Acoustic Soul Singer-Songwriter, Dr Fabola from Manchester.
Dr Fabola is based in Manchester. His music is predominantly upbeat acoustic pop, laced with rootsy folk, world music and jazz. His intricate fingerpicking and soft soulful vocals combine effortlessly into a sweet feelgood vibe.ย
Hey Dr Fabola!! Thanks for taking part in our #MissWriter interview series for In Your Ears Music. Tell us about you โ how did you start out in music, whatโs your story?ย
I guess it all started with an enrolment in a music summer camp when I was younger, and a few โcompulsoryโ music classes I took in school. At first, I didnโt take it all that seriously and I originally learned the piano and bass guitar just to look cool. Though I didnโt realise this at the time, it laid a foundation for me which Iโve built on over the years. I later picked up the guitar and got really into fingerpicking, started writing songs, then performing in music venues, then releasing music, and that brings us here really. I recently adopted the stage name โ Dr Fabola โ by combining my professional title (Computer Science PhD) and my surname (Fabola) for uniqueness ๐
Are there any stand out artists that influenced you when making music or that got you interested?ย
My style has been influenced by so many musicians over the years. Bob Dylanโs storytelling, Passengerโs fingerpicking, Tallest Man on Earthโs stage presence, Jack Johnsonโs calming vibes, Jason Mrazโs sweetness, I could go on, but you get the idea. Itโs all been a blend of my favourite soul, blues and roots musicianโs overtime.ย
What do you enjoy the most about performing?
I love the adrenaline, itโs such an amazing feeling. You feel the nerves, the buzz, the euphoria all at once. Thereโs a voice in your head saying โWhat if you forget the lyrics? What if you mess up the guitar part?โ. Thereโs the disbelief that thereโs a bunch of people that have taken time out of their day to come and listen to you play, thereโs the overwhelming sense of gratitude that for a few moments, you have a platform to spread a message. Itโs an amazing feeling ๐
Outside of music, what are your interests?ย
Outside of music, I enjoy writing for writingโs sake. I write stories, works of fiction, poetry (that sometimes feeds my music), and autobiographical journals. I also enjoy learning about technological innovations (I have a job in tech after all), and I enjoy being active, running, walking, all round moving โ it keeps me sane.
You have been called โthe best socks in the businessโ when did your love of footwear become a โthingโ?ย
Ha-ha, I think that’s what happens when convenience meets function. I love colour and patterns; I like to accessorize and mix things up. But I also like space and I adopt a bit of a minimalist mindset. My minimalist approach to my wardrobe means that I don’t have a lot of clothes, I have a few things that I can mix and match in many ways. This means that having lots of colourful socks – a drawer full of them – allows me to add variety and colour to these outfits, and ultimately, it brings me joy ๐
There is a growing crew of people on social media supporting the new music scene – what can we do to support you?ย
First of all, thanks for taking a chance on new music. Itโs heart-warming to know that there are so many people out there that still seek out new music. Thereโs hope for us yet ๐ย
In terms of supporting new artists, it always helps to spread the word, tell you friends and family about new artists, share their work and their posts, and if you can, go to gigs, buy their records, merch etc.ย
For me the most important thing, the best way you can support me is to share my music, there’s nothing quite as effective as organic growth ๐
Youโre playing The Sessions Live event in June in aid of Macmillan Cancer, what can we expect to see from you?ย
First of all, some colourful socks ๐ย
Music wise, you can expect a heartfelt, soulful acoustic set. There’ll be brand new songs and there’ll be old ones you’ve heard on my streaming profiles. All in all, there’ll be music that’ll make you feel good ๐
Whatโs next for you?ย
Got some releases coming up, keep an eye out for announcements. Also got some gigs lined up in the weeks leading up to, and after Easter, in London and Manchester. Announcements coming soonโฆ
Links to Dr Fabola:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drfabolaย
Twitter: www.twitter.com/drfabolaย
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drfabolaย
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXCNELeZjfGJ0oe9t3JBpgย
Website: www.adefabola.comย
So, if you havenโt already got your tickets for โThe Sessionsโ at Grub Manchester on Saturday 18th June, what are you waiting for?ย
There are some incredible artists playing and its for a fantastic cause. Early Bird Tickets available here >>> https://www.inyourearsmusic.com/etn/the-sessions-in-manchester/https://www.fatsoma.com/e/unev6d97/the-sessions-in-manchester-in-aid-of-macmillan-cancer-support