Singaporean artist Fauxe is here in Manila, and he’s set to perform in DULO tonight.
You wouldn’t see his name in the Billboard 100 or even attached to any of the songs on rotation in the local radio stations, but if you’re looking for something different, something eclectic, you’re going to be intrigued.
To describe his sound: “The artist refreshingly presents traditional samples with modern hip hop twists, psychedelic lifts and dance beats. 808 bass grooves, trap-patterned high hats, trippy synths, ground shaking kicks, indigenous percussion instruments, acoustic guitars mixed with a multitude of diverse samples let listeners experience a world unknown to the common ear.”
His latest body of work, entitled Ikhlas, “is a collection of 16 playful, experimental tracks which are somewhat nostalgic. Fauxe roots inspiration from having spent insightful times in Malaysia regarding his sound, and this pays homage to the country’s spectacular music scene.”
We talked to Fauxe in a short interview via email. Here is the full unedited interview:
Where did the moniker “Fauxe” originate from?
So when I first started, I was an anonymous figure in the music scene. I would wear a mask everywhere I went as Fauxe. The first mask I wore was a “V for Vendetta” mask made popular by Guy Fawkes. At that time, I had planned to go by the name “Fortran”, but SoundCloud had user with that name. So I decided to use Fawkes but change the spelling to Fauxe instead.
You mentioned in an interview that “Music is the product of the environment it’s made in.” What was the overall process for your latest project, Ikhlas?
I’m an explorer of the world (when I can), and every city I visit inspires me in different ways. Having the opportunity to live in Malaysia and really getting into the soul of the nation allowed me to see their music past the initial reaction of a consumer but the cultural diversity of a people. Mind you, I’m a Singaporean too and I’m amongst different races all the time. But Malaysia was just more sincere and open with their roots and culture. Without this important aspect of my creative process, none of this would have happened.
I’ve learnt to accept that not everyone will understand what I do, for now. I aim to make music for the times and be timeless.
What informs your music? In your own words, how would you describe your sound?
I would say my sounds reflect upon the times of my people and the world. Its honest and open ended. It should keep you full yet leaving space for more. It’s freeform and lose in nature. I’m going to spend the rest of my life taking everything I learn and combining them all in. I’ve learnt to accept that not everyone will understand what I do, for now. I aim to make music for the times and be timeless.
What do you want listeners to feel when they hear your music?
I want them to leave with a sense of catharsis and hope. Believing that life will continue on no matter how bad it can be. That if you give yourself a chance, and ride with me, the process will be all that matters. I make music as an extension of my mind. & I hope people reach in and find what they like and find solace and comfort in.
Our language and food defines our culture, but music is universal no matter what happens.
As an artist with very eclectic tastes hailing from SEA, what are your aspirations or hopes to where your artistry can take you? What do you aim to achieve when you make music?
I want to represent SEA not as a representation of how different we are but as a invitation to how similar we all are as human beings. Our language and food defines our culture, but music is universal no matter what happens. It’s all in how you accept what is familiar and what is not. I’m a man of this earth. And we are surrounded play billions of stars and planets. Let’s just be happy with what we have and pay it forward. Through music, food, culture, with Ikhlas is always how I will begin my journey.
Listen to Ikhlas now:
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