Last year, Piers Faccini hatched an idea. Intent on releasing a series of EPs on his label, Beating Drum, the notable singer-songwriter and painter began to curate the collection that appropriately reflects the creative eclecticism of its artists. Entitled Hear My Voice, the EP series features the likes of artistic innovators from around the world. These include Neopolitan songwriter Gnut, New Zealand songstress Tui Mamaki, and UK-based Trinidadian folk artist Horsedreamer.
In lieu of the release of Hear My Voice, Faccini took a moment to take part in our ongoing ‘FFS 5’ interview series. Here, he offers us a look into the eclectic life that he leads and the artistic journey that he’s led thus far.
Hear My Voice can currently be streamed, purchased, or subscribed to via Bandcamp.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I went to Art college in Paris and studied painting, in my twenties I was more of a painter who played music and then it flipped the other way and when I moved to France from London in 2003 i became more of a musician who paints.
I signed with one of the groundbreaking world music labels at the time, Label Bleu and found myself on the same label and collaborating with the likes of Ballake Sissoko, Rokia Traoré and Vincent Segal. I’ve since, recorded a few records, currently working on my eighth solo album.
Where are you from and how did you get started in music? Any defining moments along the path to present day?
Defining moments are all the amazing dialogues and encounters I’ve had with many extraordinary musicians I’ve met while travelling around the world.
As an artist, how do you define success?
Being able to provide for my family by writing and performing songs
What do you find to be your greatest struggle when it comes to the music business?
Breaking through the barrier that is today’s short attention span!
What do you think is the most realistic goal you can achieve as an artist/band? What do you hope to achieve?
Realistic goals take care of themselves and i’m naive enough to think it’s the songs that open doors or not, according to their quality.
Outside of music, what do you like to do that you feel contributes to the creativity that you tap into for your music?
Living in the deep unspoilt wilderness that is the Cevennes region of south western France.