Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Felice has been singing her whole life. Her first cry sounded more like she was belting out a note than a scream. Growing up in Torrington, Connecticut, Felice spent her time singing in any choir/a cappella group she could join. She studied abroad with the Berklee College of Music while attending college and eventually graduated with her B.A. in Visual Media Arts from Emerson College.
What or who inspired you to begin a career in music?
My interest in music began as early as I can remember. My dad would play guitar after dinner and sing me lullabies, my sister Alison starred in multiple local and school musicals, and my sister Maura inspired me to follow in her footsteps and join my school’s band and choir, eventually participating in regional festivals.
I grew up seeing Indie and folk artists like Nickel Creek, Ingrid Michelson, and The Duhks. The older I got, the more interested I became in jazz, R&B, and pop, and the less interested I was in showtimes and bluegrass. Now, I use my favorites aspects of these genres and inspirations to cultivate my own sound.
What differs you and your sound from other artists in the music industry?
I have a very strong sense of self that I have branded as my artistic persona. My personality is ingrained in every aspect of my musicality, from my sound to my music videos, to my Instagram captions. I have really built my artistic identity around my personal identity, and will always carry that authenticity with me.
Your latest track, ‘Game Over’ is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the release?
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that like many of my songs, Game Over is about a relationship that didn’t quite work out the way I hoped it would. I wrote it a day or so before a show I had and really wanted to play it, so I sent a voice note over to the band and asked if they would be down to add it to the set. At the time, I was really into Simple Love by Lindsey Lomis, and was covering that song at the same show. I think the band pulled some inspiration from that tune and improvised this super jazzy and smooth arrangement that I immediately fell in love with.
I used that live performance as a reference with my producer who kept the jazzy feel but added some more unique touches. One of my managers suggested making a vintage jazz poster for the cover, and I immediately knew that was the perfect idea. I think the overall style came together seamlessly.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
It’s hard to say because everything I write is based on personal experience, and typically things that have really impacted me. Of the songs I’ve already released, It’s All My Fault probably holds the most meaning for me. It’s about a really toxic relationship in which I was constantly gaslit and made to feel like I was always to blame. I’m working on another one right now that I’m hoping to include in my upcoming EP called The Honeymoon Phase, and that one is probably the most meaningful to me right now. That one really breaks my heart. It’s a more recent song and the feelings I had when I wrote it are still fresh and apparent now.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments?
I got to perform at a Bernie Sanders Super Tuesday Event at the Echoplex in 2020 and that was really something special. Reggie Watts and Theophilus London played sets after me too, which was so cool. That was definitely the biggest crowd I’ve played for. Another standout moment was when my friend Leo flew me out to New York to play a show at The Cutting Room. We didn’t know each other too well at the time, but he heard me singing on Instagram and asked me to sing vocals on his album. I was extremely honored that he liked my voice enough to feature me and bring me out to one of his biggest shows. We sold out the venue, they even had to open it up to the bar to fit everyone. It was so much fun.
Another moment that comes to mind is when I was really little and singing along to Halo while my sister played it on guitar. I remember my dad looking at my mom and saying “she’s really good.” He was so sincere, it really meant a lot to me.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Stop waiting. I knew music was what I wanted since I was a child but I didn’t admit that to myself or allow myself to pursue it until I was in my 20s. I promise, you can do anything you want to, you just have to do it. All it takes is recognition, confidence, and drive.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
I’m working on a few other songs right now and am planning to release an EP in the near future. I don’t have a date yet, because in the past I’ve rushed releases, so I’m trying to really take my time with it until I’m really happy with the product I have. But it’s coming and I can’t wait to share these songs with everyone. I’m also planning a music video and will definitely have many more of those. It’s my favorite part of the process for sure.
Anything else you would like to add?
Stream my newest single Game Over on all streaming platforms! You can also find the four other songs I’ve released online. If you like what you hear, check out my Instagram and TikTok pages to stay up to date on my life and musical journey! I’m cooking up lots of new things that I’m excited to share. My astrologer said the next few years are looking up for me, so if you get hip can say you were here from day one 🙂
‘Game Over’ is available now via Spotify and all major platforms.
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