An Interview With The Promising Singer-Songwriter, FIONA HEWES

On her upcoming five-song EP ‘8:10’, singer- songwriter Fiona Hewes makes a stirring debut, tapping into richly detailed lyrics and an often dark songwriter’s voice that belies her 17 years. Hewes has been inspired by an eclectic range of artists, including Cage the Elephant, Billie Eilish, Portugal. The Man, King Princess and Sabrina Carpenter. Of her first single, ‘Wrong Connection’, she comments, “bad decisions
give me an adrenaline rush. Bad people are no exception.”

Hewes describes her sound: “When people ask me what genre my music is, I usually say indie-pop alternative, but it’s been difficult for me to think about them in any way other than just “songs I wrote in my bedroom.” It feels a lot more simple than a genre because its something I created from a feeling. I want to capture what I see and share it so others can feel it too and think about it from their own perspective. I have so many ideas and I’m really ready to release more.”

Connect With Fiona Hewes Online Here-
www.fionahewes.com
https://www.instagram.com/fiona.gh/
https://www.instagram.com/fionahewes/

Learn more about Fiona Hewes in the following All Access interview-

What does a typical day look like for you?

I still go to high school, so I’m usually just studying, playing music, or golfing. I like to visit the city as much as possible. 

Now that the year is about over, how has 2019 treated you?

2019 truly has been the best year of my life in regards to the opportunities I’ve been offered, my achievements, and my personal growth. 

What are some goals that you have had for yourself this year?

I really just wanted to keep my priorities straight so I could successfully apply to college and get my music out. I also wanted to work on making the right decisions in terms of taking beneficial steps that maintain my happiness.

How close are you to reaching them or did you already?

My music was released and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. That being said, I know I can do bigger and better things in the future. I want to have complete creative control over my next set of tracks. I applied to my top colleges and I’m waiting to hear back. Over this past year, I’ve grown to become a more grateful and mature human being. I’m proud of who I’ve become.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be in this industry?

At the end of 8th grade, I began writing music because I was obsessed with America’s Got Talent. My ultimate goal at the time was to be on the show. That then inspired me to begin sharing my music online and I decided I wanted to record and perform. 

Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

It seemed natural to me. I was just doing something I loved to do.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else?

For the past few years, I’ve been teaching myself how to read microexpressions. I’m going to college for law, politics, and psychology. If what I’m doing with music doesn’t seem to take off, I’m going to pursue a career in said subject matter, but I’d love to be a full-time musician. 

Would you be as fulfilled in life?

I think so. One of my utmost goals is to be successful in my occupation and I can see myself being a successful lawyer.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career?

I never thought I was going to have the opportunity to record music. The fact that “Wrong Connection” has hit over 40,000 streams in under three months is insane.

What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

I didn’t really expect to be censored and I hope to not be in the future. It was also challenging to finish the songs. I originally hated the way the recordings turned out and it took months for me to perfect them with my producer, Shannon.

What has been the best part about it all?

I love seeing so many people genuinely enjoy my music. All I’ve ever wanted to do was share my pieces. Performing also gives me a rush of adrenaline after I get over my nerves.

Let’s talk about your upcoming five-song EP, “8:10.” What was it like putting this collection together?

I wrote most of the songs months before recording, but I wrote “Wrong Connection” a week before leaving for Nashville because I decided that I hated one of the songs I previously chose to record. The day before the flight down to Nashville, I remember being too anxious to pay attention to anything but my music. Recording the songs was a quick but efficient process; we only had a weekend to complete the EP.

Were there any unexpected surprises or challenges?

I didn’t expect to be so nervous before recording. I’m not really sure why I was.

What was the inspiration for your first single, “Wrong Connection”?

There was this guy that consistently led me on over and over again and I decided to stop chasing him and instead write a song about how dumb he was. There was also another guy who asked me to date him after he broke up with his girlfriend within the following months. So I wrote a song about them.

What are some other songs on the EP that you are excited to share with the world?

I’ve released “Deduction”, “Cool”, “My Luck Isn’t the Greatest”, and “Bad Ideas.”

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?

My songwriting has definitely improved immensely and I better understand what I want to create and how I want to do it.

How do you feel about social media?

It’s a great platform for people to get their careers started, but people take it too seriously. I don’t understand people who facetune their pictures and receive compliments towards lies.

What do you think social media has done for your career so far?

It’s definitely helped me share my pieces, start my career, and promote my music.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

Some of my biggest inspirations are Cage the Elephant, Billie Eilish, Portugal. The Man, Sabrina Carpenter, and King Princess.

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

The radio.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

Creativity is more important than conformity.