Fairuza is new to the Ōtepoti music scene, but is making a quick and strong presence. As one of the few gender queer bands in Dunedin, Fairuza have established themselves as the band to follow. Only forming this year, members Phaedra (guitar/vocals), Lucy (bass/vocals) and Vzynn (drums/vocals) have managed to open up for Vera Ellen and Soft Plastics. Critic Te Ārohi caught up with Phaedra and Lucy to inquire on the bands quick success.
The name Fairuza comes from the 1996 cult classic film The Craft which stars actress Fairuza Balk. “It was my manager’s partner’s idea,” shares Phaedra. “She thought it would be a cool band name and we liked it.” The film itself is about a group of girls who use witchcraft against their enemies which has inspired the tone of the group, even naming a song ‘Fairuza’ and using dialogue from the film as lyrics. “We liked the magic vibe and especially with no men in the group.” Phaedra started playing guitar at ten, while Lucy started piano at eight and has since learnt guitar, clarinet and bass specifically for Fairuza.
Their songs consist of themes of magic, independence and heartbreak. Talking about the songwriting process, Lucy shares their “writing is mainly feeling-based. I like words that sound cool together.” For Phaedra, it’s a lot more abstract.“I will write a lyric and then figure out what it might mean and then the song would be about that.” Both Lucy and Phaedra also pull from lyrics they’ve written in the past, with Lucy compiling all their potential lyrics ever in a document and Phaedra even incorporating lyrics she had written when she was 17.
“I want to write more narrative based stuff,” Lucy shares. “I’m really into astrology right now.” The band has an equal share in the writing process, both lyrically and musically, and describe the sound as reminiscent of Look Blue Go Purple, The Chills, Warpaint and other Dunedin Sound acts. Phaedra cites Vera Ellen as an influence and was excited that they were able to open for Vera. “I talk about her too much. We actually hugged.”
The band may seem limited, only consisting of guitar, bass and drums, but a fresh lyrical perspective, unique vocals that are both confident and vulnerable, and a talent for finding catchy melodies make Fairuza a stand-out in the male dominated scene. “I think it’s cool being a female/gender queer band in Dunedin since there are very few,” shares Phaedra. Lucy is also in Riot Gull, a popular gender queer band in Dunedin, and had Fairuza open for their Goodbye Gull show. Fairuza seems only to improve more and more each gig, becoming more comfortable in themselves and the music they play which is why they are one of the most exciting bands to see in Ōtepoti.
You can catch Fairuza at this year’s Dankfest, the iconic annual two-night event at The Crown on the 25-26 August. They’re also part of the upcoming project, Ōtepoti Music Compilation, which brings together a compilation of music by wāhine and gender-diverse musicians of Dunedin. You can follow Fairuza on Instagram at @fairuzaband for updates on upcoming gigs and events.