Photo Credit Emily Tingley
By Selena Haynes | Photos By Emily Tingley
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, few artists embody the spirit of authenticity and activism as deeply as Fimone. A singer-songwriter with a talent for weaving personal narratives into powerful anthems, Fimone has carved a space uniquely her own. Her music is more than melody; it’s a declaration of resilience, a tribute to self-reliance, and a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling.
From Poetry to Songwriting: A Lifeline of Vulnerability
Fimone’s journey into music began as a way to process life’s challenges. What started as simple journaling evolved into songwriting — her way of coping, healing, and understanding herself. “Once I wrote that first song, I never stopped,” she explains. Fimone processes her life through music, expressing vulnerability naturally rather than intentionally, and has learned that this unfiltered honesty is what truly connects with others.
This raw openness has become her signature, resonating with listeners who find solace and strength in her lyrics. Fimone’s songs are honest and unfiltered, often touching on themes of love, loss, and personal growth, drawing listeners into a shared experience of humanity.
Inspiration from the Past: Norma Wallace’s Legacy
One of Fimone’s most intriguing projects stems from an unexpected source: Norma Wallace, the last madam of New Orleans. After reading “The Last Madam” by Chris Wiltz, Fimone felt an irresistible pull toward Wallace’s story. The biography opened a window into a world of defiance and survival that deeply resonated with the artist.
“My first trip to New Orleans led me to Norma’s former house,” Fimone recalled. “I met the current owner, who introduced me to the book’s author. Over the years, I spent countless weeks there, steeped in the house’s energy.” This journey culminated in her recording an EP in the very rooms where Wallace once lived — a space alive with history.
Recording in the Shadows of History
In 2019, Fimone set out to record her EP “Fascination” in Norma’s house. “We turned the third-floor apartment into this great, great studio,” she explained. With Grammy-winning producer Greg Majors by her side, they embraced the challenges of recording outside a traditional studio. The unique energy of the house is impossible to replicate. They sought that genuine feel, even if it required making adjustments to the acoustics on the fly.
The centerpiece of the EP, “The Guide,” is both an homage to Wallace and a personal declaration of autonomy. The song incorporates actual audio of Wallace’s voice, creating a haunting bridge between past and present. “Norma taught me to trust myself,” Fimone said. “It’s sort of my anthem to what Norma taught me, and what I learned from Norma, which is, trust yourself, trust your intuition, [and] be your own guide.”
A Personal Anthem of Sobriety and Strength
“The Guide” also speaks to Fimone’s decade-long journey of sobriety. “There’s a line in the song: ‘I know it hurts when you miss how it tastes, as it rolls down your throat and burns off all that rage.’ It’s about confronting pain without numbing it.” Sobriety, for Fimone, has been a path to self-reliance, a theme woven into every note of “Fascination.”
Activism Through Art
Fimone, as a woman married to another woman, sees her presence in the music industry as an act of activism. She believes that living authentically is a form of activism, emphasizing that the existence and stories of people like her are important. She is deeply committed to representation, recognizing the significance of visibility for marginalized communities. For her, anyone from a marginalized group sharing their story is automatically engaging in activism.
Breaking Boundaries: Age, Identity, and Pride
Fimone’s career defies traditional industry narratives. She left nursing school at 28 to pursue music full-time, realizing her passion was stronger than societal expectations. “Women in the industry are often told there’s a time limit, but I believe we only get better with age,” she asserted. “Our 40s, 50s, and beyond are our most powerful years.”
One of her proudest moments was performing at Bridgestone Arena for the Nashville Predators’ Pride Night. Singing her original song “Gemini June,” written for her wife, in front of 17,000 people was a triumph of love and authenticity. “It was a highlight of my career,” she said with pride.
Looking Ahead: A Documentary and New Horizons
Fimone is currently working on a documentary, set to release in 2025, chronicling the making of “Fascination” and her journey with Norma Wallace’s legacy. “It’s a love letter to New Orleans and the women who came before me,” she stated. She’s also preparing to perform at iconic venues, including First Avenue in Minneapolis, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
She also notes her partnership with Becky Parsons of Found Sound Media has been transformative. “Becky’s mission to uplift LGBTQ+ artists aligns perfectly with mine,” Fimone shared. “We’re stronger together, and I’m excited about the future.”
A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Fimone’s story is a testament to self-trust and perseverance. “No one is coming to save us,” she said with conviction. “We have to save ourselves.” Her message to listeners and aspiring artists is simple: “Trust your intuition. Even in the darkest moments, that small glimmer of belief can save you.”
As Fimone continues to make waves with her music and activism, she stands as a beacon of authenticity and empowerment in an industry often criticized for its superficiality. Her journey is a reminder of the transformative power of music — not just as entertainment, but as a vehicle for personal growth, social change, and human connection.
“Fascination” is available on all streaming platforms, and her upcoming documentary is slated for release in Spring 2025.
