Interview: Fables

For Fables, songwriting is about capturing a moment and turning it into something that can live beyond it.

The project of Tāmaki Makaurau songwriter Jessica Bailey, Fables occupies a musical world she describes as “Gothic Kiwiana”, where intimate folk storytelling meets something darker, heavier and distinctly Aotearoa. Drawing inspiration from songwriting greats while remaining firmly connected to New Zealand music, Bailey turns personal experiences, unsaid conversations and moments of vulnerability into songs designed to be felt live.

Ahead of Fables taking the stage at Live Nation’s Ones To Watch, we caught up with Jessica to talk songwriting, vulnerability, opening for Sir Dave Dobbyn and, naturally, the anatomy of her dream BurgerFuel burger.

Take us back to the beginning. When did music go from something you loved to something you knew you wanted to pursue?

This was, and still is, a dream for me. I started by singing in choirs, forming a band in high school and entering competitions like Play It Strange and Rockquest. From there I moved on to busking, open mics, markets and pubs.

I discovered the folk music scene while I was at uni, and it really helped me hone my craft. I don’t read books as much as I would like to, but I spend a lot of time listening to music. I love picking apart lyrics and getting lost in the world an artist has made for me.

These days, the dream is centred around the band and live performances. It’s about making each show better than the last.

You’ve always been a big supporter of New Zealand music. Who are the artists who have shaped you along the way?

I grew up listening to Kiwi.fm and bFM and making my dad take me out to gigs as many weekends as I could get away with.

Recently, I had the privilege of opening for Sir Dave Dobbyn at The Civic in Auckland. I learned to play guitar through Dave Dobbyn’s music, so being able to share a stage and an audience with him was such a beautiful experience.

I’m always inspired by Reb Fountain, Nadia Reid and Mel Parsons, not only musically, but also seeing them make poignant art while being kind and supportive of others and being awesome parents.

This could be a very long list, but those three artists have been cheerleaders for me in one way or another, and I’m always so grateful for that.

You’ve described Fables as “Gothic Kiwiana”. What exactly does that sound like?

I quite like the term Gothic Kiwiana. Think of the genre Americana, but with a very Aotearoa-centric feel. The gothic part comes from the fact that the music can have a heaviness to it at times.

“Folk obscura” is another good descriptor. The folk part is pretty self-explanatory. It speaks to the storytelling and the songwriters I draw inspiration from, like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez.

“Obscura” is Latin for dark or hidden, but it also refers to a technique where a photographer lets light through a tiny pinhole into a darkened room or box, projecting an upside-down image of the outside world.

Music is a bit like that for me. It’s always a projection of a moment in time.

When a new Fables song begins, where does it usually come from?

I almost exclusively draw from personal experiences. Songs tend to start as journal entries or conversations I wish I’d had.

Music is a way to bring those thoughts to the surface.

Your music asks for a certain amount of vulnerability. Has getting comfortable with putting that much of yourself out there taken practice?

I think vulnerability is synonymous with the genre of music we make. That’s not to say the sound can’t shift and change, but at its heart, vulnerability is the blank page that I write upon.

Vulnerability is often the difference between a good show and a great one.

It’s taken a lot of practice to commit to public vulnerability. To say the hard thing out loud. To show emotion even if it might not photograph well. To be a bit cringe in front of people you respect.

I’m still growing deeper into that space, and I’m hoping it becomes infectious.

Music can be a tough road. What keeps you coming back to it?

I love how it feels to play gigs. I love writing and recording music. So there’s that.

But mostly, it’s not a “what” that keeps me motivated. It’s a “who”.

It’s the people who come to gigs, buy a record or tell me the music has moved them. It’s people in the industry who have taken me under their wing, even if it’s only for a moment. It’s anyone who has supported me in making an idea a reality.

That keeps me going for sure.

I’ll always be a songwriter, but the difference between those songs staying in my bedroom and making it onto a stage or stereo comes down to the people who are involved along the way.

What’s next in the world of Fables?

On 23 September, Fables will be joining Heidi Simpson and DAWSON for Live Nation’s Ones To Watch at The Tuning Fork in Auckland.

It’s going to be a superb show and I can’t wait!

Important question. If BurgerFuel handed you the keys to the kitchen, what would your dream burger look like?

Soft pretzel bun, beer cheese, beef patty, caramelised onion jam, smoky bacon, lots of pickles, iceberg lettuce and aioli.

That would be the best ever post-show bite.

SOUND CHECK, VIBE CHECK

What song are you currently blasting in the car?
CMAT, “When a Good Man Cries”. I’m smashing it on a daily basis.

Who’s your favourite artist right now?
Bic Runga. Red Sunset has done quadruple platinum in my house. Long-time favourite artist, new favourite record.

One thing you absolutely can’t perform without?
My voice!

Dream artist to collaborate with?
Don McGlashan!

Go-to BurgerFuel order?
C N Cheese, no tomato. Fries and an Espresso Thickshake. I’m so hungry now!

FIRE OR BACKFIRE?

Pickles in burgers: FIRE

Crocs: FIRE

Karaoke: FIRE

BurgerFuel Aioli: FIRE

Acoustic performances: FIRE

NZ Music Month: FIRE

Festivals: FIRE

Singing in the shower: FIRE

Pineapple on pizza: HARD BACKFIRE. I’m allergic to pineapple.

Supermarket in bare feet: I have done this, but I am ashamed, so I can’t possibly comment on this!

Check out Fables latest music HERE, and stay up to date HERE.