Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiddlin’ Faye Petree.
Fiddlin’ Faye, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Full-time fiddler, farmer, performer, musician, model, songstress, mischief maker and gypsy of my generation. I was home-grown on a little farm in North Carolina. I started playing bluegrass and a little classical (Suzuki) when I was about 12. I played a couple-three years and set it down to live another life. I was really lucky and got myself in and out of some pretty sketchy scenarios by the time I turned twenty-one. In retrospect, when music was missing, so was the quality of life. I’ve played music all over the world now, including Japan, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Mexico and international waters galore! It’s crazy how far this little fiddle continues to take me. Music truly changed my life, and it continues to do that for me and others daily.
I’ve been in ATL full-time for going on three years. I ran the gypsy roads for quite sometime, building up the tribe and musical back-pocket magic and I actually have a permanent address here now; a Georgia drivers license and everything. The community is super strong. I still burn the roads up, but it’s a little different.
I’ve rocked my string thing with a plethora of seriously gracious and talented folks my whole life — I wonder how sometimes. It’s surreal, cause they are some really inspiring singer-songwriters on stages, in recording studios and LIFE in general. You’ve probably heard of a few, and if you haven’t, you could find some good listening on this list. I’m not gonna be shy about name dropping ‘cause these folks truly do inspire the masses. You’ve got the Father of Bluegrass, Del McCoury, Laurelyn Dossett, Riley Baugess (Alison Krauss//Robert Plant), Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Smokey’s Farmland Band, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), Jim Lauderdale, Donna Hopkins, Edwin McCain, Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) Ralph Roddenbery, Chuck Cannon, Emerson Hart (Tonic), Shawn Mullins, Kevn Kinney (Drivin’ N Cryin’), Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls) & Mark Bryan (Hootie & The Blowfish) … we break bread, sing songs, make some memories and sometimes partake in ridiculous antics.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I (we) create and hold space for connection. Thats what I like to think we make with our music. The soundscape, the word-smithing and the genuine intention channeling in the muse. Holding space for that that musical moment to unfold and flow. Somehow, it intertwines all the people, the energy and life. And the FOOD. (I eat really well contrary to popular musicians myth) That is what connects us all. At least everyone in my life has connected this way. And we continue to do this throughout our lives. Personally and professionally. I make a point to do it as often as possible. It’s definitely a lifestyle to me, which is way more than a career. I make a living doing what I love. We should all strive to do what we love with who we love as often as possible.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Cash is cool. Barter is king. And you gotta stay hungry. I feel like I’ve touched on a lot of financial aspects of what it takes to live this lifestyle. It’s not for the faint at heart. For me personally, a big part of it was foregoing a “real” J.O.B. I took this head-on, hungry. And I had NO IDEA what I was doing. I joke and tell people I was too dumb to know any better. It’s really about creating what works for you. And you gotta stay creative. I’m not saying quit your day job. By declining that in my own life, I’ve come up against some real personal//financial challenges in aspects of basic day-to-day stability. I’m also doing what others only wish for from their desks or day-job daydreams. What I am saying is to check yourself. Are you too comfortable? Are you missing fulfillment in one or more aspects of your daily life and//or your art? Find that balance of staying true to your art without compromising living your best life. And vice-versa. You gotta do that every so often. And don’t sell yourself short. There is no standard price tag on you. I had to really get some perspective on that. I’m not just brought in on projects because I’ve got the best fiddle chops. Hardly. It’s my whole essence. Know your worth. Believe in yourself entirely, design your best life and be fearless in achieving that.
Good old-fashioned cash goes a long ways, a home cooked meal, hosting a house concert with 30 of your closest friends, sky miles… I mean these are all AWESOME, are needed and make a huge difference. What do you love to give and what are your resources? Come to the shows, bring your friends, buy the records, throw loot in the tip jar, tag us & share posts with all your friends’ friends’. Hire us for your parties and memory making and buy whatever other wares from the road we’ve got all help make it happen!
It’s great to rack up a bunch of “likes” on FaceBook for the content we put out and the pictures we post. To know that some folks are seeing it and getting the good word. Unfortunately, that doesn’t really monetize in the ways that make it possible to keep up with this lifestyle. But keep doing it! It all counts! I know I’m still trying to figure out monetizing social media and making the best of web presence as most artists are. Although, I do take long stint off of social media. It’s really liberating. And I’m still making art and a living! I’ve also considered launching a Patreon page. To test the music // money flow on a different platform. I believe it could also keep me accountable for delivering more music, regularly. And we still teach, hustle and sometimes barely make ends meet like everyone else.
We have such a diverse community or tribe as I call it, and everybody does or has something to contribute that brings it all to life. Give what you love and have to give, and it will be well received!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
LIVE! And of course, online. The most recent work I have done is coming out soon; we haven’t set an official release, however. It’s a slightly avante-garde instrumental record I just did with another talented Atlanta artist, B.E.N (check him out on Spotify) I haven’t done anything like this before, so it’s very exciting to be pushing into some new sound scenes. On my website you can purchase my first record, GypsyFiddle, my first vocal single and a collaborative record I released last year with a local “secret society” band, The GMOS. All different styles and stories. Monetary contributions are appreciated and very welcomed thru PayPal to: fidaelia@fayepetree.com
Buying music//art from the artist’s directly is huge. I am on Spotify and all that jazz, but I don’t make any money from that. I think it’s a digital tool that helps reach new listeners. I have a short video series of sorts (on YouTube) that shows me playing fiddle in epic and sometimes curious places. That’s always fun…
Doing your part to support art is just that. YOUR part. What does that look like for you? What do you love to give and what are your resources? What is truly rewarding in all realms, is when ya’ll come to the shows, buy our records, throw loot in the tip jar, tag us & share posts with all your friends. Hire us for your parties and memory making, buy swag and whatever else we put out through the year to keep it rolling. Keep it coming! It is super appreciated.
In other connectivity, I just returned from an extended stay in the USVI’s on the only certified organic farm in the islands. Ridge to Reef Farm provides a very unique and diverse experience. Including a Farm to School program that contributes greatly to the largest (and sometimes only) meal of the day in the Virgin Islands—school lunch. I highly encourage you to check us out at Ridge2Reef.org for more inspiration. I’ve got plans to return and nurture my thoughts around the basics of living a full life closer to the core of our human existence! Music and food! Amongst regular programs led by R2R Director, Nate Olive, PhD., I will also participate in studio session work later this year for island artists, focusing on traditional music of the region. I want to bring and host more music events there, too. I did multiple live shows with island artists this last trip as well as with a local Atlanta bluegrass act, Smokey’s Farmland Band. I’ve got a mission. And songs. New and old. It’s been way too long. No excuses. All of this is getting some good attention and inspiration these days, so check in periodically so we can share. Things are really shakin’ & movin’ and I’m really into some real powerful parts of life right now. Beyond blessed & ever grateful…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GypsyFiddle.com www.noGMOS.life www.FayePetree.com
- Email: fidaelia@fayepetree.com
- Instagram: @gypsyfiddle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gypsyfiddle/
- Twitter: @fiddlinfaye
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
