Fefe Dobson talks Heart-Break, Racism, the Rihanna Beef (that wasn’t) & Joy

Over mimosas and brunch at Bus Boys & Poets I pulled my tape recorder out (she said it was cute, I said I call it my lil dildo); Fefe gave me her story. Of course not her whole life story, but bits and pieces that folks would be amazed at. Like the fact that this Canadian chicka is bi-racial (her mother is white, father is black), grew up poor, and thought she was Michael Jackson when she was little.  “Growing up…i usta wear wife beaters. We had this fan from Wal-mart….I would stand there in my wife beater, in front of the fan and yell ‘ohhhhh’ (in her best Michael Jackson voice). I’d have my hair blowing and grab my crotch…that’s what I wanted to be growing up.” She continued, “as a kid, I was teased; some people wore their sister’s hand-me-downs. Me? I wore my uncle’s hand-me-downs–I couldn’t afford lunch…so i usta sing them a song for money…”

Clearly, she’s not the only child that grew up poor or who loved Michael Jackson – or even imitated him – but she is one of the few African American female singers in the rock & roll genre. When you hear of her musical background, it makes sense. “It’s kinda interesting….I was submerged in music. It (music) was always there. My mom was playing Michael (Jackson), Janet (Jackson), Phil Collins, Donna Summers…Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley…Bob Marley was played once a day. My sister played Guns N roses, Smashing Pumpkins—she was into that grunge scene. So i would literally sit and listen to those different genres at the same time. You are what you eat…when you’re a kid especially. A lot of music I found later on…I learned about the Beatles when I was 16.”

When she explained her diverse musical taste, it made sense to me. Next, we immediately jumped lightly into the subject of race and Rock & Roll. There are a few people of color in the genre that she’s a fan of. “I love Jimmy Hindrex, Tracy Chapman…I personally never saw it as an issue. (Starting off in the industry) We kept being told no. I never really saw it (racism within the genre) until…until I saw it. I got messages from the KKK…people telling me to back off, don’t do this kind of music–in 2011…it’s just ridiculous. A person’s color or gender should not determine whether they can do anything.” (Sidebar: She did clarify that the so-called KKK identified themselves as such, but it could have been anyone.)

After going down heart-break-memory lane, we talk about things more refreshing–like her musical process. This is my favorite question to ask artists because although it sounds standard, they all have a unique appreciation for their art. On her favorite part of the musical process she explained, “When I’m writing it’s a way for me to get out all of those crazy feelings…and reflecting…I write in my journal and sometimes I write songs from my journal entries. Being on stage is like crazy because that’s when I get to let my hair down and get wild….I connect with my audience…and the people that have supported me….getting in the mix of the music…getting in the bottom.” I ask her to further explain, and she can’t put it into words. “I hafta get in it…I hafta get underneath it…”

Post our interview, she was headed to Baltimore for a show, so I asked her how she preps for a concert. “An hour before my show….I don’t do anything crazy…before I go on I’ll jump around….I’ll put my iPod on and listen to songs that get my spirit right…make me feel a certain way….music really does carve out your emotions.” Speaking of iPods, your girl listens to a little bit of everything. “I don’t really listen to my own stuff…I’m not the type of person to sit and listen to my own stuff….I just got back from Nashville. On my way to D.C. I listened to a lot of Johny Cash. I listen to stuff I grew up on–Lisa-Lisa, Lionel Richie. I love Kanye’s new album….I just heard the Kills….I’m a fan of Wiz Khalifa…I’m so stoked for him.” She shared that she’d love to collaborate with a number of artists like Kid Kudi, MGMT, Jack White, the White Stripes and Cee-Lo.

Speaking of other artists, I brought up an old semi-rumor/invisible beef that came out a while back between her and Rihanna. The issue, that never was one between the two artists, was that folks were saying that Rihanna jacked Fefe’s style. When asked this question, Fefe explained, “We’re both edgy…differently edgy…if people listen to the music it’s completely different. Comparisons are natural.” I interject and ask if there was ever any actual beef between Fefe and Rihanna. “I think my fans had more beef than I had. I make the music I love; it’s a blessing. And I try very hard to stay outta the mix of negativity and maybe down the road she and I will do a song together.”

Totally off topic but a perfect way to end the interview (and since we were sipping on Mimosas) I did try to get into her love life but no luck there ;-) I asked her straight up, “Fefe, what’s up with your love life?” Especially after the explanation of her single, “Can’t Breathe.” In between giggles she shared, “I’m on the road, so it’s really hard.” After a few photos, some suggestions on where to find skinny jeans downtown, we complimented each other’s hair (she had a few feathers–literally–in her hair) hugged and parted ways. For all things Fefe, visit her web site, fefedobson.com.