Aubriana Fumagali, better-known to lovers of independent, heartfelt music as Fauna Halø, has had a busy life since leaving her native Boca Raton and relocating to Nashville to pursue her musical dreams. Slowly but surely, she built a fan base in both Florida and Tennessee. The momentum she's created has her at the crossroads of putting a recording together while keeping a viable performing schedule -- a balance working musicians need to field wisely.
Fauna Halø's had a couple of returns to South Florida since her departure, and she'll be in the lineup for the upcoming inaugural For the Love Fest hosted by Exposed PR and C&I Studios. We had a chance to catch up with the singer and discuss life in Nashville, touring, music, and her new Kickstarter campaign aimed at releasing an EP a reality.
See also: Fauna Halo Makes Rare Hometown Appearance at C&I Studios
New Times: Let's start with the obvious: What are the significant differences and/or similarities between Boca Raton and Nashville?
Fauna Halø: Hmmm, differences between Nashville and Boca Raton are endless. If anything, I'd say there are only differences and no similarities. Nashville is very diverse, mostly younger people. Whereas, we all know, Boca is more of a retired community.
Significantly, Nashville is music-based, which is very important for my lifestyle. Constantly a local or national act is playing every night. That is what I love; there is always an opportunity in Nashville to be surrounded by live music.
What was the biggest post-move impact, and what were your immediate goals upon arriving in Nashville?
My immediate goals upon arriving were to release a full-length. However, I was in the studio recording a record for almost two years playing and writing on guitar. Which was insane; I have no idea why I ever did that. I played piano for 15 years already, and I loved it. So I threw that post-move goal away and started again, only playing piano onstage and perhaps guitar every now and then.
Most importantly, my immediate goals were to get out of Florida, explore musical realities, and make that my life.
See also: For the Love Festival Announces Inaugural Lineup
You've been there a while now; what are your long-term musical goals now?
I have been here a while and don't regret it for a single second. My long-term goals would be to release a full-length with close musician pals of whom I feel comfortable going out of the boundaries with.
Talk to us about the Kickstarter for the EP and your fears of cannibals and sharks.
Kickstarter! One of my favorite singer/songwriter/performance artists, Amanda Palmer, started one for a full-length, and she had received way more money than she had ever dreamed of. (Not alluding that that would happen to me, but have some hope.) In her book The Art of Asking, she explains how people, mostly artists, are "afraid" to ask for help. So that was a sort of nudge into saying, "Why not? Let's see what happens."
Cannibals and sharks are terrifying, but that's the only thing that would stop me from completing this EP, hopefully funded by friends and new friends to be made.
Are you planning on approaching your tracks differently with additional musicians for the EP?
Yes! This EP will be crazy cool! I have many friends who play instruments that are not your usual protocol of instrument! I plan to have many different musicians on this EP. It will be very full of dynamics and heart-pulling sounds.
Your music has a "handmade/artisanal" quality; where does that craftiness come from, and how personal are your compositions?
Well, it is all handmade. My compositions are 100 percent personal, which is difficult sometimes! Getting up onstage and just spilling everything you have can be exhausting. Artisanal, that's an interesting take -- I dig it!
I like people to be able to clarify that I am true to my words I put in songs and the heart I involve it with. I may even cry onstage; I have many times before. If music is not artisanal and handmade, I want nothing to do with it.
What can folks expect at For the Love?
Folks can expect a lot at For the Love Fest, but what I'll promise is an extensive set of mostly new songs and energy that's been building up for this special occasion in my home state with friends who are also on the bill.
If all goes well with the EP, how soon before a full-length comes about?
Hmmm, that's a good question. The determination of releasing a full-length will follow as soon as I finish this EP, which hopefully happens. The timing is the most undeterminable factor here. I'll be sure to keep you posted.
What kind of touring are you looking at for 2015?
Touring! My favorite thing in the world! I can't say that much, due to it not being 100 percent solid, set in stone yet; however, I am talking to a few different suitors for a summer tour again hopefully hitting the West Coast. But I am always ready to drop and go, anything that will help everyone listen to what I have to say. Give or take.
For the Love, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, February 7, at C&I Studios, Next Door, and the Garden, 541 NW First Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $35 for general admission and $200 for VIP, which includes open bar, preferred seating, and parking. The festival is all ages. Visit c-istudios.com and exposedprandevents.com.
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