Faye Meana

London-based singer-songwriter and producer Faye Meana has shared her new single ‘No Need To Be Shy’, presenting a mesmerising display of 80’s inspired R&B with pop influences.We at Neo Music got to sit down with the sensational singer to discuss all things Faye Meana.

Hi Faye Meana. Thanks for featuring on Neo! Congratulations on the release of your newest single 'No Need To Be Shy'. It’s such a good song. Could you tell us what inspired you to write it?

I've been told in my life so many times that I can be very honest with people, lots of people appreciate the honesty but some people do not. I just think I would rather be upfront about something than beat around the bush and something bigger comes up later so the song is just about my feelings towards that.

How would you describe your music journey so far?

I'd say always growing and changing. I think my production can change so often, especially in relation to what music I'm listening to the most at the time so inevitably my whole sound switches a bit every time I put a new project out.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

This really is a tough one, Dusty Springfield has always been a huge inspiration to me along with Aretha Franklin. Of course I always find inspiration in other female producers; Orion Sun, FKA Twigs, Grimes, Alicia Keys, Kadhja Bonet, the list could go on and on.

What's your creative process and what gets you into a musical zone?

I like to produce in the dark, I'm not sure why but I have always been like that, so really all it takes is switching the lights off. But if I'm feeling a bit lacklustre in the creative department then travelling and seeing new things is always a great antidote for this.

What are your passions outside of music ?

I love learning languages, it feels like it opens up a whole new world for myself. I also love reading and learning about new random things, makes me feel like I'm constantly evolving into something a new person with more knowledge.

What would you like to achieve before your next birthday?

I would love to get some good festival slots in for the summer and release a visual project sometime in Autumn.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I come from a mixed household but my parents taste in music weren't too different. I was raised on Motown, soul and 70s rock from my Dad and disco and R&B from my Mum. I think everything I listened to as a kid influenced how I write now in my adult years.

Which emotion do you experience the most?

This is a good question actually. I'd say I'm an optimistic person but I can definitely be pessimistic about certain things. On the whole I'm usually happy and always laughing but of course the lows can hit pretty hard sometimes.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Sault, that's the easiest question to answer.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Not exactly music related but my Dad has always told me that nothing is ever free, that's something that is always at the back of my head.

Finally, let us know where to find you on social media! 

@fayemeana everywhere