We caught up with Zach Ferrin from Fable Cry after our feature on their fantastic track ‘Dead or Alive (For Now) and the release of their album ‘We’ll Show You Where The Monsters Are’ to get to know Fable Cry a bit better and have a glimpse into their amazing theatrical world.
I wanted to do something that would be an outlet for all things that I enjoy – music, writing, performance, theatre, film, fun. So far, we’ve definitely been able to incorporate all of this and more into this little rock band.
Your style is very theatrical and cabaret- like why did you decide on that style?
I’ve always loved musicals and theatre. “Cabaret” is one of my favourite musicals, so it’s no surprise you catch some of that in what we do! It really wasn’t a decision to play or write a specific style, though. I wanted to start a band, and this is the type of music and songs that I like to play and write most.
You create very picturesque music and tell a story so well through your music is that something that comes naturally to you?
Oh, well thank you! It’s how I like to write and feel the most natural. I’m ever trying to grow, so I appreciate the compliment!
Your songs have spooky videos to match them, when you are writing the songs does the idea for the video play out in your head while you are writing the lyrics?
100% yes!
The songs are so intricate with different interludes etc. does it take a long time to plan all of that out before the finished product is ready?
Typically, yes. Some of the songs come together perfectly and practically write themselves. But mostly, there is a lot of cutting and pasting and experimenting with what sounds best. Until a song is recorded, it’s always going through small changes in the arrangement.
For the videos the sets and costumes are so detailed was it fun planning it all and filming it?
Oh absolutely! I’m an extremely visual and tactile person, so any time I can create something new and get my hands dirty, I’m having a blast. It’s also extremely enjoyable finding costumes that I, being a scarecrow of a man, normally couldn’t wear but that fit the other members of the band.
Can you tell us how you decided on the cover art for ‘ We’ll Show You Where The Monsters Are’ album?
The repeating theme throughout the album all circles around the dichotomy of the self. That we’re all made up of multiple parts, and ultimately we have to accept that. The image of us in the front, with our own monsters just lurking in the shadows behind us, represents that. Master your fears. Master your monsters!
From the video and songs each member of the band seem to have a strong character as if each of you are some elemental or larger than life character from a book, is this just a persona you put on for Fable Cry or is it a reflection of your real selves?
Every song and video is different, but usually we can’t help but put a bit (or a lot) of ourselves into the mix. For instance, Jo Cleary (Violin, Vocals), is terribly afraid of spiders. So in “Dead or Alive (For Now)” it was only natural that that would be what her character would be running from!
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
Ugh, making me choose my favourite baby! The first and last songs in the set are often my favourites. The first is where you break the ice and either reunite with previous fans, and/or introduce yourself to new ones. You’re putting yourself out there saying “look at me – whattaya think??” By the last song, hopefully everyone is dancing and well acquainted, so it is often the most bombastic.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
We were playing a show in Johnson City, TN and I was in mid-monologue between songs when this giant of a man came thundering in through the door. He looked extremely angry, and the whole room sort of turned, and I paused. Like a flip of a coin his face changed from anger to pure joy, as he exclaimed “who wants a hug??” I promptly set down my guitar and invited him on stage, acquiring the closest thing to a real life bear hug that I’ll ever experience.
Which of your songs are you most proud of and why?
Making me pick favies again! Lyrically, probably “The Good Doctor”. It draws the parallels between being an artist and being Victor Frankenstein. You dig up these “parts” of yourself from memories, experiences, and relationships, and you slap them all together to create something and, until you’ve released it into the world, you don’t really know how the world is going to react to it. I love that Mary Shelley was essentially drawing those parallels the whole time when she wrote the story. The song says a lot about what we deal with as musicians and artists, and was somewhat therapeutic for me to write.
Whats the best advise you have been given?
“If you want to hide the evidence, always make sure you have an even amount of socks when laundry day comes.” -big brother
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
We have never been, but always wanted to. I’m taking this as an invitation – so yes please!
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
Be confident, but realistic. Enjoy what you do, and find people who you enjoy being around. I think the biggest flaw I’ve seen in others’ mentality is having a “once we’re big” outlook. Understand that the second you name your band and decide to put your work out there, you’ve begun. It doesn’t start when you’ve reached a certain abstract goal like “making it.” Work NOW like it’s your job, enjoy every second of it, and enjoy the results as they come in. Hope for the best, but don’t expect unrealistic results to happen immediately, because you will most likely be disappointed. Be creative. Take risks. And don’t ever forget that you love music.
What is next for Fable Cry?
We have some really great local/regional shows throughout the Summer/Fall, while we dabble in creating some new material… Hopefully some of that will be surfacing in the Fall/Winter… Stay tuned!
