Fyfe

Interview

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Previously known as David’s Lyre, London-based singer-songwriter Paul Dixon is now operating under the pseudonym Fyfe. We caught up with him to discuss the influences and inspirations behind his full-length debut, Control, and to get to the bottom of his penchant for facepaint...

This is your first album under the name Fyfe. How have you evolved artistically since your days as David’s Lyre?

I think the whole Fyfe project is more direct and simple, and hopefully, therefore, more effective and engaging. I guess I’ve grown up a little, learnt a lot and this hopefully translates into the music I make.

Can we talk about your musical upbringing? What’s your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is being taken to a group violin lesson aged about five; it was called the Suzuki method and I had absolutely no idea what was going on. The main reason my parents took me and my siblings along was that it was free!

How about your biggest musical influences?

I’ve always loved the crossover of interesting production and great songwriting, which is probably why The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is my favourite album. Kanye West, Dr. Dre and Metronomy have all been big influences on my production.

Your production style is pretty minimalist, yet your arrangements are often quite ornate. How would you define your music to people who’s never heard it before?

That’s one of the hardest questions I get asked. I usually say alternative pop, as it is all very much based around songs but the arrangements and production are not necessarily what you would hear on a conventional pop record.

You’re frequently compared to Woodkid, SOHN and Chet Faker: is that flattering or is it getting tiresome?!

I have no problems with people comparing me to other artists, as music is totally subjective and I believe everyone should be free to express their opinion. It’s fortunate that I really like a lot of the artists people connect me with, so in that way it is quite flattering.

Having worked with major labels previously, how was it taking full control on this album?

It was quite liberating. I signed [to Believe Recordings] when [the album] was more or less finished, which was great because everyone was on the same page as to what Fyfe was, and what the album was. This is very different to my previous experience of developing under a major label, which I found quite a difficult process.

If you had to pick one stand-out track from Control, which would it be?

They are all my favourites for different reasons! I’m really pleased as I don’t think it’s an album that has just one or two strong tracks and the rest are filler; I think they have all earned their place. ‘Lies Pt. II’ is the most emotionally raw so that’s currently my favourite, but it changes daily.

What’s the story behind all the colourful bodypaint? Is it just that you find it aesthetically pleasing, or is there a deeper meaning; perhaps a decision to disguise yourself?

Firstly, I just thought it’s something that is aesthetically pleasing and striking. And it has been really great to collaborate with the artist Sophie Derrick. But it’s true that I’ve always struggled with the relationship between celebrity and music: my desire is for my music to stand alone because it is good.

Obviously, I understand the need for promotion, and I’m all for it: I just want to do it in my own way. I guess painting my face is my way of saying that even though it is me making the music, it’s not about me.

You recently supported SOHN on tour, right? How was it?

It was a great tour! I had played one-off festivals around Europe before, but this was the first full on tour on the continent. SOHN let us sleep on his bus on a couple of the longer journeys, which was really kind of him. Plus that resulted in a mega FIFA tournament in the lounge, which was super-fun. And I’ve starting to see people singing along at gigs, which has been a great feeling.

So what are your goals for 2015?

Value each day. Finish writing my second record. Get better at French.

And finally, if you had to work with any artist on your next album, who would you pick?

Kanye West, David Longstreth, Kimbra, Chris Taylor and [producer] Ariel Rechtshaid.

March 2015