A voice that will simply stop you in your tracks, Feign Jima (pron. Faye-n Jee-mah), the project of Naarm/Melbourne based vocalist Jamie Fanning’s new EP ‘Funny How Things Turn Out’ is an inimitable and captivating debut, dedicated to relationships between family, friends and importantly, ourselves. Feign Jima cultivated a following across Triple J Unearthed, FBI radio and more. From here, her latest EP has received great praise for its tender lyricism, stripped-back instrumentation, rawness and honesty that will stay with you long after you’ve devoured the last note.

Armed with many questions, we sat down with Feign Jima to discuss her brand new EP and what she’s doing next!

Tell me a bit about the inspiration behind your new EP?

When I started writing this EP the world was seemingly falling to bits back when we were dealing with long COVID lockdowns in Melbourne. From there, it naturally made this window of time where I could do a lot of pondering, writing and tinkering which I had been denying myself for a long time. What came from that reflection was a lot of material that explored self-growth, self-love, and relationships.

What was the creative process when it came to creating ‘Funny How Things Turn Out’?

It honestly has no solidified process, I change it constantly which is a little by design. I think having a set routine wouldn’t work for me creatively, I like having spontaneity. I think the things that are always present that help inspire the process are cups of tea and listening to music whilst doing something mundane like the dishes, or reading.

Tell me a bit about your musical journey?

I grew up dancing my whole life which is where my love of music started. I was exposed to so many forms of music through different dance mediums like classical and jazz. My mum is Fiji-Indian, so I was also around a lot of Indian classical music as a kid and my dad was always playing the Aussie rock classics. I started taking music seriously when I left high school after deciding that dance wasn’t where I saw myself and that just naturally lead to creating my own music.

What would you like people to take away from your work?

I don’t really have a strong sense of what people should take away from my music, but if they do feel something while listening to it I think they will allow themselves to feel it completely and embrace whatever comes up for them.

Who are your greatest musical influences?

The list is never ending but some of my most treasured musical influences are Harry Nilsson, Broadcast, Mazzy Star, and lots of old show tunes.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?

I think if I didn’t choose music, I would have naturally been a dancer or a musical theatre performer. Something in that world for sure.

Lastly, what does the rest of 2022 have in store for you?

I am super excited to be performing my EP live on Friday the 8th of July at The Retreat Hotel in Melbourne with Winten & Arbes supporting! The rest of the year will see me playing more shows, while also piecing together a debut album.

You can listen to Feign Jima’s EP ‘Funny How Things Turn Out’ here and follow her here.