Fiona Grey - Cult Classic EP
LA-based pop artist Fiona Grey has released a brilliant new EP titled "Cult Classic". She sings about fame, vice, love and the crazy life it can be being an idol. "What I do is put myself out there in a larger than life way. At my shows fans approach me to tell me that the performance was bigger than the venue, I love that. I believe that the message in my songs deserve to be heard in a brash and big way" says Fiona.
RIYL: Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Kelsy Karter
The first track "Fangirl" charms with a soft organ intro punctuated by bluesy guitar chords leading to a melodic, orchestrated chorus where she really lets loose with her passionate and soulful voice. She doesn't hold back lyrically either, singing: "If I had a God / it would be you honey / lay me on your bed / throw me on your money / if I had a clue / I'm a fangirl for you."
Her second track and leading single "Money" makes use of dramatic, chaotic violins and guitars emphasizing her frustration with our society's infatuation with pop culture, the hierarchy of the "influencer era" universe we live in and the meaninglessness of chasing money despite its cost. The breakdown mid-way through gives her voice a captivating echo as she cries "can it make me happy?" The song builds up again like a swirling storm until it fades out as if it had all been a bad dream.
Like the calm in the eye of the storm, "Girls Like Me" is a beautiful ballad. Fiona's voice feels like she's singing directly to you as she weaves her melody over warm keys.
"Dirty Dream" brings back the tempo with a bopping disco track about someone you know you shouldn't be with, but you're young, and where's the fun in not making a few mistakes? The song boogies the night away and ends with a sax solo. "It's a dance through the breakup type song," Fiona says.
"Saviour" opens with a synth choir that builds into a power-pop anthem. The song is a duet with Emma Cole about a partner that's not making time for you.
"Media Queen" has attitude, with overdriven vocals and tight staccato synths in the verses. Fiona sings about the pressure of being in the spotlight, constantly having to deal with everyone judging, loving and hating you at the same time. "I am sick and tired of this tabloid fame / all your soap opera stories play my life every day". The track closes out the EP on her pop-culture-wary theme, drawing inspiration from the world of Hollywood with its unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism. Fiona hopes that her music will help listeners aim to be the most pure and honest versions of themselves. "There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as 'normal behavior'. I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness".
With such talented and passionate vocals, and fantastic "dirty pop" style as she describes it, Fiona Grey is one to watch and we look forward to hearing more from her!
Cult Classic is out now on Spotify and all major platforms.