Girls Are Rad: fanshaw
Though fanshaw is lowercase, Olivia Fetherstonhaugh proves herself anything but.
Vancouver has always played host to a wealth of bands; in recent years, ones that have risen to indie stardom like The New Pornographers, Neko Case, The Handsome Family, Hot Hot Heat, Black Mountain, and Carolyn Mark—many of whom have been involved with Mint Records in some way, shape, or form. The solo project of Olivia Fetherstonhaugh, fanshaw, is the most recent signee of Mint, but Fetherstonhaugh has been involved in the Vancouver music scene for several years now as a member of The Choir Practice, an indie supergroup that sounds exactly like its moniker.
Fetherstonhaugh has been writing her debut, Dark Eyes, for nearly five years now, taking up to a year to perfectly craft one song. Set for release in early February, the album features mellow harmonies mixed with bass-heavy, layered instrumentals that play with fast-paced percussion, creepy keyboards, and at times, a trumpet (“O Sailor,” which has a St. Vincent sort of vibe). On Dark Eyes, Fetherstonhaugh invited co-members of The Choir Practice, Larissa Lloyva and Shane Turner, and Johnny Pane to record with her.
Fanshaw’s “Strong Hips” was also featured on Different Class Radio’s “Unsigned,” a British podcast where music critics weigh in on a selection of songs. While this is potentially a horrifying experience for an artist, the speakers (luckily) enjoyed the song, comparing Fetherstonhaugh to Feist, Bat For Lashes, and Midlake, one even remarking that she had a very “undislikable voice.” If the songs on fanshaw’s MySpace page are any indication, Dark Eyes is one release to look forward to in 2010.
Posted by Leah Urbom on Nov 19, 2009 @ 10:00 am