Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Fiona Grey

Los Angeles vocal sensation Fiona Grey has taken the industry by storm. The powerhouse songstress with her raw and sultry vocals has captivated audiences with her signature brand of dirty pop. Her new single, “Girls Like Me”, has become an instant cult classic with its powerful message about loving and accepting yourself completely. Pop Culturalist spoke with Fiona about “Girls Like Me”.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Girls Like Me”. What inspired the track?
Fiona: The song was written during two stages of my life. I initially wrote it when I was in Chicago over four years ago. I was in a confused and sad period where I felt like I constantly had to make sense of myself to people. I revisited the song when I was in the studio for my album, Cult Classic, and felt so much more comfortable finishing it. I couldn’t finish the song when I was sad and depressed because the song isn’t about feeling down; it’s about loving and accepting all the forms of yourself. It took me understanding that to finish the song.

PC: How did you come up with the concept for the music video?
Fiona: I wanted the video to be something different and more vulnerable than my other videos. As an artist that is usually fully dolled up, I feel it’s important to show that the version I portray on stage is just one side of my personality. There are a lot of different elements of our personalities and persons that are usually unseen to the public. Conceptually, I wanted to create something that felt more.

PC: If you had to pick one song off Cult Classic that best encompasses the EP, what would it be and why?
Fiona: Probably my song, “Fangirl”—it’s vulnerable and human but also encompasses the inner dialogue of obsessive tendencies and the constant need for perfection in pop culture which are all the core concepts of the EP.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Fiona: I feel like everything I say is a cliché. I mean Bowie, Madonna, my dad, Gaga—there’s a strong base of inspiration and influence. Truthfully, I’m just inspired by any artists who are undeniably themselves. I love artists who are flawed, human, and constantly reinvent themselves. Mostly, I’m inspired and influenced by anyone who stays in the game, and rides all the waves that come with choosing this career.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Fiona: It sucks. Keep making art.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Fiona: A very cool show April 17th at The Moroccan Lounge. The concept of the show is that there’s no support for headliners—it’s one show, five headliners. It’s so hard to grow fans when people only come to see their friends’ band. I created this structure of a show to allow audiences to discover new music, musicians to reach new fans, and to have a fresh live music experience.

Additionally, I have a mini music festival called Valley Doll. We’re getting ready for another summer of monthly shows. First one is in May!

Lastly, I’ll be dropping a music video for my song “Saviour” and an exciting new song in June!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Fiona: Grey’s Anatomy

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Fiona: All the Ocean’s movies (Ocean’s Eleven is the best though)

PC: Favorite book?
Fiona: Right now, it’s Just Kids (cliché I know)

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Fiona: Anything Goes

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Fiona: Sheryl Crow, I swear by Sheryl Crow.

PC: First album you bought?
Fiona: Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time

PC: First concert you attended?
Fiona: My dad’s band—The Bad Examples

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Fiona: Staples Center

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Fiona: Band on the Run, because it’s accessible and smart at the same time. It’s melodic, while still being avant-garde and it makes me happy every time I put it on.

To keep up with Fiona, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up your copy of Cult Classic on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.