Charlie Faye Mixes Blues With Traditional Country

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Charlie Faye Mixes Blues With Traditional Country
July 14th, 2009
Jessica Gertler
CMT

Just when I was beginning to think that every country song this summer was going to be about overcoming break-ups or clichéd love songs, I found Charlie Faye’s brand new album, Wilson St. With a powerful and sensuous voice, Faye sings about her disillusionment with the world but continues to find the beauty in it. Her songs dig deep and touch on emotions like uncertainty and desire. My favorite song on the album is “Bottletops,” about a lonely stranger eager to tell his story over a jug of wine. Faye’s music is natural and untreated. Her music reminds me of blues mixed with traditional country. Her warm and husky voice is not what you’d typically hear from today’s female country artist. Some of her musical influences are Hank Williams, Janis Joplin, Tom Waits, Steve Earle, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Waylon Jennings and Fats Domino.

Originally from New York, Faye ventured out to Austin, Texas, two years ago and quickly fell in love with the Live Music Capital of the World. She found her home on Wilson Street, a community filled with passionate musicians like herself. Faye’s album title not only signifies her new home, where most of her songs were composed, but every person or place that has shaped her life.

Faye isn’t looking to fit in or sound like mainstream country music. Unlike other female country artists her age, she’s brunette, has an organic, Bohemian style and plans to do her 2010 tour a little differently. Lasting 10 months and visiting 10 cities, she wants to form a new band with new friends in each city, immersing herself in each community.