Musician, photographer, sometimes model, and yoyo enthusiast Faye Webster said she usually tries to write albums in a song-by-song approach, yet for the 23-year-old artist’s new album I Know I’m Funny haha, a more intensive process was needed due to the difficulties of 2020.
After assembling a band including Harold Brown on drums, Bryan Howard on bass, Nic Rosen on keys, and Matt “Pistol” Stoessel on pedal steel, Webster attempted recording with her band for a COVID-safe two-week studio stretch but ultimately left, “I did the rest of the vocals in my bedroom, which is what I’ve done and what I’m used to, and what I prefer,” Webster said.
Following her 2019 debut Atlanta Millionaires Club, the latest manifestation includes ballads, such as the opening song In a Good Way showing the growth and emotion Webster hopes comes across in this latest album. “When I wrote that song, I was like Damn, I didn’t know I could write these kinds of songs! I feel like it set the mood for the rest of the album.”
Having been invested in music from a young age, teaching herself guitar in elementary school, and coming from a long line of bluegrass and country players, Webster’s rose into the music industry with a passion for songwriting, releasing her debut album, Run & Tell at 16.
“One of my favorite things about songwriting is taking thoughts that people don’t really think are worthy, or might overlook, and highlighting them,” Webster said. “I like saying things that everybody thinks, but nobody’s saying. Sometimes you can’t really sing them or make them pretty. So I’ll just say it, just talk. I’ve become more purposeful with it.”
Webster said she is in a growth mindset when it comes to what she writes and chooses to share. Becoming more vulnerable and honest with her music is something she said she hopes to have shared in her new album. Webster said growth is important to her, and making people feel something and think when listening to her music is what she is aiming for.
Photo Courtesy of Meghan Helsel
“I hope people will relate to my songs, and not just be like ‘this is a good record’” Webster said. “I told myself a few years ago that I was going to be more honest in my songwriting, that honesty is the best route to take with music. If I have a voice and people are listening to me, I’m not going to waste it.”
Faye Webster's new album I Know I'm Funny Haha will be out now via Secretly Canadian.