Review Fix Exclυsíve: Lynne Fiddmont Talks ’Daylight’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Lynne Fiddmont who discusses her new album, ”Power of Love” and single, ”Daylight, ” as well as her goals for 2019.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Lynne Fiddmont: Music was everywhere. I have a musical family. My aunts and uncles were local gospel singers and pretty well known, especially my Aunt Doris who sings, plays piano and has not one shy bone in her body. My brother played the saxophone constantly and played classic jazz and fusion in the next room, to my irritation. I know now what a blessing that was. His music mixed with my music expanded my palette. My cousin Leon is a classical pianist/ conductor, so music was everywhere. So as for me, I didn’t think I had any special talent or anything. As a matter of fact, my father who was known for his quick and slicing wit told me, “you’d be alright if you could stay on key.” So I did like music and joined the neighborhood band, Manteca. It was fun and exciting, but I never considered music as a choice until I landed the part of Dorothy, in a very condensed production of the Wiz in high school. The musical director asked me if I could sing. “I shrugged my shoulders and said, “I don’t know”. So I sang the song HOME, and I got a standing ovation and I think that moment changed my life forever.

At the time, I didn’t realize the important lessons we were learning in the band, Manteca. I think we were ahead of our time in many ways, we were recording originals, spending time and money in the studio, and that was unusual for garage bands at that time. We were early teens and Earth Wind and Fire, and the Isley Brothers, and Mandrill, were all popular at the time. We even had had pyro- yes we had fire at the high school talent show. We could’ve and should’ve gotten in a lot of trouble.

I also realize now how important music has been in my personal development regarding trusting myself and my opinion. When I realized that I actually had an opinion and a strong opinion about music, that changed my usual easy going nature. That was one area that I was very sure.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Fiddmont: My process is different for different things.

When I’m writing, I play the music and listen. I let my brain work while I live my life. I take days away and let things develop. As I go, it begins to take shape and it’s better that way because nothing is forced.

If I’m recording, I’m searching for the most effective approach. I am not a first taker, so when I’m learning it, I sing it 7 times. Do I sing it softer, or louder, or can I train my voice to do what I hear in my head? If I’m not happy, I’ll sing it another 7 and another 7 times over a period of days until it feels right, but it’s always multiples of 7. I’m not sure how that started or what it means, but 7 is my number.

When I’m editing on Pro Tools, I’ve learned to try to find big pieces of music the keep instead of cutting in too often. Andrew Ford, one of my main co-writers/producers once called my edit a Frankenstein edit, which meant I cut in and out so much, it was not natural. My favorite tool when editing is zooming in so I can see the waves clearly.

As a background singer, I first listen for style and approach. Then I search for the harmonic lines, starting at the bottom, then the top , then the middle which is almost always the hardest to hear. It can be challenging because so many times the harmonies are buried in the track. Remembering lyrics are the hardest for me. I listen to music in sections i.e. verse, bridge, 16 bars, chorus etc.

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Fiddmont: Someone asked me if I loved music. My answer surprised them. It was “No, I don’t love music, I love what makes music great, That’s Kindness-Bravery-Compassion-Pain and Love.

Review Fix: What makes Daylight a special track?

Fiddmont: The groove is strong. Andrew did a great job on the track. It makes me dance and move in a way I like. It’s kind of sexy and funky at the same time. The lyrics represent hope. Everyone wants that special love and Daylight is all about that hope and feeling of being in love and it lifting you. That’s huge.

Review Fix: How do you want to be remembered?

Fiddmont: I want to be remembered as a loving, understanding, and wise mother. I want everyone to know that excellence is a standard I strive for and expect from myself. I want to be remembered as a person who respects the large and the small equally. I want to be remembered for being fair and kind and I want to be remembered as someone who made a situation better than it was before I came.

Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this track?

Fiddmont: I learned how deep Michael Jackson’s influence is on me and this musical generation. It seemed like he was there in the room with me. I have worked with him on a very limited basis, but his feel and approach made such an impact on us.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Fiddmont: I would say my sound is soulful, soft, a little sexy, a little bit rough, kind of high like Minnie Riperton, a little funky, soothing, floaty and groovy.

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from the studio?

Fiddmont: The live shows are more about fun and having a good time. The studio is about getting to the dream sound that’s in my head and working until I get there.

Review Fix: What’s are your goals for 2019?

Fiddmont: I have so many dreams. Of course more music, I’d like to travel the world, going to different intimate venues, doing my own music. I love to do a one woman show, I like to do a variety show, showcasing other talented people. I’d also like to expand my writing to books, stories, for adults and children. I’m happiest when I creating, so a lot of that.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Fiddmont: I’m releasing a video for Daylight which my son, SunWhoa directed. I’m hoping that it makes an impact so I can tour more and more.

I have a children’s book that I’m working on, and a few other stories that are still being formulated. I also see teaching in my future, but not now.

Review Fix: Anything more?

Fiddmont: Well the only thing I’d like to add is that love is the overwhelming force that wins above all else. Thank you and Happy New Year.