The Faim – Summer Is a Curse

By starrymag | October 16, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would deserve our sound as diverse, authentic and energetic. We utilize a variety of our influences from Frank Sinatra to Coldplay and Metallica. Genres are becoming less relevant and since we appreciate every aspect of music we want to explore keep our sonic identity fluid.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I love all walks of music. Some of my favorites are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Twenty One Pilots, Frank Sinatra, Yungblud, Metallica, Aerosmith, Kendrick Lamar and Coldplay.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Summer is a Curse.”

A) We wrote this in the beautiful California sun with Ashton Irwin (of 5 Seconds of Summer) and John Feldmann (producer) at his home studio. It was one of the most rewarding and natural studio sessions we’ve ever experienced. Everyone was on the same page with the same vision. It represents the conflict that not only a musician, but anyone who wants to pursue a dream goes through. It’s the double-edged sword of sacrificing your comfort and home for a chance to succeed. We had this tunnel vision of making the dream of being in a band a reality regardless of consequence. I think it’s that blind faith that has pushed more than we ever expected.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it’s the emotion. There’s nothing fake about us. Our authenticity lies in the fact that we love what we do, and we write from an honest place. If we don’t write honestly it would reflect in the songs and our live performance. What you see is what you get and that’s not hard to tell.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video represents a situation separate from music: a situation that’s negative and quite often people find themselves trapped in. It’s about pursuing positivity or a dream regardless of the probability or consequences. Your happiness is a priority and people should never forget that.

 

Q) What makes this the perfect end of summer song?

A) This song was never a song connected to the weather, but it does unintentionally have that summer vibe. I think it’s the descriptive verses of landscapes into the catchy chorus that make people think of a summer time. General summer is a “brighter, happier” time for most and I think when people reflect on those memories they get that feel good summer vibe.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? 

A) There’s no set process when it comes to creating ideas. Inspiration could hit at any moment. It could be a melody, lyric, concept or even an environment. Once we have an idea depending how much we’ve completed we usually go from first verse forwards. Even that’s rare though because we could jump to the middle eight section, then create a chorus and then that middle eight could become a verse. We’re quite the erratic bunch when it comes to writing.

 

Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) Generally not, but I started playing guitar so I have a pretty good understanding of how I want a song to sound. I write poetry quite often as well because sometimes writing from an emotional perspective instead of being confined to a melody helps me. It’s fun to change up the process and see what you can find.

 

Q) Talk about working with producer John Feldmann on your new EP Summer is a Curse.

A) It was one of the most intense, energetic and eye-opening experiences of our entire lives. He didn’t hand us songs. He gave us the tools to look deep within ourselves and express a rawness we never thought was possible. Fifteen-hour recording days and intense studio sessions were exhausting but we were in our element. We thrive under pressure. I remember a moment after meditating with John and just breaking down. There was no particular reason, but I just cried and cried for close to three hours. After that experience I felt free. There was this sense of beauty in everything I saw, and we wrote one of the most emotional songs we’ve ever written. We wouldn’t be the writers we are today without him.

 

Q) How did you come to team up with iconic artists like Pete Wentz, Mark Hoppus and Josh Dun on the EP?

A) It was all through John Feldmann. He sent off our songs and asked if they’d be interested in meeting/working with us. We expected nothing. To our surprise they all wanted to work together. It’s funny, Pete never actually confirmed if he was coming. He was just like, “Yeah, I might come down,” and we got the surprise of our life. One of our idols just strolls in with no warning whatsoever, “Hey guys, heard a lot about you.” Had to pick our jaws off the floor to say hello.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live The Faim performance?

A) Expect the rawest parts of ourselves. Emotions and energy like you haven’t seen before. There’s nothing fake about our performance. These songs are so personal for us and we become swallowed by them every single show.

 

Q) What songs off your Summer is a Curse EP are you looking forward to performing live?

A) All of them. Then some new ones as well. Every song is so personal. I love being able to express myself through our songs. The different energy and experiences behind each song brings out sides to me most people didn’t know existed.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

A) I want people to leave feeling safe and inspired. My goal is for everyone who joins this community that they feel included and free of judgment. A listener’s happiness is our priority. We want to create a community of music lovers who accept each other regardless of who they are, where they’ve been or what they’ve done. Everyone has a dream and we all deserve to feel like it’s worth pursuing.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) Location has never mattered to me. I’m content being able to play songs that mean something to me, for love people who are willing to listen. Seeing people from all over the world inspired by our music is the most rewarding feeling. Our home town in Perth, Australia is always a significant experience. That’s our foundation. They were first people who believed in us and gave us a chance to express ourselves. Aside from Perth, Germany is amazing. We’ve been welcomed with open arms and the acceptance we’ve felt makes us feel right at home, even though we’re on the other side of the world.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Tough question. There’s countless people I’d love to write with. If I had to choose it’d be a tie with Tyler Joseph from Twenty One Pilots and Paul McCartney from The Beatles.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m loving 21st Century Liability by Yungblud. It’s got this hip hop synth nirvana vibe that I love. It’s refreshing to see someone who’s not only so honest but so raw with the way they present themselves sonically and physically.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Not everyone can come to our shows. Sometimes it’s location or they’re not able to travel or they can’t afford it. Being able to spread the message of The Faim to anyone, anywhere at any time is our goal. We want to give everyone the chance to get to know us as a band/individuals and social media is a great way to do that if you use it correctly.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you. Thank you for accepting us for the people we are and the experiences we share. It wasn’t easy to dig to the deepest parts of ourselves and put it on display, but you inspire us more and more each day to do so. Don’t forget that there’s nothing different between you and I, we love music and we all have a dream. Believe in yourself like you’ve believed in us. I’m beyond excited for this journey we’re about to share together. I hope we can continue to do you proud.

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Vocalist Josh Raven