Interview with Jeff Fein
Witnessing the accelerating rate at which our society is changing due to the ubiquitous implementation of technology is certainly fascinating and alarming. Humans routinely spend almost seven hours a day online according to the recent Global Overview Report from DataReportal. That’s more than three times the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s recommended amount of less than two hours a day. This is no shock to indie singer and Doctor of Medicine Jeff Fein who recognizes both his work and leisure time is dedicated to online activity. “Even though I’m very conscious of it, I’m just as addicted to my smartphone as everyone else,” Fein says. This conglomerate of irony and frustration resulted in the artist’s comedic yet reflective single “In Front of a Screen.” The song fusions piano and symbols, creating a fresh pop sound, serving as the backdrop for evocative lyrics. Listeners will find themselves tapping along to the melody and nodding along to the relevant messages embedded in each chorus and verse.
“In Front of a Screen” singer Jeff Fein
Q. The song is very upbeat, contrasting with its more serious message. How does this dichotomy strengthen the song?
A. I conceived the song as a humorous one. To me, it’s funny that we spend all day in front of screens and that was how the song started. The chorus was something that I started singing spontaneously to myself after a long day of screen time at work, followed by relaxing with my phone and TV at home. I didn’t consciously come up with a contrast between music and lyrics, it just sort of happened. But in retrospect, maybe the upbeat tune was my way of protecting myself from the somewhat shocking reality that I often spend “all day in front of a screen.”
Q. The chorus notes that so many of us are staring at screens daily “whether it’s for work or play.” Talk about how the modern workforce is so dependent on technology.
A. The modern workforce is of course incredibly dependent on technology, but that makes sense because work is usually about productivity, so technology is often essential. The more interesting thing to me is that computers and smartphones have become so intertwined with our social and non-working lives as well. So even when we have the chance to unplug at the end of the work day, we don’t.
Q. The song details how we often are drawn to our screens during the interstitial moments of life (waiting for the elevator or train etc…). What advice would you give to encourage listeners to minimize screen time and instead live in the moment?
A. I think it’s important to recognize that screen time is intrinsically addictive and that having dedicated time away from one’s phone and other technology can really help to clarify things. I find time spent in nature to be especially beautiful. That being said, my phone is basically with me 24/7, so I’m not exactly a guru in this area.
Q. A previously released song “Luxury” in addition to “In Front of a Screen” discusses issues surrounding the emphasis and value we place on materials. Why do you think this is a frequent topic in your music?
A. Technology and modern life is fascinating to me because it changes so rapidly. Humans lived in little tribes for hundreds of thousands of years, and now things are changing at an exponential rate. Life ten years ago was completely different than it is today. This is a theme that I think about often, and it manifests in my songs. “Luxury”, to me, is about being thankful for and amazed by the modern comforts of everyday life. “In Front of a Screen” is a bit more critical. I guess I feel both awed and alarmed by the pace of human ingenuity and innovation.
Q. Talk about your career as a medical professional and how it’s formulated your songwriting style.
A. Truthfully, being in medicine doesn’t influence my music much. But it does allow me to make music without the burden of caring too much if it’s successful or not. Regardless of my career, I would be writing songs because it’s a natural outlet for me and I love it. But having a career that I also love makes it so that even if my music is never widely heard, I can still be fulfilled by the work I do each day.
Q. How do you think music will specifically be affected as technology evolves and we see the inclusion of programs like AI in our media?
A. AI is astonishing. The fact that computers can generate a Neil Diamond song in the style of Jimi Hendrix (or whatever else) is just mind-boggling. Its capabilities will only accelerate, beyond what we can even imagine. People will increasingly be able to generate great music at the click of a button. But at the same time, I think there will always be a place for human performance. AI can compose and play a perfect symphony, but watching an orchestra of mere mortals perform the same symphony together on a stage will always be more satisfying. At least, I hope so.