Fae’s New EP Explores the Difference Between Reality and Imagination

Dynamic and a force to be reckoned with, rising queer music artist Fae recently released her sophomore EP, False Memories, which follows the final single from the project, “Devil May Care.”

While Fae’s 2019 debut EP Purgatory explored the liminal feeling of being trapped within her own mind, False Memories explores whether what’s inside her head is to be trusted at all. With four previously released tracks garnering over one million streams to date, the full EP includes two unreleased singles that collectively paint a picture that feels both sincere and sinister.

Deeply uncomfortable and captivating, False Memories brings a perspective that is as well intentioned as it is destructive, and Fae took some time to talk more about it with OFM.

Let me begin by asking, how excited are you for the release of your sophomore album, False Memories?

Over the moon! The False Memories EP is a concept I’ve had for years, and I am so, so excited that it’s finally out. It’s rare that a body of work comes out exactly how you pictured, but this was one of those rare times, and I’m ecstatic with how this EP moves my music forward.

Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind it?

I was introduced to the concept of false memories when I was 16. I’ve been obsessed with Salvador Dali my entire life, and when I was in high school, I picked up his autobiography, but there was one chapter that really jumped out to me. He has a chapter called “False Childhood Memories,” where he tells you from the very start that everything he’s about to tell you didn’t actually happen, and then proceeds to describe things in such detail that you completely forget that you were explicitly told they’re not real.

I became obsessed with the idea that the way most of us view events, especially emotional ones, in our lives, are false memories. We hold on so tightly to our feelings and perspective about what happened that what actually happened ultimately becomes irrelevant. Every song on False Memories portrays exactly that to me. Not a portrait of what I actually went through, but a vivid picture of how things happened in my mind.

Is there an overall story False Memories is telling?

I’d say the overall story is just allowing yourself to feel your feelings and live in your own delusions. I love writing music because it lets me process what I’m feeling in such a healthy and tangible way. If I’m writing about me with a gun (“Devil May Care”) or how no one makes it away from me alive (“Good Intentions”), it means that no one is getting hurt in real life, but I get to fully marinate in how I’m feeling. The story is about processing all your emotions before you move forward into processing yourself as an individual separate from your emotions, which may or may not be what the next EP is about. Who’s to say?

When we last spoke, you just released “Devil May Care.” How was it received?

Hands down the best of anything I’ve put out so far! “Devil May Care” got me my first and second Spotify editorial playlists, which, for an independent artist with no label or management, it’s essentially parred to winning the lottery. I still remember opening up the SALT playlist to go listen to it and thinking I was hallucinating when I saw my song on there, since I hadn’t gotten any email about it being placed.

I think I sat there just smiling and crying for 20 minutes, and then proceeded to check the SALT playlist a thousand times more that day to make sure it was still on there because I was convinced it had to be a mistake (laughs).

What do you ultimately hope listeners take away from False Memories?

I want everyone to feel empowered in their emotions. Fuck what’s actually happening and the objective perspective. Let yourself feel your feelings; process them in your own time, and write your own story. I always say that I write for a younger version of myself, so I want to give my listeners the sense of power and control that I have now and wish I had at an earlier age. I want them to listen to my EP instead of burning down someone’s house or slashing their tires. I promise it’s the better option; just trust me on this!

What would you say was the most rewarding and most challenging part of creating this album?

Both the most challenging and most rewarding part of making False Memories was being able to keep a cohesive narrative. Especially since the first single, “Nervous,” came out over two years ago. I was very worried about the EP feeling disjointed, since you grow a lot as an artist within two years, but it doesn’t feel that way at all, and I’m so happy about that. Once all the songs were done, I planned out the track list, fully ready to make any adjustments necessary.

When I listened to it in order for the first time, I just couldn’t stop smiling. It was exactly the story I wanted to tell, in the order I wanted to tell it. For anyone curious, songs are ordered going from delusions in my own head about myself, to slowly finding myself projecting my emotions onto other people.

How have you evolved as a music artist since your debut 2019 album, Purgatory?

Honestly, Purgatory somehow feels like a lifetime ago already (laughs). I wrote and put that out when I truly had no idea what I was doing and when nobody would work with me. Every song on Purgatory was written entirely by myself in my bedroom, whereas now I write almost all my music in sessions with other people. I feel like working with other people has, ironically, given me a better sense of myself as an artist. Having other people there to ask you questions or probe you a little deeper really lets you learn even more about what you’re trying to say.

When I wrote Purgatory, I was writing from an earnest place of authenticity, and while my music now is still very much authentic, I think I’ve learned when I can prioritize the feeling and the message over the reality of a situation.

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

It is literally the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve been writing songs since as early as third grade, potentially earlier, and I remember when I was in fifth grade, me and my friend Brittany convinced our teacher to let us push desks together so we could stand on them and perform. I have no idea why on earth we were allowed to do that, but I love having that as one of my earliest memories of this being the only thing I’ve wanted to do with my life. Thank you, Ms. Whitman!

Is it safe to say you still consider yourself a dark pop artist?

Absolutely! I’ve loved pop music forever and don’t see that changing anytime soon. I think dark pop is slowly blending into the rock landscape a little more, which I love, but dark/alternative pop will always be my home.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

Cover of SALT playlist. Tour with Halsey. Play the Governor’s Ball. Rolling Stone cover. Times Square billboard. Create an army of powerful, unstoppable people. World domination. What can I say; I dream big.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

One, my next song is coming sooner than you think, so keep an eye out. Two, make good choices!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Fae by following her on Instagram and TikTok @acidfairy_, or visit her official website, listentofae.com. False Memories is available on Spotify and all other digital streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of Fae