be a role model. With her recent EP “Cry” we get dream pop soundscapes meets alternate sound and the creative authenticity that Lena Fayre wants to project to her audience.

We want to start off with your background. As a rising international sensation, you’ve had much success since releasing your first EP in 2013. What was the defining moment when you decided to become a musician?

There wasn’t ever a specific moment. I’ve been making music and writing songs for as long as I can remember. Nothing else really makes sense to me, professionally. However, there did come a point when I had to choose between going to college and pursuing music more seriously. I chose the music.

Given the role of social media, do you feel the pressure of being a role model for other creatives trying to break into the music industry?

My intentions as an artist rarely involve considering how I might influence others. I have no desire to be a role model. I want to create work that resonates authentically with what I might have to say, that is all. Social media is a strange obligation that I would rather avoid!

How has it been developing as an artist while still staying true to what inspires you and your personal creativity?

I try not to place any expectations or restrictions on my creative process. As long as I’m continuously pushing myself and enjoying the process, I’m cool. I’m really grateful to the musicians that inspired me when I was young to make music, but I care more about being honest and challenging myself.

From the beginning of your career you have stayed very independent and socially aware. You’ve taken strong advantage of social media platforms for the streaming of your music, which aided you in reaching a larger audience. How important is it to cater to the indie markets which have been in support of your solo projects, and what has motivated you to keep your music independent?

I’ve stayed independent for this long to maintain total control over what I create and how it’s presented to the world. I need freedom and fluidity. Still, it’s a struggle sometimes to release music and music videos on my own. I’ve been very fortunate that cool and relevant platforms have taken notice of what I’m doing and supported me, like Spotify.

We want to dissect your latest single “Cry.” Can you describe the dream pop soundscapes meets alternate sound? I imagine you are describing your innermost feelings here?

I’ve recently been playing with a more minimalist production – space and scarcity. I collaborated with Nikolai Potthoff, a friend of mine from Berlin a lot. He gave Cry’s super pop chorus an impact and attitude that I love. I’ve always been interested in undulating, creepy, dreamy soundscapes, and Cry epitomizes that for me. Lyrically, this song is about embracing all sides of romantic experiences and not shying away from feelings of sadness or longing.

My intentions as an artist rarely involve considering how I might influence others. I have no desire to be a role model.

And the video that you made with Alan Del Rio Ortiz fits perfectly to the sounds of “Cry” and yourtaste for the visual aesthetic. How did this creative style/collaboration come about?

This was my second video with Alan. I love his work and his sensibility as a director. He’s a dream to work with. He and my close friend/collaborator Chelsea McCarthy sorted out a lot of the creative direction for Cry. We were really captured by the idea of doing a performance video, especially in a severe landscape.

Can we expect more genre-blending with your upcoming album “Cry”?

Although I am sitting on tons of material, I don’t have an album or album title in the immediate works. I do like to release music every few months if I can, so hopefully it won’t be too long.

What is it like living in LA and being a musician? How does it influence you?

I’ve always lived in LA and always been a musician, so I don’t really know much else. This city is definitely overly saturated with creative types and musicians, so I’m never short for community or energy if I want it. I love Los Angeles, the city fuels me. It’s funny that I often have to leave Los Angeles to seriously make music.

Finally, what is your end goal in being a musician? How do you want to evolve as an artist?

I don’t know where this road will take me, but I know that I want to create and contribute work that I find necessary. I want to grow honestly and continuously.

Quick Facts

Inspiration? Love, Los Angeles, little things.

Favourite album? Dreamin’ Wild by Donnie and Joe Emerson.

Favourite single? Hey Grandma by No Parents.

Favourite musician? The Cure.
Photography: Alan Del Rio Ortiz