Pitch Perfect

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Robbinsville native cuts 4th studio album

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  • Robbinsville native Ginger Fawcett recently released her first solo album, Fly on the Wall.
    Robbinsville native Ginger Fawcett recently released her first solo album, Fly on the Wall.
  • Ginger Fawcett is celebrating 20 years of performing on stage with the release of her first solo project.
    Ginger Fawcett is celebrating 20 years of performing on stage with the release of her first solo project.
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Ginger Fawcett put her heart and soul into her latest album.

The Robbinsville native stepped away from her band Liquid Ginger to record her first solo album, Fly on the Wall. The album was released earlier this year.

After a 20-year career, Fawcett took her time with this project, spending over 1 1/2 years cultivating the album.

“This album was extremely special to me, because I wrote every song on my own,” Fawcett said. “I had always depended on my band to deliver the music. I could hear it in my head; I knew what I wanted it to sound like. I could hear every instrument, but I didn’t have a way to share it with them, other than the melody itself.”

Liquid-less

Fawcett’s dependency on her band suddenly lessened when she purchased a piano, which opened up her musical exploration more than ever before.

“Buying a piano was the best decision I’ve ever made. My mind was suddenly open to new ideas,” she said. “I wrote every song on my piano. I was so fresh, rejuvenated and totally inspired. I worked so hard on this album, every day, until I finally felt like I had enough good material to take it to a producer.”

Fawcett did not have to look far for help with the production. She sought the services of Zack Odom, a multi-platinum producer based in Atlanta. Along with Kenneth Mount, Odom has worked with such artists as Usher, Whitney Houston and Elton John, so Fawcett knew her work was in good hands.

“I had worked with him at Tree Sound Studios with Liquid Ginger and absolutely loved his style and vision,” she said. “I knew my material had to be special for him to take on this project. We recorded and worked on my album for four months in the studio.

“They were phenomenal. Everything that I wanted, they achieved and went above and beyond all of my expectations, to make my experience extraordinary.”

Final product

A stark departure from the rock-based sound with her band, Fawcett’s solo album ventures more into the adult contemporary genre. Now based in Savannah, Ga., it’s evident that her seaside home has not deterred teachings from her youth in Robbinsville, where she would sing in churches and develop what would become her passion in life.

“I watched my aunt Janette sing on stage for years,” she said. “Every Fourth of July, at the Pavilion, with square dancing, cakewalks, fireworks and her beautiful voice ringing through the summer night. I truly believe she was quite possibly my first influence in music.

“All I knew was that’s what I wanted to do. Entertain. Be a singer. Be on stage.”

Her talents should not surprise anyone. To borrow a phrase, she comes by it honest.

“Both sides of my family had some incredible musicians and vocalists,” Fawcett said. “My dad – Steve Edwards – had the most beautiful voice. My uncle – Danny Edwards – could reach notes no man should ever be able to hit. My uncle Charlie played steel guitar for years and was a part of the Fontana Ramblers.

“My great-uncle – Harold Orr – played guitar and sang. My uncle Harrold Crisp played guitar beautifully and wrote amazing country songs; he was super inspiring as well. My great-uncles Maurice and Robert Orr sang with the Robbinsville Quartet, and my brother Stevie was an incredible, self-taught musician.

“Needless to say, music was in my blood.”

Fawcett’s more nationally known inspirations range from Stevie Nicks to Queen, Adele to Heart and Pink to Lady Gaga. All the talent she has surrounded herself with bleeds through in her solo project, where Fawcett dug deep into her life experiences. 

“Every song on this album has true meaning. Something I’ve experienced and lived through,” she said. “It’s about love, anger, commitment, change, being free, growing up, mistakes and coming out of horrible situations into a beautiful light. Everything we all go through as human beings.

“I initially wanted to be the Fly on the Wall – to observe the chaos and heartbreak of those who have hurt me in the past – but then I realized that people were observing me. They are listening to my words, they are experiencing my life through my songs, they are the Fly on the Wall.

“You’re a bit raw and vulnerable when you’re a writer, spilling out your truths and insecurities. I just hope that it reaches people, that it touches them, that they can envision themselves through my stories, and that they love the hooks and melodies. That’s what it all comes down to.”

Humble at heart

The album is available worldwide and has had more than 7,000 downloads since its release. But even with a career that has spawned tons of personal success, Fawcett has never forgotten her roots.

“I’ve been on stage with major artists, performed on stages so massive you wouldn’t believe your eyes,” she said. “The feeling is such a rush and your adrenaline is out of control. There’s nothing in the world like it.

“I try to visit Robbinsville at least twice a year. I love nothing more than waterfalls, mountain air, my mom’s fish frys and her cooking in general, boating on Lake Santeetlah, catching lightning bugs – fireflies to everyone else – and s’mores on the fire. My whole family is still there; it will forever be home.”

Fawcett’s website, GingerMusicNow.com, includes details on where and how to purchase her album. 

She is having an official album release party in the spring and “would love to see some hometown faces.”