Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had a few people try to paint Faye Webster’s music to me as some sort of hip-hop and folk hybrid, and look… I’m not having it. I remember when critics were trying to box Raury in with the same superficial labels and it felt convenient and forced then too. And believe me, it’s not like I don’t understand the connections. Webster’s forthcoming self-titled LP is being released via underground hip-hop powerhouse Awful Records. She’s covered Father and collaborated with Ethereal. On top of that, she’s a published photographer whose subjects have included D.R.A.M., Killer Mike, Lil Yachty, and Migos’ Offset. So if you were to ask me if Ms. Webster was immersed somehow in hip-hop culture, I’d say, OK, sure.

But take a listen to either of her album’s two singles and tell me you don’t feel like you’re being tossed into a time capsule. Breezy ’70s country and soft rock with a hint of shimmering AM pop. If you happened to be listening to 97.1 the River and “Is It Too Much To Ask” came on in-between Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, you probably wouldn’t bat an eye. Which is not to say that Webster’s music sounds dated and faded. On the contrary, much like, say, Natalie Prass, she manages to imbue some new soul into classic sounds. Her backing band is top-notch, as is the modern production. She has a sharp ear for melody, a mind for smart arrangements, and a golden honey voice to tie them together. But hip-hop? Nah, I’m not hearing it. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the style and swagger with which Webster delivers her music. In which case, yeah, she’s got a nose for that too.

Faye Webster’s self-titled LP is out May 12 via Awful Records. Pre-orders are available here.

You can catch Faye Webster at a pair of upcoming local shows — Fri., May 5 at the Caledonia Lounge and Sat., May 6 at Eddie’s Attic. Both shows are in support of Sean Rowe. Admission for the Caledonia Lounge is $15-17. Doors are at 9 p.m. 18+ to enter. Admission for Eddie’s Attic is also $15. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages.

More Info
Web: fayewebster.com
Facebook: @websterfaye
Instagram: @websterfaye
Twitter: @fayewebsters