Brea Fournier & the Dream Ballet’s album Manic Pixie Dream Girl! album boldly challenges and redefines the stereotypical portrayal of its titular character, delving into the struggles of self-perception and societal expectations and infusing a feminist perspective into their pop-punk sound. Through a dynamic exploration of the character’s inner monologue, the music captures her journey of breaking free from societal limitations, pushing back against the confines of the male gaze, and ultimately seeking to become the protagonist in her own narrative.

In this interview spotlight, we chat about Manic Pixie Dream Girl!, AI in music, dream collabs, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

This AI thing is getting way out of control. I have students using ChatGPT to write death metal songs about country music…and country songs about being sad. You can feed some a text prompt and create a Hollywood-quality short film. How do you feel about this new wave of technological innovation?

While my personal feelings on it are certainly not positive, I think it’s one of those things that unfortunately won’t be going away. We as artists have to spearhead campaigns that will ensure it remains a tool for artistic creation, not a replacement for creators. 

I know it’s hard…but what’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time? If not favorite, in your top 3?

“In My Life” by The Beatles, “The Adults Are Talking” by The Strokes, “Jesus of Suburbia” by Green Day.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this project? What’s the back story?

Manic Pixie Dream Girl! is a rock opera concept album that follows the story of a personified film archetype on the journey to proving to her audience (and herself) that she is more than a shallow object of the male gaze. I moved to New York City when I was eighteen, and at times I was made to feel like a real life Manic Pixie Dream Girl. I became overwhelmed by the feeling of having my narrative controlled by others, especially men, against my will. During my time studying at Tisch School of the Arts, I befriended film students (like my writing partner Karol Nowak III) and we watched tons of movies together. I learned about the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype and her story immediately resonated with me. She’s *that* girl in seemingly every indie rom com who seems to only exist as a collection of characteristics rather than a fully-formed personality, and her only purpose is to get her leading man from point A to B. I knew I had to be the one to finally write a story in which she could finally exist as the main character, and in doing so I found catharsis in my own life. I hope her story resonated with young femmes and Manic Pixies everywhere and they can find the same sense of reclamation I did. 

What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?

I’ve written songs for as long as I can remember! In 5th grade, I would teach songs I wrote to my friends and make them perform them with me on the playground. I honestly don’t know anything else, and writing songs is how I process everything. The bad days are when I need my music the most! But self-care is so important, and that’s something I haven’t learned the easy way. Sometimes you need a day in bed with good snacks and trashy reality shows, but I always–without fail–come back to my music when I’m ready.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? 

I would do just about anything to be on stage with queen riot grrrl Kathleen Hanna. She has done so much for the feminist movement within the rock music medium, and I feel a deep sense of connection to her as a performer. I was lucky enough to see Le Tigre play in Brooklyn the night before I left for my very own first tour with my band. Up until that point I was as nervous and stressed as you can imagine, but seeing her confidence and calmness onstage while both the band and the audience were having the best kind of fun in the world reminded me why I do this. I think she and I would have lots to talk (and write) about together.

Another because I can’t pick just one: Debbie Harry of Blondie. Debbie ruled the Lower East Side/punk/CBGB scene during a transformative time period in NYC I would’ve given just about anything to witness, and she did it all while never compromising her authentic femininity. Pretty cool that she works with my producer Barb Morrison, too.

Where is the best place to stay connected with you?

Please follow along on instagram (@breafournier or @dreamballetband) and never hesitate to send me a message! If you liked the album or just want to rant about the patriarchy, I’m always happy to lend an ear. Check out our website www.breafournier.com and please don’t forget to follow us on your streaming service under Brea Fournier & the Dream Ballet.

I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off.

Thank you for having me! Stay true to yourselves, Manic Pixies, and don’t let a man ever tell you what to do.