An Interview With The LA-Based Pop Artist, FIONA GREY, On New Music and More!

Fiona Grey is ready to say “fuck love” with her sultry rendition of Blondie’s smash single “Heart of Glass.” Set in a glamorous Hollywood Hills home, the music video pans through Fiona’s melting heartbreak as she sulks and laments with her champagne glass in hand. Fiona’s modern rendition is a perfect homage to Debbie Harry’s groundbreaking single, but shines even brighter with an extra pop of her signature glitzy sass.

“Heart of Glass” is Fiona Grey’s latest offering since her January single “Dirty Dream” – a fiery, disco-tinged pop single. Galore Magazine described it as, “the type of pop genre with the likes of Charli XCX and Lady Gaga – the kind of lady pop that makes you want to leave the house without underwear on and make a mistake with a bad boy next summer.”

The Los Angeles based, Chicago raised artist is more than your typical pop artist. Fiona refers to herself as a “dirty pop” artist, “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, (she laughs) I love that.  I believe that the message in my songs deserve to be heard in a brash and big way.”

Fiona originates from the musical theater world, but she refused to be held down to someone else’s vision and began exploring her own songwriting and musical direction. Combining elements of rock, pop, and theater, her music is full of dramatic flair that easily carries over into her performances. Fiona Grey most recently shared her singles “Money” and “Dirty Dream,” with eyes set on her upcoming 2018 EP “Cult Classic.” Her songwriting on this record exposes a darker vision of Los Angeles, as she explores themes of lust, influence, and luxury. It’s complex yet cohesive, showing off Fiona’s pointed songwriting skills and ear for production that takes listeners through a congruent narrative. Keep an eye out for more from the songstress in early 2018, she will be playing additional shows in Los Angeles this February.

Fiona Grey Links:

Website / Spotify / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Learn more about Fiona Grey in the following All Access interview:

Thanks so much for your time! We know musicians are busy people so we appreciate you taking the time to answer a few questions about yourself!

Of course!

So where does this interview find you today?

Sitting at M Street Coffee on a very hot LA day.

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career? What are you most excited about for this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

2017 was a very transitional year for me, it was about writing this record and figuring out how I want to go about 2018. This new year is all about releasing music, and playing tons of shows.

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? Has music always been a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

Yeah pretty much. I think every one thinks it’s much more glamorous then it is. Music is a huge part of my life but not in the ways people expect. I think of it like a relationship. It’s work and as much as you love it, it drives you crazy sometimes. I’ve been writing and performing since I was a kid. Earliest experience would probably be going on stage to sing with my dad or singing songs I’d write into my tape player.

I always like to ask artists about where they came from and how that city has influenced them as an artist. How do you think your home has affected you and your music?

I consider myself LA and Chicago because I grow up in both places. I think that both cities have  played a huge part in my music. I think that if it wasn’t for Chicago I wouldn’t be able to write about LA the way that I do. It allows me reflect on my lifestyle in LA.

Let’s talk about your newest single “Dirty Dream.” What was the inspiration for this track? How do you think it prepares listeners for your upcoming EP?

This track is all about dancing through the sadness. I think you should prepare for the unexpected with this EP. It’s about our religious experience with pop culture. It’s personal and loud!

 What does it feel like to be compared to artists like Lady Gaga and Charli XCX? What an honor!

Very cool! Lady Gaga is the queen and I went on the Charli tour a couple years ago when I was playing with KITTEN so I can definitely respect her as an artist and a person. Charli is easily one of the best pop songwriters of our time!

Where do you find that you have the most fun- on stage performing, making music videos, recording in the studio or elsewhere?

On stage but I like to have a balance of all of the creative outlets. They all fulfill me in a different way.

How active on are you on your social media platforms? How important do you think it has been to your career so far? Do you find that it’s hard to update all of them all of the time?

I have it a love hate relationship with it. I’m best with Instagram. It’s definitely important and helps fans get to know me and hopefully see my quirky side and not just my posed music pictures. I’m much weirder then my press photos.

Where can people see you perform live next? Do you have any 2018 tour dates yet?

I just played the Echo this weekend! I’m getting ready to sing “Dirty Dream” live with my friend Sabastion (Strange Club) at Dazed by the Disco 2/23 and playing a really cool event 2/24 in DTLA. Information for both of them will be available on my website and facebook.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

Musicians have a strong voice and I hope that all artists continue to speak out in the ways they feel comfortable. In the end of the day it’s about spreading love and the fight for equality. All people are created equal and we need to keep spreading that message.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

There are the classics that I still listen to every day like Bowie and Madonna. I’m recently really into Cruel Youth, Black Honey and Teitur. I’d love to do something with Alex Turner and obviously Lady Gaga.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I just want to tell you a story and hopefully you can relate to it or dance to it.

Thank you All Access for chatting with me!