Written By: Amanda Policastro
Fay Gauthier has a wide range of musical influences. Her new album, “Firehead” is inspired by different phases of her life. Her upcoming single is titled, “Be What You Are.” Get to know the singer/songwriter.
Photo Credit: Mikel Healey
upfrontNY: I like the message behind your latest single, “Be What You Are.” Can you tell our readers the background of how that song came to be?
Fay Gauthier: Thank you! Sure thing. I was in an acting class where the Casting Director told us, “Be what you are, people. Be what you are.” The words stuck with me, and I wrote the song around that theme—being authentic and embracing who you are.
upfrontNY: Your next single “Living in a Daydream” will be released soon. What can you tell us about that new song?
Fay Gauthier: It’s an ode to my childhood, pure and simple. From the banana curls my friend Donna used to have, to the Big Wheels we raced up and down the driveway, to not locking the door– all the images captured in the lyrics are taken straight from the memories of my youth and simpler times.
upfrontNY: You describe your sound as “pop with flavors of Jazz, Blues and spoken word.” How did that combination of different genres of music come about?
Fay Gauthier: I’ve never been able to limit myself to one genre. It’s not a specific choice so much as just rolling with the feel of the song as it comes to me.
upfrontNY: Aside from music, what are your favorite hobbies?
Fay Gauthier: Poker. Hiking. Hanging with my four-legged kids. Harassing my husband. And travelling, when I get the chance.
upfrontNY: What has been your greatest challenge while pursuing a career in music?
Fay Gauthier: Giving up the security of a corporate job to pursue my passions was probably the biggest challenge, because it meant convincing myself that I was capable of making that change at a time in my life when I was making a pretty comfortable living.
upfrontNY: What has been your greatest reward so far in your career?
Fay Gauthier: The ability to use my imagination to create something that resonates with others. Whether it’s songwriting, acting or writing, I love having that connection.
upfrontNY: Your new album, “Firehead” is being released soon, what was your favorite part about creating this album?
Fay Gauthier: The collaboration was my favorite part. Writing is a solitary task, and it has its own appeal. But experiencing the evolution of a song from what I’ve written to what the listener will eventually hear on the record, because of the talent and vision of the musicians and producers, is magical.
upfrontNY: What producers or songwriters would you like to work with in the future?
Fay Gauthier: I’d like to give a shout out first to the spectacular producers whose sweat and talent went into making Firehead –Grant Nicholas, Rick Ward and Teddy Jacobs—love, love love. I haven’t thought about future collaborations, but I am in awe of John Brion. It would be amazing to work with him.
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