Faye Webster is a 26-year-old, third generation musician from Atlanta, GA who has made a lasting impression on the music industry with her blending of classic rock melodies, folk instrumentalism, and r&b beats. Her sound is unique and takes inspiration from a variety of genres like blues, country, indie rock and 70s pop.

Her career started at 16, when she self-produced her debut album “Run and Tell.” However, Webster sort of flew under the radar, opening for other artists, until her 2019 release, “Atlanta Millionaires Club,” which peaked at #25 on the US Billboard Charts. Soon after, she embarked on her first headlining tour across the US and Canada and played legendary music festivals like Austin City Limits, Music Midtown and Prima Vera Barcelona. Her song “Better Distractions” was even listed on Barack Obama’s Favorite Music of 2020 list. Since then, Webster has released 2 EPs and 2 albums that have amassed over 1 billion streams. This year, she will be playing Coachella and South By South West Festivals.

There’s one word to describe Faye Webster’s sold out show at the House of Blues Orlando: vibey. She is currently touring across the US, promoting her fifth studio album, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” as well as playing hits across her entire discography. Before Webster hit the stage, the crowd chanted her name over and over as the wait grew shorter. The show opened with “But Not Kiss,” a beat-heavy track, paired with her soft voice and alternating tempos as the song progresses. Webster’s wide vocal range is highlighted in this song whenever she almost growls “YEAH, YEAH.” The song’s up and down nature is thought provoking and very enjoyable to listen to live and the long instrumental introduction built up the anticipation in the room. Her song “Kind of” that followed soon after uses the same technique.

Something about each one of Faye Webster’s songs gives off a childlike curiosity, yet a mature mindset. Her discography centers around relationships and her feelings, with lyrics that are emotional but intellectually written. Her sound is shy and reserved, yet she speaks eloquently about complex emotions.

To add to the list of things that make Faye Webster unique: her live band features a pedal steel guitar, which is a rarity. The utilization of this instrument elevated the tonality of the strings in her performance and was honestly cool to watch. Webster also played one of her album namesakes, “I Know I’m Funny haha,” which had the crowd chanting again, but this time it was the “ha ha’s” peppered throughout the upbeat, surf rock track.

Webster closed the night with her hit song “Kingston,” which recently trended on Tik Tok, earning it a Gold certification. This song exemplifies the Faye Webster brand, with the inclusion of piano, strings, horns, and her full band. The echoing ending to the track was a great way to finish off the night because it left you wanting her to continue and never ever stop.

Overall, the growing recognition Faye Webster has earned the past 4 years is deserved. Her live sets sound exactly like the recorded versions, which is also very admirable. Her sound is current and modern, yet has a nostalgic, classic vibe. Catch her on tour across the US this spring for a night of head-bobbing good vibes.

Review & Photos by: Emily Tonnessen

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Faye Webster’s Sold Out Show at House of Blues Orlando: Dreamy, Melodious & Surprising