Storytelling with John Kim Faye

Philadelphia’s John Kim Faye is many things: a charismatic frontperson and songwriter, a producer and collaborator, an educator. And more recently, a new addition to that list: author.

Faye recently released his memoir The Yin And Yang Of It All: Rock & Roll Memories From The Cusp As Told By A Mixed-Up Mixed-Race Kid. It’s about his journey from teenage music fan to notable musician, fronting bands like The Caulfields and Ike. But it’s about a lot more: it’s about family, it’s about his Korean-Irish heritage, it’s about pop culture, it’s about the very specific experience of growing up in Delaware in the 70s and 80s.

Any one of those topics could be a book in themself, but the multifaceted Faye decided to make his book about all of them, and it makes for a lively, engrossing read, whether you’re familiar with his music or simply a fan of good storytelling. Faye joined me on WXPN Local to discuss The Yin And Yang Of It All, the process of unboxing old memories, life lessons for creative folks, and the somewhat different topic he’d choose if he pursues book number two.

He also discusses his plans for the book release party for The Yin And Yang Of It All, happening at Ardmore Music Hall on Tuesday, April 25th: it’s going to be a variety show of sorts with Faye telling stories from the memoir and sharing the stage with old friends like The Caulfields and new collaborators like Sug Daniels.

Get details and more information on the show at WXPN’s Concerts and Events page and listen to Faye’s interview on WXPN Local in the player above.