Rosehip Teahouse

Name, where are you from?
I'm Faye and I am from Swindon but now live in Cardiff.

What do you do?
I'm part of the band Rosehip Teahouse! (Singing + guitaring).

Describe your style in three words?
Non-binary babe.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I went to see Midori Takada in Athens. It absolutely floored me, it was an unbelievable performance. She entered through the middle of the audience holding a single bell and then carried on by hitting long chains against cymbals. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before. 'Through the Looking Glass' is an incredible album.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. Imagine it?! I mean, it would make no sense for us to be there, but I'd have a great time.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I was (and still am) well into New York School Poetry like Frank O'Hara. His poetry among others at the time really spoke to me and I think the influence has made its way into my own lyric writing. I also love French New Wave Cinema. Especially Godard. Jean-Paul Belmondo is a bit of a hero of mine, I always really wanted to look and dress like him. Current Queer culture is also really influential on me. It's nice to feel part of a community and to be fully open with myself and my sexuality.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would want to sit on Tove Jansson's island and talk about the sea, the Moomins, her writing inspiration and how she navigated her queerness in a time that was so disapproving of it.

Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I think I'd have to pick The Exchange in Bristol. I was lucky enough to play some shows as a part of 'Eat Up' which is a queer collective in Bristol trying to showcase more diverse musicians from the LGBT+ community, women and gender queer artists. I don't think I've ever been to a show that felt safer or kinder.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Billy Lyall!!!! I honestly think it is a crime that not more people know about Billy Lyall. He was originally a member of The Bay City Rollers and Pilot, but then bought out this absolute masterpiece album called 'Solo Casting' in 1976 when he was only 23. It's incredible. It's not on any major streaming platforms, only YouTube but it is so worth digging out. I love it so much.