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Los Angeles-based singer Frank Fairfield finds joy in recording “lost and forgotten” songs from the early 1900s.
Frank Fairfield could easily fit in a different era. With a style of music that recalls the days of the 1930s and ’40s, Fairfield has a love for old forgotten blues pieces and leading a simple life.
While technology has elevated and made the recording process easier, Fairfield chooses not to embrace all of the technology.
“It just doesn’t fit who I am,” he says during a recent phone interview from Virginia. “I just make music that moves me.”
Fairfield, 27, grew up in the San Joaquin Valley in California and spent his childhood and teen years bouncing around California working odd jobs, taking factory shifts and occasionally going to school.
As he settled in Los Angeles, he discovered life busking on the street corners.
But it wasn’t until 2010 that Fairfield got his break when he was recruited to open for indie band Fleet Foxes on its tour. This was thanks in part to a strong self-titled debut released in 2009.
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Frank Fairfield With Horse Feathers WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 WHERE: High Mayhem Emerging Arts, 2811 Siler Lane, Santa Fe HOW MUCH: $12 at www.ticketssantafe.org or 505-988-1234 |
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“That was amazing because a lot of people didn’t know who I was,” he says. “What was great about that tour is that I was the total opposite of what Fleet Foxes were all about. It was something for everyone.”
Fairfield followed up his debut album with 2010′s “Unheard Ofs & Forgotten Abouts” and 2011′s “Out on the Open West.”
He is currently on tour supporting the 2011 album.
“I haven’t really been thinking about making new music,” he admits. “I’ve been busy taking on other projects like some of the carpentry that I’ve been doing around my house. I suppose at some point in the near future, I’m going to have to entertain the idea of heading back into the studio. I just have to feel inspired.”
Growing up in California Fairfield was exposed to various genres of music. He began learning guitar at an early age and then picked up the fiddle and banjo as he progressed with music.
“It’s been a constant evolution for me,” he explains. “As I delve further into music, I find that there are plenty of hidden gems in this pile of music. It’s amazing to me that the majority of the songs that I work with have been lost and forgotten about. Many of the songs represent our history in this country. The songs give us a glimpse into what life was like before modern times.”
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at agomez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3921
