Promising Singer-Songwriter, KELLY ANN FAUTH, Opens Up About Opening For Hanson, Singing Back Up For Coheed And Cambria And Much More!

Kelly Ann Fauth is an up and coming songstress. After high school she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion by studying at the L.A. Music Academy. Immediately after graduating she was hired as a background vocalist for Columbia Records artist, Coheed And Cambria. After touring the world and playing some of the worlds most prominent venues and festivals (Madison Square Garden, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Bamboozle Festival), she moved to Hollywood to record her own material.

One of her most exciting shows was opening for her long-time idols, Hanson at the Anaheim House of Blues.

Just two nights ago, Kelly performed at the intimate Hollywood venue, Hotel Cafe. The show was to celebrate the release of her EP, Weapon Of Choice. Kelly and her band played songs off this collection and even a fantastic cover of “Medicine” by Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. One highlight of the evening for me was her final song, “Wedding March”. It’s a tough-country anthem for women out there whose friends talk about getting married incessantly.

Early in the set, Kelly proved what a strong and powerful voice she has and her presence on stage certainly cannot be ignored. She commands attention and truly looks to be having a blast in front of the crowd.

Kelly will be leaving Los Angeles soon to see what life in Nashville has to offer her and her music career. Learn even more about Kelly in the following interview:

I have read that you performed at your parents wedding with the band! Tell me about that!

Oh! I actually sang WITH my parent’s wedding band…sort of. They had a band when I was little and played a lot of parties and weddings, so I would go up there with my mom and a turned off microphone and pretend to sing with her.

How do you think your upbringing help foster your music?

Definitely! There was always music around our house growing up. My parents are probably the only parents in the world that are fully supportive of their daughter being a starving musician. My dad plays saxophone and my mom sings. They joined a band together in the 70’s which is how they met, so they passed on the musical gene to my brother and I.

How do you think your music has evolved over the years?

It’s definitely matured as I’ve grown up and figured out who the hell I am. I’ve always been a huge fanatic of No Doubt and Gwen Stefani, and for a long time I was just kind of trying to BE Gwen. But the thing about Gwen is she is all about being yourself, so I needed to let go of trying to be her and writing No Doubt-esque songs, and write songs that fit me better.

Describe what it was like touring as a backup singer for Coheed And Cambria?

It was an amazing experience. We (my good friend Halina, the other backup singer, and I) got to see all the ups and downs of touring. We played all over the world in a matter of months, and I had never been anywhere but the U.S! So it was an incredible opportunity for me not only to do what I love, but also to see the world. We played everywhere from Madison Square Garden to Japan. It was incredible.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

I would say opening for Hanson. Say what you will about Hanson (everyone seems to hate on them!), but they are a big reason why I do music. I remember listening to their first album on my Disc Man when I was 12, and realizing I wanted to do music. I even wrote in my diary that I wanted to open for them and hang out with them, and I got to do both! I have followed their career over the years and still go to their shows. It was such an honor and a dream to open for them.

You opened for Hanson at that House of Blues in Anaheim. What was that like? Did you get to talk to the brothers?

Like I mentioned before…it was just so surreal and amazing. We got to do an interview/hangout session with them in their dressing room. They played a song for us, we played a song for them. It was really a super-fan’s dream come true.

What are some of your favorite songs to perform? Any covers?

I’m really excited to perform my new song, “The Wedding March.” It’s kind of my ode to all the single girls who have to grin-and-bear-it when their friends turn into obnoxious bridezillas. I also really love to do “Oh Darlin” by The Beatles, and “Paris” by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

This fall you released your second EP, Weapon Of Choice. How did that feel?

Amazing! I had all these lyrics and melodies and brought them into producer, John Spiker and he really helped me bring them to life. He is an incredible songwriter/producer and I’m so lucky to have worked with him.

How different/similar is Weapon Of Choice to your first EP?

It’s a totally different sound. I’ve stepped away from the pop/punk influences and gone to a sound that I feel is more authentic to me and showcases my voice better. I wanted to be Gwen, I wanted to be Hayley Williams…but it just didn’t quite fit. This EP has more of a country vibe, but still has a pop/rock feel to it.

I have read that you’ve said that your music is a combination of your collective musical sensibilities. What does that mean exactly and what kinds of music make up that combination?

I mean obviously every musician is influenced by the music they listen to over the years. I don’t think it’s something that happens consciously, it’s just natural. Everything from Earth Wind & Fire, to Dixie Chicks, to No Doubt has influenced me and my songwriting.

Living or dead, who would you love to work with and why?

I would love to work with Dave Grohl. I would explain why, but I think everyone knows that he is just the shit and seems like he would be very fun and inspiring to work with.

Who would be on your dream tour line up?

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Hanson, No Doubt, and Justin Timberlake. I don’t know in what universe that would ever happen, but I would have a great time! Haha

What’s on your iPod right now? What song can’t you get out of your head?

I’m obsessed with “Love Never Felt So Good,” by Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake…and obviously “Shake It Off,” by Taylor Swift…because I’m a girl. And you can’t not like that song if you’re a girl. Or a guy for that matter. If you’re a person, you’re pretty much obsessed with that song.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with you (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

Once a few years ago I sat in with this amazing band that plays in Hollywood on Monday nights (If you’re in LA, GO CHECK THEM OUT: @SuperSoulMonday). I sang “Tell Me Somethin’ Good” by Chaka Khan (unbeknownst to me, Chaka Khan’s backup singers were sitting in the crowd). About halfway through the song, everyone starts LAUGHING. Now, these are some of the best musicians in the business I’m singing with, so I’m freaking out worried they’re laughing at ME! I get done with the song and my friend tells me that Hollywood Jesus (This local celebrity that walks around town dressed as Jesus) was in the window behind the band dancing! It was pretty hilarious.

What’s the best thing about being an independent artist these days?

Just being able to do whatever you want! No one’s telling me what to do or how to do it. It would be nice to like…have more money to do what I want with my music though…which is where it’s nice to have a record company haha.

What message do you hope to spread to people that listen to your music?

Just that they’re not alone. I know the main thing that pulls me through a hard time is hearing a song by someone I respect that has been through a similar experience. A lot of my songs are geared toward girl’s issues. Its fucking hard to be a girl. Just growing up trying to feel normal in your own skin can be the most difficult thing. I hope that one of my songs can pull someone through a hard time, the way other songs have pulled me through.

For more info on Kelly, check out her site:  www.KellyFauth.com