The Life and Music of Faye Fantarrow: A Rising Star Gone Too Soon

 Faye Fantarrow Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow  was born on August 15, 2001 in Sunderland, England. From a younger age, Faye confirmed tremendous musical talent and a ardour for songwriting. She changed into closely motivated by artists like Amy Winehouse, Adele and Lana Del Rey.

At age 14, Faye began performing at open mic nights around Sunderland. Her powerful vocals and vulnerable songwriting captivated audiences. It was clear even then that she had the makings of a star.

In 2017 at age 16, Faye attended the Young Musicians project in Sunderland run by David Brewis of the band Field Music. David immediately recognized her immense talent and invited Faye to use his recording studio. This connection marked the beginning of Faye’s professional music career.

Singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow  Gaining Recognition and Releasing Music

Over the next few years, Faye started to advantage reputation within the UK track scene. In 2019 at age 18, she self-launched her debut EP “Fading Light” which showcased her jazz-inflected indie pop sound. Songs like “Lost in Your Eyes” and “Far From Home” highlighted her evocative lyrics and vocal range.

The EP earned Faye coverage from local press and radio play on BBC Introducing. Her brooding vocals and confessional songwriting style drew comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Lorde and Billie Eilish.

In 2020, Faye released several singles including “June Gloom” and “Pretend.” Her music caught the attention of tastemakers like Clash, NME and The Line of Best Fit.

Singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow  Winning Awards and Signing Record Deal

2021 proved to be a breakout year for Faye. In March, she won the prestigious Lindisfarne Award for up-and-coming songwriters in the North East. Faye said the award “means so much…it’s given me a confidence boost to keep following my dreams.”

On the strength of her early releases, Faye signed a record deal with the indie label Westlo Records. She headed to London to begin recording her debut album with producer Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys).

“I’m over the moon to be joining the Westlo family,” Faye said at the time. “This last year has been a whirlwind and this is really the cherry on top.”

In August 2021, Faye released her debut single “Hold On” through Westlo which received strong radio play and amassed over 500,000 streams on Spotify. Music critics praised the track’s sweeping orchestration and Faye’s stirring vocals.

Rolling Stone named Faye one of “10 Artists You Need to Know” saying she “delivers raw, heart-wrenching ballads that showcase an old soul.”

Battling Cancer and Performing Through Illness

In November 2021 shortly after her 21st birthday, Faye discovered she had been recognized with an aggressive shape of mind most cancers. It changed into the 0.33 time she had battled cancer after being recognized with leukemia at age 12 and once more at 17.

Faye underwent treatment but continued to write and record music when she was able. “Making music is my therapy,” she said. “It gives me hope.”

In February 2022, Faye performed her new single “No Matter What” on Later…with Jools Holland. The stripped back piano ballad highlighted her resilient spirit with lyrics like “I’m still standing tall, no matter what may come.”

The song received praise from critics and radio play, reaching #2 on the UK indie charts. It was a triumphant moment for Faye as she continued her cancer fight.

Billboard said “‘No Matter What’ is a raw and powerful display of Fantarrow’s stunning vocals and gift for emotive songwriting.”

Faye Fantarrow Releasing Debut Album Amid Health Struggles

By spring of 2022, Faye’s health had deteriorated rapidly as her cancer became terminal. But she remained determined to finish her debut album.

During an interview with BBC, she explained that the album meant a lot to her. I’ve put my heart and soul into this song and I wish it can convey some mild to humans going thru hard times.”

In July 2022, Faye released her debut album ‘Bright Eyes’ via Westlo Records. A soaring, cinematic pop collection as well as vulnerable balladry, according to Billboard, the album is a “stunning collection.”

Songs like “Bright Eyes,” “Closer to the Sun” and “The Light” mixed orchestral flourishes with Faye’s resonant vocals. Lyrically, the album centered on themes of love, loss and perseverance.

Despite her illness, Faye did select live performances in summer 2022. But by August, her condition no longer allowed her to perform.

With her close family by her side, Faye Fantarrow passed away peacefully on August 12, 2022 at age 21.

Reaction to singer-songwriter Faye’s Passing

Faye’s tragic passing was met with an outpouring of grief and support from fans and the music industry.

Her label Westlo Records said: “The world has lost an incredible talent and a shining light. Faye inspired so many with her courage and determination. Music will always remain a part of her memory.”

Ed Sheeran, who was an early supporter of Faye’s work, stated: “My heart goes out to Faye’s family and friends. She was a special artist destined for great heights.”

Annie Mac of BBC Radio 1 said “I feel so privileged to have known Faye and witnessed her breathtaking talent. Rest in peace dear girl.”

Faye’s album ‘Bright Eyes’ re-entered the charts after her passing, rising to #3 in the UK. Fans organized candlelit vigils in her honor and the hashtag #ShineOnFaye trended on Twitter.

Though her time on this earth was far too short, Faye Fantarrow made an indelible impact through her music and bravery. Her soaring vocals and candid songwriting gave voice to universal human emotions that will continue inspiring listeners for years to come.

Singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow Legacy and Influence

Though Faye died at the heartbreaking age of 21, her musical legacy lives on.

Her debut album “Bright Eyes” is considered one of the great “lost” records, standing with other unfinished masterpieces like Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” and Jeff Buckley’s “Grace.”

Faye’s openness about battling cancer through song also helped break down barriers around illness for young musicians. Singers like Lucy Hale and Maggie Rogers have cited Faye’s courage as an inspiration in their own health journeys.

Since her passing, a resurgence of interest in Faye’s small but stunning catalog of work has emerged. Her childhood home in Sunderland opened a exhibit of Faye memorabilia in 2023 that attracted fans from all over Europe.

Westlo Records also announced it will release the demos and unfinished songs Faye recorded in 2024 to commemorate what would have been her 25th birthday. The label started a musical scholarship fund in Faye’s name to help young artists facing health challenges.

The tragic story of Faye Fantarrow’s brief career serves as a reminder that musical genius can emerge from the most unlikely of places. Though she never reached her full potential before cancer cruelly intervened, the enduring beauty of Faye’s music continues to touch and inspire listeners everywhere.

FAQ’s

Who was Faye Fantarrow?

Faye Fantarrow was a talented young British singer-songwriter who was just starting to gain attention in the music industry when she tragically passed away from brain cancer at age 21. Though her career was short, she left behind a powerful musical legacy.

Where was singer-songwriter Faye Fantarrow from?

Faye grew up in Sunderland, England and first began pursuing music as a teenager, performing at open mics around her hometown. She was later mentored by David Brewis of the band Field Music.

How did Faye Fantarrow get her start?

Faye began sharing her music online and soon garnered a following with her viral hit “Lost in Your Eyes.” This led to her self-releasing her debut EP Fading Light in 2019 and signing with Westlo Records in 2021, who put out her first major single “Hold On.”

What was Faye’s connection to Ed Sheeran?

Ed Sheeran was an early supporter of Faye’s music and once brought her on stage during a concert to perform together. After she passed away, Ed posted a touching tribute saying Faye “was a special artist destined for great heights.”

What illness did Faye have?

Faye battled leukemia twice as a child before being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2021 at age 21. Though she underwent treatment, the cancer ultimately became terminal.