The Upstage Interview: Carolyn Fe

Carolyn Fe (Centre) and her band

Original Sin: Eve, Adam, Apple, Knowledge

Upstage Host Eric Sukhu spoke with Carolyn Fe about her crossover from theatre to music. Below is an abridged version of interview edited by Estelle Rosen, CharPo Editor-in-chief.

UPSTAGE

Carolyn Fe has been an integral part of  Montreal theatre for many years. Recently she’s been combining theatre while getting more and more involved with music. Your last album was in 2009.  Why two years between CDs? 

FE

Well keeping my feet in both worlds takes a lot of time. Auditioning for theatre. Writing new tunes with the guys in the band, aiming to attract a new fan base. Busy but excited; well worth it.

In a sense, theatre and TV are more superficial. For the band to work, it has to be a family. Words come from the heart.

UPSTAGE

How is this CD different from the first one?

FE

We’ve melded together as a group, it’s home. The first  one was basically finding my way, trying different ways of delivering the message. Had some band member changes. Found new members. Here we are. So much fun when the ensemble happens

UPSTAGE

Who are band members?

FE

Dan  Legault on drums, He’s the co-founder. We’ve been together from the start. The words are mine but music was his. There’s also George Papafilys on Guitar, Tim Alleyne on Keyboard, Oisin Little on Bass.

UPSTAGE

How do you know that’s the person to work with?

FE

What’s different is that in theatre, when you go to audition, the  look is important, how you deliver lines is important. In a sense, theatre and TV are more superficial. For the band to work, it has to be a family. Words come from the heart. Not that theatre words don’t but it’s a different delivery. For music technically speaking they should know how to play. So what’s really more important is the click, the connection. It’s like a job interview, can I work with you, can we meld into family.

I work as an actress, but the thing is I really like the family backup feeling I get from music.

UPSTAGE

Music has taken over your life the last couple years, do you miss theatre?

FE

I do miss theatre. I work as an actress, but the thing is I really like the family backup feeling I get from music. When we do a theatre run we become a  family for the few weeks we’re working together, but once it’s over it’s over. The play ends and you can’t continue that family feel.

UPSTAGE

The title of the CD is Original Sin; tell us about the title

FE

Original Sin was when Eve gave Adam the apple and when Adam bit the apple that was the bite of knowledge. That’s what this CD is all about. 

See a "Making Of" video on YouTube

The CD will be available at iTunes, Zik and CDBaby