Bristol, UK based artist, Michaela Fedeczko, joins us to talk all about her album release, ‘Blue Embrace’.
Creating her unique blend of classic soul, Motown and gospel to jazz, pop and R&B, Michaela has been seen playing at Glastonbury Festival, where she debuted her original material and has featured as vocalist and top-line writer for drum and bass artist Low:r and Lisa Jane‘s recent funky disco/house release via In It Together Records.
Soulstress, Michaela Fedeczko’s debut album, ‘Blue Embrace’ was written during Covid-19 lockdowns and is a reflection on pandemic events, sharing themes of love, loss, grief, identity and the fragility of life.
“Blue Embrace for me is the idea of looking at life, both the light and the dark moments, and learning to embrace it all. So much has happened over the time I have made this album and lots of my lived experiences and that of people close to me are in these songs. I have grown and learnt so much. My hope is that you find comfort amongst the music and your own, Blue Embrace.” – Michaela Fedeczko
As you listen through the tracks on ‘Blue Embrace’ you will be encapsulated into the groovy, yet laidback feel of the songs and completely absorbed by the warm melting sound of Michaela’s vocals.
You can listen to ‘Blue Embrace’ below:
Would you like to start by telling us a little about yourself?
Sure, I’m Michaela, a Bristol-based singer/songwriter/session vocalist/top line writer/performer/backing vocalist and vocal coach.
I’ve had a creative, portfolio career for 15 years now and been lucky enough to perform all over the UK, as well as Ireland, France, Israel, and Dubai, with various bands and artists.
In 2018 I had my first Glastonbury experience and performed my original material to a full tent of lovely people!
What was it that first inspired you to begin a career in music?
I found a huge, deep connection to music and performing from a very young age and that was an enormous driving force for me.
I unashamedly, often admit, that the Spice Girls were one of my biggest inspirations at the age of 8/9.
I think the combination of pop power, witnessing my Dad’s business drive and going to music college at 16, where I was taught how to make music my career, led me to this point.
How would you describe the feel of your music?
My music is soul-centred pop, I guess. It’s also been described as ‘Retro-chic soul’.
I write from a place of authenticity and melodic movement so the songs are often dictated by a feeling and the way that makes me shape the melody.
You have recently released your album, ‘Blue Embrace’.. what was the inspiration behind the creation of the tracks on the album?
Wow, so much! The overriding theme and the name of the album, ‘Blue Embrace’ ,for me, is the idea of leaning into the darker/sad/more challenging moments in life.
Learning to curiously, kindly embrace and learn from what we’d rather resist.
Of course that is open to other people’s interpretation too.
It could also mean embracing the sea or the sky or whatever blue beauty you love – as I also take inspiration from nature.
On an individual track basis, each song has been shaped by both my own experiences and my quiet observations of those around me.
‘Nothing,’ ‘Leave her sleeping’ and ‘I needed you to want me’, were actually written when I was at college.
Where as the remaining tracks were written just before and during the pandemic.
There was a period, in the few years before the pandemic, of unexpected deaths amongst family and friends and this certainly inspired songs such as ‘Thinking it over,’ ‘ Give me something’ and my version of Sean Snook’s ‘Summer song’.
What do the songs on the album mean to you?
An incredible amount.
Honestly, this album has been a long time coming and I actually wasn’t sure it would ever happen.
Each song is a piece of me and a way of acknowledging many emotions and experiences that have shaped me.
For example, ‘Who am I?’ was written as a direct response to the protests around the BLM movement.
I took a huge step back at that point and was like, ‘THIS is NOT okay with me.’ ‘I need to learn more and I need to do more.’ It felt important for me to share this on the album.
My hope is that it will, even in the smallest part, encourage continued discussion and positive action.
What did the creative process look like for ‘Blue Embrace’?
Mostly me at the keyboard, with a phone, note book and my cat in tow.
Sometimes it would involve me driving around with the voice notes recorder rolling on my phone and me singing a line in different ways just because I felt, or was inspired, by something.
Once I had more of an album-worthy collection I worked on getting complete demos in order, of just me and piano along with chord charts, lyrics etc and then collaborated with the band to shape the full arrangements.
That part was beautiful!
Where do you find your inspiration for your music?
In all that surrounds me; nature, people, places, stories, observations, grief, injustice, and the moments that move me.
What would you like to see happen for you in your music from here?
I am keen to get out gigging the album next year, so am currently booking some shows, festivals and hopefully a tour in.
I want to witness the audience’s response to my music first hand.
We had a lush album launch gig, it was a huge success so I am excited for next year.
I am also keen to collaborate and continue to write for other producers, artists, companies etc.
I’ve already been collaborating so look out for a series of remixes of tracks from the album coming out soon.
What is one message you would like to share with your fans?
Do the work, it’s worth it.
Where can people find your music?
People can find me on all the usual streaming platforms, search ‘Michaela Fedeczko’
www.michaelamusicuk.bandcamp.com is the best place to go to buy/stream my music as Bandcamp give the artist the most return for their art.
I’m also on YouTube, again under ‘Michaela Fedeczko’
For FB and Instagram I’m @michaelamusicuk
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.