Chicago’s own Fiona Grey is making a name for herself in the world of music with her signature “dirty pop” sound and fantastic style. She’s just come off a Midwest/European 2017 tour and we expect her to have an even more stellar 2018, which promises us an upcoming EP. Now LA-based, Fiona Grey has been exposing the world to her sensational performative skills in her dramatic shows. Her singles “Money” and “Dirty Dream” provide a taste of what she’s all about. Fiona Grey is her own person, and it shows in every aspect of her artistry.

We couldn’t resist a conversation with this “dirty pop” queen, so we were thrilled to catch up with Fiona about her music, style, and background.

You refer to yourself as a “dirty pop” artist. Was there a point where you decided this was your genre of choice, or how did that come to be?

Genres are so confusing! People used to ask me constantly that genre my music was –  I thought calling it pop was too clean of a description, it needed a little grit. So boom – dirty pop!
Added bonus it usually confuses people enough they’ll actually check it out.

Did you always want to be involved in music?

It never was a conscious decision to be “involved” in music. It’s been a part of my everyday life since I was a kid – I just never stopped.

As a Midwest based publication, we’re always happy to know a fellow Midwesterner! Did you find it difficult making it into the music industry without coming from NY or LA or the likes?

There are definitely elements about building new connections in a saturated industry like LA that make it harder to break into. However, in some ways it makes it easier to work on your craft and hone your skills before heading out to one of the major music cities. You can be a hometown hero and have that practice and local press before heading out of LA or NYC.

“Dirty Dream” is such a disco-like bop! Where did the inspiration for that track come from?

It started off a heartbreak ballad and when we were in the studio we were messing around with the arrangement and my guitar player Devon (currently on tour with Katy Perry) started playing that funky breakdown part. We just started jamming it into a disco dance song. I love taking songs with strong emotional centers and making them danceable!

Biggest fashion inspiration?

Bowie and Madonna …duhh

How did you decide on your own style/aesthetic, musically?

When I was younger I remember being more conscious of what the audience would think about my music. There’s that childlike want to be liked. The moment I decided to not care about how other people perceived my music and just be true to myself is when my style and aesthetic came to life. It wasn’t really a decision, more of a larger than life version of myself,

What’s the best part about being a musician today?

Opportunities to have success and get exposure without the need of the gatekeepers approval.

Keep up with Fiona Grey:
Website / Spotify / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Veronica DeFeo