Singer-songwriter Ronnie Fauss Photo by Can Türkyilmaz
Many musicians strive to someday quit their day jobs, but singer-songwriter Ronnie Fauss says his is partially the inspiration behind his music. By day, Fauss’s life consists of numbers and organization as a full-time accountant; by night, he’s a family man; and, as if that isn’t enough, he’s also one of Dallas’ most up-and-coming music artists. “I love the balance that gives me between the two sides of my brain,” he says. “I need that. I do feel like I have a sort of schizophrenic personality in that way. I can be so incredibly analytical, where everything has to be in its place and all that. On the other hand, I’ve got this real creative streak that leads me to write songs.” Not only does the Lakewood resident do it all, but he does it all well, with a long list of accomplishments to prove it. “I’m really full throttle in both areas. I don’t just dip my toe in one side and then just stay in the other most times; I love both.” In February 2012 Fauss signed with the independent Americana label New West Records, LLC under its new sub-label Normal Town Records. Then starting in October, he spent several months jetting back and forth from Dallas to Nashville in preparation for the release of his long-awaited CD, “I’m the Man You Know I’m Not.” Since then, he’s been hopscotching across the country playing gigs, promoting his CD and enjoying its ever-growing popularity. Fauss’ music can best be defined as Americana with a Texas kick, but it’s his skill as a storyteller that seems to have given his latest CD its edge. Along with his job, Fauss credits his wife and three kids as the inspiration behind keeping his music authentic and relatable. His album debuted on the Americana Music Association chart in December alongside some of his musical heroes — big names such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. In March he’ll play a coveted spot at South by Southwest in Austin, which, naturally, he’s looking forward to. Fauss signed a three-record deal with Normal Town, but he’s hanging onto the already-written second record while his first album gets its due. “That’s what this year [2013] will be about, making sure this album is heard by as many people as possible.”
