Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Midnight Tea with Lily Fawn

Lily and her bunny, Benjamin (Photographs by Robyn Swank http://vonswank.com/MUSIC/music.html)

By Jesse Horn

She has been described as being both charming and eerie, and yet her dark and dreamy fables are laced with comic book humor. Although it is difficult to adequately pin down her music, one thing is for certain about Lily Fawn and her style, it is playfully ghostly and undeniably unique.

Originally from Victoria, British Columbia and never having had a musical lesson, the antler wearing songstress incorporates an eclectic sound and style to each of her musical creations. For example, on her album Brightest Darkest Lily herself plays a wide assortment of instruments including the ukulele, drums, flute, trumpet, theremin, singing bowls, and even the musical saw.

“All the songs on my solo album are written to go along with a hard cover illustrated story book,” explained Lily.  “The characters in the book are based off a comic book series called The Road to New Orleans, that I do with my other band, Hank Pine and Lily Fawn (www.hankandlily.com).  My album Lily Fawn’s Brightest Darkest Lullabies, tells the story of Lily’s character before she meets Hank. How she came to have antlers and why she grew up in the forest with a penchant for stealing babies.”

Lily indicates that her biggest influences artistically are Clara Rockmore, Billy Holiday, and Bjork.

“I am so inspired by music that is so expressive.”

Lily went on to say that the sounds on this album were greatly inspired by sitting quietly deep in the forest.

“A little place called Sointula…. sometimes I just sit in the woods and listen… then I think, gee it is almost too quiet and eerie. My mind starts to imagine all sorts of noises, wood cracking and wind blowing…. then that seems even scarier so I imagine what it would be like if all the animals were to have a midnight tea party, wearing funny hats and making melodic droning noises combined with the clank of their tea cups and cookie munching.”

Oddities asked Lily about where her “fawn” persona comes from, and she explained that it is based upon her own comic book character.

“Born from a love that knows no bounds and was then shunned by the townspeople for being different.  Part deer – part girl.  I also have a love of the wild little fawn, there are many of them here on the island and when I am patient I can feed them carrots and apples out of my hand!  They are timid and lovely and strong.”

Lily also admitted that in addition to music she enjoys writing and dance.

“…Oh, and of course performing my theatrical story telling songs on stage for you!!!”

Together with her goggle wearing companion Hank Pine, the duo is  currently working on their new album and comic book #4, Crank City – Robot Attack!

“I just finished playing PoP Montréal opening for Swans on Friday night,” she continued, “and then Fred Penner (famous children’s performer) on Saturday.   I intend to book tours to America, Japan and Europe for 2011.”

Lily Fawn can be found online at www.lilyfawnmusic.com.

“I also have a Facebook page called lily fawn music.  Please come find me and share your thoughts.”

Something fans may not know:

My first passion is a love of herbs and medicine and I own my own herb company.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthsHerbal

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

Oddities:Whom have you collaborated with, and who would you like to but have not yet?

Lily: Other than the above mentioned goggle wearing assassin, Hank Pine, I have collaborated with Dante Decaro (of Hot Hot Heat and Wolf Parade), Carolyn Mark, Dave Bryant (Godspeed You Black Emperor) and many other amazing Canadian artists.

I would love to collaborate with David Lynch one day …. or Will Oldham.  Yup, that would be amazing !

Oddities:A few of your videos have themes centering on a conflict with UFOs, can you explain this?

Lily: The UFO encounter was the director, Brian Clement (frontline films) idea, and thus the music video he did for me is a collaboration of both my comic book fables and his own interpretation.  I have never been to outer-space…. though, I am curious.

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