A Derrynoose singer-songwriter is preparing to mark a major return to music with the release of her debut EP, Bittersweet, later this month.
Fya Fox will release the five-track record on October 23. The EP represents a significant new chapter for the Co Armagh alt-pop artist, who is a former Whelan’s Ones To Watch alumna and has been named a VIP Magazine ‘Rising Star’.
A personal story told across five tracks
Written over the past two years, Bittersweet draws on a transformative period in Fya’s life. Its songs reflect her experience of becoming a mother, being involved in a motor accident and finding her personal and creative identity again after an almost three-year break from releasing music.
The EP explores grief, love and growth, with intimate songwriting at its centre. It follows the artist’s return to music this year and builds on the response to three recent releases: ‘Sweet Goodbye’, ‘Oversized Denim Jacket’ and ‘Hometown’.
‘Sweet Goodbye’ was named RTÉ 2FM Track of the Week and reflects on loss, as well as missing loved ones during important moments in life. ‘Oversized Denim Jacket’ appeared on the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends List and focuses on the challenge of adjusting to a new chapter while remaining true to yourself. ‘Hometown’ is described as a delicate song about remembering familiar faces.
From home-written ideas to a live launch
Fya said many of the songs began as “scratch ideas and melodies” written at home. That starting point influenced the EP’s sound, with the singer choosing to feature real instruments and move towards a more acoustic feel.
“Most of the EP was scratch ideas and melodies that I wrote at home and that inspired the tracks to be less synthetic. “I wanted real instruments to be present across this project and lean into a more acoustic sound. “From opening the EP with ‘Sweet Goodbye’ after the birth of my little girl and missing out on sharing this moment with passed loved ones I admired, to ending it with ‘My Loves’ – a song hoping I can be the person she looks up to – the EP feels like a full circle moment. “My daughter has brought out the best version of me and when she is old enough to listen back, I hope she is proud”.
The record opens with ‘Sweet Goodbye’, written in the aftermath of the birth of her daughter and shaped by the absence of loved ones she wished could have shared that moment. It closes with ‘My Loves’, a song centred on her hope that her daughter will look up to her.
Fya Fox is known for earnest songwriting and powerful vocals, and continues to establish her place within Ireland’s pop scene. She will play Whelan’s on Saturday, October 24, for the launch of Bittersweet. Tickets are on sale through whelanslive.com.