In 2017, Felicity stopped by the Popdust offices for an interview and impromptu performance. Her debut “Pilot with a Fear of Heights” demonstrated a knack for melody and vocal prowess. She was fierce, ready to take over the world, and unwilling to compromise her musical integrity. Years later, she possesses the same gumption and headstrong attitude.
Since that magical appearance, she left behind the bright lights of New York City and moved to Nashville for a slower beat but still the same opportunities. The change of scenery allowed her to experiment and uncover her sound, her band, and herself. She signed an indie label deal with East Music Row Records and issued her debut EP, You Take Me to Dinner But You’ll Never Feed My Soul. In our conversation, it’s clear Felicity knows exactly what she wants and is unafraid of forging her own path ahead.
Charted Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Felicity to discuss how far she’s come, where she’s headed next, and her feelings of numbness.
The song you performed for Popdust was “Pilot with a Fear of Heights.” How do you reflect on that song and who you were then?
It’s about fear of destiny, so conceptually I think it’s a song I’ll always carry with me, as an artist, I’m scared of failing and succeeding about the same amount.
What things did you realize about the industry since then?
Trust your gut, know how and when to trust people, make shit you like and share it with the world. Chase your happiness and authenticity above all.
How does “Half Sad” capture where you are in your life right now?
I think I’ve always got a minor case of existential dread, and this song is a reflection of that. Looking at myself and feeling like it’s really me under my skin and not an impostor pretending to be some contorted version. I strive not to battle with this, but for now, it’s chronic.
How does it prime the listener for your new project?
It’s very dreamy indie-pop on the production front while still being structured and hard-hitting. We emphasized strings and synths, but still put focus on live instruments, which are elements we’ve threaded through the whole EP. It’s self-deprecating, which I will always be [laughs], and I think a good appetizer before the main course (pun fully intended).
Do you worry that you feel numb a lot?
I do, and it’s something I’m working on. Happiness is so priceless, emotion, deep feeling – it’s what makes life worth living. Writing this record has really brought me to life, though.
Was there something specific that inspired you in the moment to write this?
It was a fun session where the song really wrote itself. We were in the middle of writing the chorus, and I just muttered “I’ll Have What He’s Having” and everything naturally fell into place, which I’ve found tends to happen when a song is meant to be written.
Why do you think so many of us feel numb a lot these days?
Sensory overload. The world is a messy, busy, ever-changing place. Records are broken every day, and that’s not always a good thing. I’m ready for a single day where nothing unprecedented happens, personally. I think it’s a coping mechanism we use to not become engulfed in reality.
Photo Hannah Gray Hall
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