Uppingham singer songwriter Fe Salomon, compared to Goldfrapp and Stevie Nicks, releases debut solo single
A singer songwriter from Rutland is set to release her first solo album - and has included a tongue in cheek ode to her home county.
Fe Salomon has worked in the music industry for more than 25 years, writing and performing with various bands, but last month marked a career milestone with the release of her solo debut single - Super Human.
A second single - Polka Dot - is due in March followed swiftly by two further singles before the scheduled release of album Living Rooms on June 17.
“I felt like I was stepping out without my trousers on the first day," said Fe.
"I felt so exposed. I had been doing this for years, but performing with bands.
"Then it's just you. It's so nerve-racking, but the reaction has been really positive."
Fe's first paid gig came at the age of 15 with a band she gatecrashed while waitressing in her native Northampton.
The experience propelled her towards a degree in music and theatre followed by 13 years learning her craft in the Camden music scene.
Her next move proved a big leap - leaving London for Uppingham four years ago to be closer to her artist mum, who lives in Barrowden.
The culture shock of a move from the big smoke to rural Rutland, combined with the surreal shift of lockdown, helped spawn album track Quintessential England.
"It's about the different lifestyle here," she explained.
"Rutland is its own bubble and it definitely felt like that during the pandemic.
"Everything is perfect and it doesn't feel like reality.
"The song is sort of taking the mickey out of it a bit, but not in a mean way.
"Living here has been fantastic for me and I've really enjoyed it."
The album, a collaboration with producer and contemporary classical composer Johnny Parry, has been two busy years in the making.
However, it has been on the horizon for much longer than that.
“I did get a management contract in my early 20s and went to Thailand to record a solo album, but that went horribly wrong," said Fe, who lists Kate Bush, David Bowie and Talking Heads among her influences.
“It knocked my confidence and it's taken this amount of time to be ready to do it again."
Fe has been compared to Alison Goldfrapp, one half of electronic pop duo Goldfrapp, and iconic singer Stevie Nicks, who enjoyed fame with Fleetwood Mac, another musical signpost for Fe.
"It's a relief to get it out there," she admitted.
"Finally I have got the sound that I wanted. This is definitely more of what I'm about. A bit more alternative and more experimental pop."
Fe's debut single is available on iTunes and via www.fesalomon.com
