As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Issue 19 – Spring 2022
Faith Lyn is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer from South Carolina. Faith performs her own music, working as a songwriter and a freelancer supporting other notable performing acts. In this interview, she shares some of her favorite parts of being a musician and her perspective on Black Womanhood.
So tell us where you are from and what instrument(s) you play.
I am originally from Charleston, SC. I play guitar, violin, and piano.
How long have you been playing, and when did you know you wanted to be a musician?
I’ve been playing for over ten years. I found out when I was 12 that I had a knack for songwriting, and from there, I began to grow my craft.
What is the best part about being a musician?
It’s the release for me. I love being able to share a universal language with so many people, whether you are a musician or not. It feels like I have no communication barriers.
What do you think of when you hear “Black History Month”?
I think of every month of my entire life. It’s a different feeling to walk in these shoes and consciously be aware of my difference. I love it.
Is there a specific Black creative that inspires you? Why?
Tracy Chapman has always been a huge influence. I love how much she dares to be different, even beyond her music, but in her lifestyle. I am truly fond of that confidence.
Why do you think it is important to pay homage to the Black creatives that came before us? Why do you think the world needs to learn about our Black History?
We have to keep a voice. Once you stop talking about something, it slowly fades away. Black creatives had a heavy influence on the music industry. I owe anything I have been able to do to them.
What are your current studio and live performance setups? Is it any different?
I am currently signed to an amazing startup label called LOS. They are my family here in Atlanta, GA. I perform locally around the city on guitar and violin.
What does it mean to be a Black woman to you?
Being a Black woman has been my best luck yet. The perspective is crazy. I am a minority twice over, and it takes living this life to truly understand what that means, but I have the biggest appreciation for the challenges that come with that, especially in this industry.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your eight-year-old self looking up to the adult version of you?
Never stop trying. So many times, I paused myself because of emotional instability or purely being discouraged. I would tell little Faith to throw those thoughts away because they won’t mean a thing but a lyric in the future.