Part of one of PensEyeView’s favorite circles of musicians, Schuyler Fisk is our latest feature who is helping redefine the sound and chic of the true singer/songwriter. Her work and ties to other great artists (and PEV alums) such as Cary Brothers, and fellow Hotel Café Tour member, Joshua Radin are just some of the examples of the movement we’ve been in love with since beginning the site over two years ago.

Building up an impressive fan base (becoming one of the top indie artists on MySpace), Fisk’s attention grabbing yet pleasantly sweet voice and true songwriting ability has led to her debut release, “The Good Stuff.” The material paints a picture that is Schuyler Fisk – she says “When you listen to my songs on this record, you can see where I've been and what my life's been like and what I've gone through for the past few years. This record is very much me and exactly the record I wanted to make as my debut record.” It’s hard to describe the precise musical theme behind the collection, and Fisk can certainly tell you why… It covers all of her musical bases: “indie, folk, rock, pop, alt-country, blues, jazzy, beachy, singer/songwriter.” In other words – you’re going to appreciate something about this album, no matter who you are.

Fisk’s tunes have already been featured on Zach Braff’s film, “The Last Kiss” as well the Reese Witherspoon produced flick, “Penelope,” so chances are you’ve heard her before. And if you’re asking yourself, “Didn’t I see her on TV somewhere?” Chances are you’re a fan of “Orange County” and/or “One Tree Hill.” While it’s clear that Fisk is busy, she’ll also soon be hitting the road as well as dropping more records later this year. For now, check the schedule, check out “The Good Stuff” and get into the XXQ’s.
   
XXQs: Schuyler Fisk

PensEyeView.com (PEV): Tell us how you first got started in the music
business? Has playing music always been something you’ve wanted to do?

Schuyler Fisk (SF): I started playing and writing music when I was about 14. I did it as
a hobby and for fun - another creative outlet. I moved out to LA to work on films and acting, and a few filmmakers I worked with heard the music I was writing and asked me to record it for the soundtracks. That was the first time I really thought about making
music so other people could hear it. Before that it was really just for me.

PEV: What kind of music where you listening to growing up? What was the first concert you attended? Who is on your iPod right now?

SF: Growing up I listened to artists like Bonnie Raitt, Ricki Lee Jones, The Allman Brothers, The Beatles, and Patsy Cline.  The first concert I attended actually might have been Reba McEntire. On my iPod now are artists like The Weepies, Adele, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Tom Petty, and Feist.

PEV: Tell us about your creative process. What kind of environment do you have to be in to make music?

SF: It's really different every time. When I'm writing I usually like to be alone without distraction. Most times that means I end up in my room, on my bed, in the studio, or just at home on my sofa.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Schuyler Fisk show?

SF: They can expect to have a good time and hear the songs sounding different from the album. They will see a very honest, raw part of me.

PEV: Tell us about your first live performance. How have you changed since that first show to where you are now?

SF: Wow, it's changed so much! I'm not sure what actually counts as my first live performance. I used to play a lot of open mic nights and talent shows, but those don't count, right? I guess at my first real show I was terrified! I randomly got the chance to play at this amazing venue called Wolftrap in Vienna, VA opening for Dan Folgelberg. I never played a show before, and there I was playing for about 8,000 people! I was terrified at first, but once I got going I had no fear. I remember just loving how all those people were focused on me and thinking, "I'm am really cut out for this!" I think my shows now are a little more connected with the audience than they were then. I'm constantly learning and my show is always getting better. I certainly don't know everything yet!

PEV: What can fans expect from your debut release, The Good Stuff?

SF: They will get a sneak peak into my actual life! (laughs) But really, when you listen to my songs on this record, you can see where I've been and what my life's been like and what I've gone through for the past few years. This record is very much me and exactly the record I wanted to make as my debut record. but i have lots of ideas and places I'd like to travel musically for the next one!

PEV: How is The Good Stuff different from other albums out right now?

SF: Tough question.  I'm not sure how to answer that, but I will say this record is ME and that's the only ME record out there now.

PEV: How would you describe your sound? And what do you think it is about the your style that has made you so successful?

SF: I would describe my sound as indie, folk, rock, pop, alt-country, blues, jazzy, beachy, singer/songwriter. How's that? (laughs) It's a little bit of everything since I was inspired by so many different genres of music. I think people have connected to my music because I write about things that are easy to connect with emotionally... and hopefully it just makes them feel something.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?

SF: I went to see the Britney show when she came to LA (my girlfriends took me).

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

SF: When I was about 20, I just made a decision that I was going to focus on it.

PEV: What one word best describes Schuyler Fisk?

SF: Real.

PEV: As musicians, you live a lot of your life on the road. How is life on the road for you? Best and worst parts? Any fun stories?

SF: I love it! The best part is the bond you form with the band you're touring with. Also, all the places you get to see and people you get to meet. The worst parts are what you have to leave behind.  I miss my loved ones and my dog!

PEV: Do you find yourself often going back to one theme in your songwriting over another?

SF: Love and relationships have been big themes in my music.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your success? What’s it like when you get to play at your hometown?

SF: They've been great - supportive from the beginning. Playing a hometown show is the best, but a little nerve racking!

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

SF: Playing with my dog, being with my friends, going to the beach, traveling... tons of things!

PEV: Having played with many great acts in music is there still one artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

SF: I'd love to collaborate with Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin and Tom Petty because they have inspired me so much!

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

SF: ME! (laughs) My friends Jessie Baylin and Tim Myers are both wonderful and amazing!

PEV: If you weren’t playing music, what would you most likely be doing for a career?

SF: I'd continue acting.  I like doing both.

PEV: Tell us what an average day is like for you?

SF: It depends on what is going on in my life at the time. If I'm making a record, I'm in the studio from about 11am-8pm everyday. If I'm writing for a record, I'm writing everyday from about 11am-7pm or so. When I'm on the road we are traveling all the time from city to city and playing shows every night. It's a pretty grueling schedule, but worth it!

PEV: So, what is next for Schuyler Fisk?

SF: My b-sides record is being released soon, we are booking a fall tour, about to record a Christmas record, and shoot my first music video. That's what around the corner for me!