We had an opportunity to have a conversation with emerging Egyptian singer-songwriter Not.Fay, who has just dropped her new single “Lovergirl”.
Egyptian singer-songwriter Not.Fay has been putting all her attention on music throughout the pandemic with releases such as “Cabaret” gaining coverage from respectable outlets and amassing thousands of views and streams. With personal achievements such as being selected by public vote to open for popular UK festival Strawberries & Cream and opening for rapper Bhad Bhabie in the Middle East, the emerging star who draws inspiration from acts like Jhené Aiko and Halsey, is an artist you should put on your radar. Her new single “Lovergirl” is a stunning late night vibe which features her alluring vocals over a solid R&B production. It was only right to get to know her. Read our conversation below:
Hey, how are you doing?
Hey! I’m doing great, thanks for asking.
We’re living in crazy times, what have you been up to in the past few months?
These times are definitely crazy, and 2020 did not turn out how I expected it at all. I had just moved to the US at the beginning of the year, and then everything happened and I had to leave due to the uncertainty of everything. I went to stay with my mum in Switzerland, and I’ve been here since! I’ve been spending my time releasing so much music, and sipping wine to mountain views. It’s been quite nice, actually. I’ve been lucky. I’ve been doing a lot of growing musically as well, expanding my sound and skills. There’s not much to do where I’m at, and I don’t really know anybody here, so I’ve been working even more than usual! That’s a good thing, though, I love it.
Sipping wine to mountain views— that sounds amazing! Where are you based?
I don’t know! I just move around so much. I’ve been travelling all around for the longest time, and I thought I was finally going to settle in the US this year but look at what’s happened, haha! I don’t know what times ahead will bring, and where I’ll end up, but for now; nowhere, really.
Ah yeah I get you! Which city do you connect with the most?
That’s a really tough question considering I’ve never really had that *one* place I can call home.
I was born in Geneva, and then grew up in Amman, Jordan. But I’m actually Egyptian. I also spent many years in London, where I really started making music actually. I feel like I relate to each city in a different way. I’m a citizen of the world, haha.
Wow that’s so cool. When did you start taking music seriously?
I think the switch from passion to career happened three years ago.
Who are some of your inspirations?
I have way too many to list, but I have to admit the first artist I ever heard on the radio who made me feel like my sound and voice had a place in this sphere was Jhené, if that makes sense. I think when I discovered her I had this moment of enlightenment where my sound suddenly made more sense to me? I was like ‘oh, this is what I’ve been doing’. I do experiment with genres, like on ‘Lovergirl’ for example, but that specific R&B sound is always something I go back to.
Amazing. How would you describe your music to a stranger?
I wouldn’t! I’d play them something. I would probably play them ‘Lovergirl’, then play them something like ‘sadgirlhours?’ or ‘I hope it was worth it x’. I’d probably say it’s a lot of emotions, and truth.
What message are you trying to convey on your new single “Lovergirl”?
‘Lovergirl’ is about rejecting somebody and then regretting it when they move on. They were after you, and you were like ‘nah I’m good’, and now they have somebody new and suddenly you’re like ‘wait a minute.. I can be your girl, come back’.
Talk us through the creative process.
This year, it’s been me in my home studio, a bottle of wine and bottled up feelings. Whatever happens next varies depending on the track, and who I am working with.
As I previously mentioned, we’re living in crazy times right now, on a scale of 1 to 10, how nervous are you about releasing music during a global pandemic?
0! I’ve been releasing so much music, and will continue to do so. Music is the only constant in my life, and that is particularly true in such uncertain times. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, where I’ll end up, but I know I’ll be releasing music.
That’s what we like to hear. What’s next?
So much new music, and hopefully touring as soon as circumstances allow for it. I do have exciting news, but I can’t share them quite yet. Make sure to follow me on socials to keep up with me and what’s coming!
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