Faun Fables is an American band based in Oakland, California. Faun Fables also covers 20th century compositions by other songwriters and traditional folk songs. The band consists of Dawn McCarthy, Nils Frykdahl, and various artists.
Background Faun Fables was a concept vehicle for McCarthy, who was inspired to write the original material while traveling after leaving the New York City music scene in 1997. Music on the first album is entirely by McCarthy, as are all lyrics and most of the music on Mother Twilight.
All albums, except for the first one, involved collaborations with Nils Frykdahl and are inspired by McCarthy's previous work and "Dawn the Faun" stage persona. Frykdahl joined McCarthy in 1998.
Members
Current Dawn McCarthy: composer, vocals, guitars, percussion, stomping, autoharp, gamelan Nils Frykdahl: composer, guitars, flutes, vocals, percussion, autoharp, broom. Frykdahl is known for his work with Sleepytime Gorilla Museum and Idiot Flesh.
Former Sheila Bosco: vocals, percussion Kirana Peyton: bass, vocals, percussion, harmonium Meredith Yayanos: violin, theremin, vocals, percussion. The Transit Rider North America Tour 2006: Jenya Chernoff: drums, bass guitar, vocals Matt Lebofsky: guitar, bass guitar, warr guitar, vocals
Collaborations Faun Fables albums and shows also feature collaborations with: Frykdahl's family members: sister Sheila Bosco (Autobody; Drumhead; Flaming Fire; zBug) brother Brian McCarthy mother Michelina Tyrie; Matt Waldron of 'irr. app. (ext.)' Robin Coomer of 'Loop!Station' Kirana Peyton of Blackbird Stitches; Isabel Douglass of Rupa & the April Fishes; Noe Venable; Will Oldham; Dan Rathbun of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (bass guitar)
Performance McCarthy's performances draw on many influences, including British, Scandinavian, Appalachian and Eastern European music. Her shows often contain elements of theater—dance and puppet shows are common elements. She has covered songs of Ewa Demarczyk, Brigitte Fontaine, and the Bee Gees, and her music has been compared to neo-psych-folk artists such as Devendra Banhart and Current 93.
The Transit Rider This is an ambitious performance and multimedia documentation of a song cycle entitled The Transit Rider.
Discography Release Title Label Extra info1999Early Song (unofficial)Reissue: August 24, 2004; Drag City2001Mother Twilight EarthlightReissue: August 24, 2004; Drag CityFebruary 24, 2004Family Album Drag CityMarch 16, 2006The Transit Rider Drag CityMusic from the Stage PerformanceNovember 16, 2010Light of a Vaster DarkDrag CityMusic from the Stage PerformanceJuly 22, 2016Born of the Sun Drag CitySpring 2021ElfridaFiddler's Green One-song 7" flexi-disk, bundled within the magazine "Tales from Fiddler's Green 1" October 7, 2022Live in NorwaySelf released on BandcampMay 30, 2025Counterclockwise Drag City
References
External links Official Faun Fables web site