FIA MOON TALKS FIO

Behind the Coastline

You are reading an independently published interview-series published and carefully curated by Swedish pop-culture journalist Daniel John. Ever since its start in 2015, the core curiosity remains the same, surfing the creative currents of music, film, fashion and everything else on the pop-radar, catching the waves of

Culture Coast TalksDaniel John

What was the process behind this song, how did 'FIO' come to be?

'FIO' was the first song I wrote after releasing my debut EP. I'd spent so much time writing about heartbreak that I was ready to write something a bit lighter. I had a session with the wonderful Joseph Rodgers and Ross Fortune and we ended up talking about how old habits and insecurities can show up even when you're with the right person. The song became about trusting each other enough to work through those moments rather than running from them.

Do you usually try to define what a song is from the start or let it reveal itself to you?

Definitely let it reveal itself. I usually go into a session with a feeling more than a fully formed idea. The best songs tend to come from following whatever feels honest in the room, rather than trying to force a specific story.

What's it like to let go and allow songs to take on their own journeys and meanings. What's the release day mood like?

Ahh it’s honestly such a lovely part of the process. Once a song is out, people connect with it through their own experiences and it can end up meaning something completely different to them. That's one of my favourite parts of releasing music. Release days are always a mix of excitement and nerves. Mostly I am just happy for the song to finally belong to someone other than me.

With a music teacher mother and classically trained musician father how early were you singing, performing and making your own music?

Pretty much as long as I can remember. My parents met through music, so there was always something playing in the house. Singing felt like a really natural part of growing up rather than something I consciously decided to do.

Even with musical-heroes so close to home what other inspirations found their way into your early space?

A lot of it came from what my parents listened to. There was always music around the house like Norah Jones, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell. Beyond music, I've always been inspired by conversations, people-watching and trying to make sense of my own emotions. Most of my songs start there.

You were on a different path in economics for a long time, was that a time without music or more of a practical decision alongside the art?

Music was always there. I weirdly did not take to studying music and actually loved maths and economics at school and at the time I thought it would be wise to have something practical behind me. At the same time songwriting and singing were always the thing I cared most about. I think I just took a slightly less direct route to ending up here.

This being your first song written and released since the 'Dear Loved' EP, what creative mood have you been in since then?

After writing so much about heartbreak, I felt ready to explore something different. This project has been a lot more playful, and a lot less heavy. The songs still come from real experiences and the topics are still deep, but there's more lightness to them. I've really enjoyed letting myself have fun with songwriting again and not feeling like every song has to come from a painful place.