biographical info
"Their music induces pensive, mellow, and occasionally dejected emotions, largely due to Brummel’s despondent vocals, which are matched by a consistently skillful accompaniment." Lydia Lee, The Fulcrum
It has now been over a year of the current configuration of "THE FAYS"--the band, from Ottawa. Consisting of Derek Quinlan (lead guitar), Mississippi "Matt" Kidd (bass), Dave Edwards (drums) and James Brummel (vocals, rhythm guitar); THE FAYS have moved from the studio to the stage. Starting their recording careers in the early 90's and more recently with a demo in 2008, they have since been performing and recording with Mike Dubue (HILOTRONS, Empiricals, Boycrusher, &c.) and Tara Holloway everywhere from the Shanghai Restaurant and Avant Guard to Zaphod Beeblebrox.
No one in band has a beard, at least, not right now. They don't wave any flags, have brass sections, use ukuleles, xylophones, or frolic in the wilderness, or even particularly like each other. Most of them were born in the 70's, and don't have any particular fondness for the 80's. Not that the 70's were that great a decade either. Regardless, THE FAYS do not try to sound as if they were from any decade in particular. What do they do do? Well--at this point, the band feels more comfortable talking about what they don't do. So don't ask. It makes them paranoid...
lineup
Adam James Brummel vox & guitar butcher
Dave Edwards drummer
influences
Will Oldham
Kurt Cobain
Frank Black
Joe Strummer
Tom Waits
Jonathan Richman
Tara Holloway
Michael Dubue
Sid Barrett
Brian Wilson
John Coltrane
Hank Williams
Woody Guthrie
George Harrison
Beck
Bjork
Bob Dylan
David Bowie
Hayden
Charles Mingus
Morrissey
Rick White
Blur
Nick Drake
Joni Mitchell
New York Dolls
They Might Be Giants
Strange Nursery
Youth Youth Youth
Jello Biafra
Beastie Boys
Phleg Camp
The Velvet Underground
John Prine
Ludacris
K'naan
K-OS
Daniel Johnston
Andrew Vincent
Slint
Tortoise
Ween
Iggy Pop
T-Rex
Dr. Dre
Bikini Kill
Geinoh Yamashirogumi
Bully Pulpit
Panel Donor
The Ramones
Abitt Krunikk
Archers of Loaf