Interview with F.Y.D.I

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I have always loved music, as a child I was very restless, and I loved moving, so I found a way to release that creative energy through dance. As I grew up that creativity seemed to come out in different ways like Musical theatre, Art, and music. I enjoyed listening to music, singing, and writing music. So, it just made sense to explore music as a career. I believe if I wasn’t into music I would probably be working in politics or in a non-profit because I want to be of aid to someone no matter how small.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I enjoy art, I love to draw! Being creative in this way has always been a comfort for me. I like to draw with my siblings it is creative, fun and a great way to bond with them.

How long has your band been around?

Jules and I came together as a collaboration this year and I am so grateful for her friendship and creative mind. She is truly an amazing that I am very happy to have collaborated with and I hope to do more work with her in the future.

I have personally been releasing music for about 3 years now! I am very excited to see where my music goes from here. My music is uniquely me and I hope anyone who listens to my music finds a unique piece of joy from it like I did creating it!

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I am from a small city called Adelaide. The city is not huge, but it is a hub for so many amazing creative minds. In fact, Sia was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, and I graduated from the same university as she did. The city thrums with a love for the Arts and I take a lot of my inspiration from my hometown. Now based in Toronto, there are so many new people, places, and experiences that I can now take influence from. I am excited to see where that takes me.   

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

F.Y.D.I is an acronym for Follow Your Dreams Indefinitely. I created the name at a young age to remind myself to continue following and doing the things I love and care for. It has stuck over the years, but I still very much believe in F.Y.D.I And I hope you do too!

Tell me about your most memorable shows?

Debuting I’mPerfect at Massey Hall was an amazing experience that I got to experience with Jules. It was truly one of the best nights I have had since coming to Toronto. The crowd was amazing the other performers on the night were on fire and there was just so much talent on one stage it was truly an amazing experience.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I am new to Toronto, and I am still exploring the music scene here. Massey Hall is my favorite so far, but I know there will be many more venues and I can’t wait to experience them all!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Most definitely, Brandy, she is a true inspiration, and she is just an amazing singer! Leon Thomas III I really enjoy Leon’s creative mind as a producer. Missy Elliot, I have always loved Missy and her out-of-this-world musicality. Taemin and Stromae I am convinced they are musical geniuses.  

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Feed off each other’s creativity, that is how you create music that means something! Don’t be afraid to explore an outlandish idea! The best music comes from exploring the crazy ideas we don’t let take flight.  

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Learn yourself while you learn about the world around you! Do not be afraid to try new things because new experiences feed your creativity.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I’mPerfect means a lot to me because as a woman it’s so hard to truly know yourself because the world is constantly telling you who you are and who you should be. Being able to tell girls and women that it’s okay to be raw and unapologetically who they are is empowering and I am proud of that!

Which songs are your favorite to play, and which get requested the most?

Coming Down is a lesser-known song of mine but it holds a lot of memories and value to me and it's one of my favorite songs to play.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I don’t really have a specific creative process when it comes to writing. Sometimes I write when I'm feeling a strong emotion or when I hear a phrase that intrigues me. When I write I like to start with the music as the foundation and then build the lyrics from the emotions I feel through listening to that sound or progression.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

The biggest message I like to get across in my music is to do what makes you feel the most joy. Life is hard but it’s worth living.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Honestly working with Jules has been an absolute pleasure! I have no complaints she is amazing to work with. If there ever is a disagreement, it’s usually over what to order for dinner at 1 a.m. with our manager.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I will be releasing a single in December. I am very proud of this new project, and I can’t wait for it to be out! This new single is dear to me, and I hope it resonates with someone out there as much as it resonates with me.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

I’m very easy to find fydi_official is me on all platforms! It was a pleasure doing this Q and A with Volatile!