Fielded

                        Lindsay A. Powell aka Fielded is a Brooklyn singer-songwriter who immediately grabbed our attention. Her music is layered and developed and it was surprising to see she is a solo artist. We were already eyeing her for an interview before SXSW came about. Shortly thereafter we found out about her Musicraiser campaign to fund an EP, Boy Wonder, start a line of clothing as a label, Universally Handsome. Creativity flows with Powell, and we see her as the future of music. For info visit facebook.com/FieldedSpeaks

 

FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique? 

 

F: My songwriting technique has been all over the place but I’m starting to grasp what works best. When I’m writing songs for Fielded I often sing into my phone or even leave myself voicemails with melodies and then refine them with a piano or synth and add the beats. If I’m writing for others I often start with a chord progressions in the style I’m thinking and go from there. It’s whatever works with the tune!

 

FEMMUSIC: You’ve worked with other groups in the past (Festival, Ga’an), what are the benefits & drawbacks of being a solo artist?

 

F: I definitely miss playing with other musicians! I plan to start playing with a band again soon because Fielded could use the extra vibes on stage and the sound is getting way more spontaneous and energetic. Less electronic, even. I miss singing with my sisters. The pros are that you’re in charge of all the creative decisions, though that can be a drawback, as well. My favorite pro is that I get to listen to my audiobooks in the van on tour with no complaints.

 

FEMMUSIC: You’ve been signed to a record label in the past. If offered the chance to do so again, would you? Why or why not?

 

F: I’m starting Universally Handsome to get some movement going and to take the pressure off myself plus do something that I love (design clothes + collaborate with artists).  I also get tired of ‘shopping’ a record to labels that I ultimately want to come out immediately. That being said, I’d love to work with a label if they truly let me be the freak I am at heart and know how to promote and work with me on all my ideas and visions. That’s what everybody wants, right? It’s also what a lot of labels promise but they don’t always want you to grow as an artists. I’m not anti-label I’m just into knowing when the timing and the relationship is right.

 

FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry itself?

 

F: Skip the part with all the fakers who promise the world and go straight to the people who are the realest … but I want that in all aspects of my life, I hope we all do.

 

FEMMUSIC: Universally Handsome, the clothing line & label, is a new approach to both music and fashion. The interview will be linked to the MusicRaiser Campaign. Where would you like to see UH in 5 years? What benefits do you see with it for an artist? What about the model for UH do you see is different from a traditional record label?

 

F: I honestly can’t say where I see Universally Handsome in 5 years. That’s a long time! If I had to daydream right now I’d say I want to be just like Rayna Jaymes from Nashville making it happen for all the vulnerable divas out there (male and female). I just want people to come together to make beautiful pieces and music that make them and some tweens somewhere really happy. I think Universally Handsome is trying to enhance the spirit of the music by recognizing the modern day influence of the visual world. Our generation is one that came to be in the midst of the music video craze of the early 90’s. There is no separation between fashion and music for us, period.

 

FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you been discriminated against?

 

F: Yes. It goes without saying. It’s an unfortunate experience and one that I think is changing everyday. There are good experiences and bad experiences … I don’t, however, think they are all based on a male and female gender dynamic. It goes all kinds of ways.

 

FEMMUSIC:  If you could tour with, or collaborate with any artist, who would it be? Why?

 

F: I think about collaborating with Joni Mitchell in 1972 a lot, just after Court & Spark. It would be really amazing to wirte and sing with Sia. When I think about touring with contemporary artists I think about people I feel inspired by but also seem like fun, like SSION, Robyn, How to Dress Well and definitely Perfume Genius.

 

FEMMUSIC:  What advice do you have for an artist just starting out? 

 

F: Use your intuition about people in the industry you can trust. Write from your heart and not for other people. A friend of mine recently gave me the advice to “stop caring so much.” I think that’s probably the best advice I’ve ever gotten. Do it because you love it and not because you want results.

 

FEMMUSIC:  This piece came about because you are going to SXSW. What is your take on SXSW? What goals would you like to accomplish while there? 

 

 

F: I think SXSW is a ton of fun and sometimes you make great musical connections and new friends. I’d like to go swimming, see some bands that I love, become a fan of new ones, play a dope show, give all of my business cards away and drink and avocado margarita or two.