Rock star Felicia “Fefe” Dobson is returns to the public eye after a four year hiatus with her new album, Joy. Dobson recently performed her single Stuttering, on the CW hit “Hellcats,” and her songs can also be heard on the Vampire Diaries, as well as in promos for the film Whip It and the “Sims 3: World Adventures” computer game. Dobson attributes her love for music to growing up in a musically diverse atmosphere with her family that included rock ‘n’ roll, disco and funk. Rolling out talked to the Canadian rocker about her music, career, and what’s next on the agenda.
–christa e. jackson
How did you get your record deal?
I met a producer named Jay Levine and he produced my first record. He introduced me to his manager, Chris Smith who took me on as a client and I did a showcase for Island/Def Jam. Music executive Lyor Cohen liked me and I was signed to the label within a week.
Describe yourself musically?
I’m a hybrid of rock ‘n’ roll and pop music. Mainly I’m a black girl doing rock ‘n’ roll music.
Are most of the songs you write from personal experience?
Yes, The songs I write are mostly personal stories about myself. … I have to somehow relate to the story or concept. It’s like being a storyteller, it allows me to tell my story in a more honest way.
How has your music evolved?
When I made my first record I was only 16, so now I’m in my early 20s so naturally I’ve changed. My taste in music, the way I dress, think and act are all different. I see the world differently now so that has changed my music too.
Talk about your experience on the CW show, “Hellcats.”
It was crazy because everyone was so nice on set and they have been such big supporters of me … they have been celebrating my music on the show for the last month or so using my songs, Stuttering and Watch Me Move. They asked me to come on the show and play myself and perform “Stuttering” so Hellcats and I are best friends now.
Would you eventually like to get into acting yourself?
Yes, I would love to do some acting and get into that world at some point. All of the experiences I’ve had so far like on “True Jackson, VP” and “Hellcats” have all been very positive.
