Exclusive Interview with Canadian Electronic Artist Famba

Famba, born as Ryan Pettipas, is one of the fastest-rising artists in the Canadian electronic dance music scene. This artist is also a self-taught guitarist and drummer. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Famba started his career in 2016 when he was introduced to fellow countryman, deadmau5. After meeting the legendary DJ, he got hooked into EDM and his breakout moment occurred after releasing a collaborative record with Frank Pierce called, “Vibe”.

In 2019, Famba released two Gold-certified singles, “Wish You Well” featuring Trove and “Swear to God”. Another top single, “Storm” featuring Kyra Mastro, claimed the #1 spot on the Mediabase Dance chart and #4 on Billboard Dance Airplay. Earlier this year, he released his latest single titled, “I Feel Your Pain”. Here is One EDM’s exclusive interview with Famba, the talented DJ and producer from Halifax who is currently based in Toronto.

Kenny Ngo: How’s everything been going for you in this quarantine?

Things have been great actually. With everything that has been going on I’ve been trying to stay positive and productive. I have SO much new music ready to come out. I also just got a puppy!

For people who aren’t familiar with your music, what is your musical style like in your own words?

I make dance music with pop elements. In my opinion, I always have a hard time defining my sound because I’m still new as an artist. I still have all of these ideas and ambitions that I haven’t been able to fully grasp yet. But as time goes on I think you can start to hear a song and know that I produced it. I just have a hard time explaining it myself which is weird, I know.

You recently worked with Trove in producing “Wish You Well” last year. How was it like working with him?

It was fantastic working with Drew! He’s absolutely hilarious and has an incredible voice. A winning combo in my eyes! Wish You Well was my first ever song on the radio, that was an amazing experience for everyone involved. I still remember the first time I heard it on the radio.

One of your other tracks in 2019, “Storm”, reached #1 on the US Mediabase Dance Radio Airplay Chart. How did you react when you found that “Storm” reached that position?

First off I want to give my manager, Jared, a shoutout for believing in the song as much as he did. If it wasn’t for his ambition it likely wouldn’t have gotten the attention it received. I was floored when I found it it went #1! As an artist you just make all of these different songs and pray it will be received well. I always had a feeling Storm was special and I’m humbled that so many people like the song.

You recently released your latest track, “I Feel Your Pain”, featuring David Aubrey. How was the production on the track like?

That song took FOREVER to get right. The lyrics and songwriting were so powerful I needed to do them justice with the production. It took many different forms before I landed on the final version… For me songs either come instantly or take months, there’s no in-between unfortunately.

Were there any pros and cons during the production of the track?

A lot of it was trial and error, and a lot of different arrangement ideas. At first there was 2 pre courses, then none, then one pre chorus. There was no bridge initially as well. My production style most times is throwing shit at a wall and seeing if it sticks.

What do you think of Young Bombs’ remix of the track?

They killed it! We knew they would have the perfect sauce on the remix. They took it into an incredibly interesting direction. Love those guys, always a riot whenever I see them!

Did you do or watch anything cool during your quarantine?

I’ve been pretty lame during this to be honest. I’ve just been making new music and playing Animal Crossing haha. But I did just get a sweet little puppy named Frodo. He’s adorable!

What is one thing you would like to do once the quarantine is over?

Party, that is all.