For Pasadena local musician Fana Hues, music is not just a profession or a passion; it’s a tightly woven net shimmering with jewels of her family, friends and an innate purpose. It’s a space where Hues can explore her emotions free from the restraints society can place on a young woman and her emotions. It’s a catalyst for making others feel better, and a way to find clarity among all the notions and ideas swirling around in her head that eventually find their way into a song.
At the end of 2020, Hues released her debut collection, ‘Hues,’ and has been dropping dazzling and inventive music videos for singles from the album that add deeper meaning to her narrative pieces. “Lay Up” is the newest music video release from Hues, a snappy, R&B tinged mood lifter complimented by loose beats and effortlessly delivered vocals. The female empowered music video just released for the song is her 6th video debut from songs off of ‘Hues.’
The new music video features Hues and several friends having a ladies’ getaway at a Northern California house surrounded by giant trees and lush greenery. The song’s independent tone is visualized via scenes of playful escapism that also echo a desire to decompress and forget about all the stress after a difficult year. “Lay Up” is the visual sister to Hues’ previously released single and music video “Yellow,” in which Hues and her crew run through playful choreography in an outdoor, camping setting. Both capture a sense of empowerment and confidence in Hues and the encouragement of those closest to her. Not just a pick-me-up for herself, Hues wanted to create feelings of euphoria for others as well.
“I want these visuals to be a deep sigh of relief after a dark time,” Hues says. ”I want you to feel the rays of light only your homegirls can give you.”
’Hues’ is a collection of songs that range in emotion, temperament and flow. From funky bass lines, moody interludes and an exploration into deeply personal human experiences, Hues ultimately focuses on the complexity and intricacy of human emotion in both a personal and universal way.
“I thought it was super important for me as a Black woman to be open about that because so many times I feel like I’m not allowed to express my emotions,” Fana says. “I’m kind of all over the place, but there’s always a method to the madness; it’s all centered; it all has a purpose.”
Growing up around music all her life, Hues has picked up many instruments from learning violin in school to teaching herself how to play bass, an instrument her father plays. One of nine children and with musically inclined parents, Hues felt an early connection to music that was further strengthened by the loss of her voice for several years after childhood illness and the eventual regaining of her voice thanks in part to her mother’s healing knowledge. The work from her mother to help heal her voice cemented Hues‘ commitment to her place in music as someone who can lift people up and blend multiple sounds and genres.
“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t learning harmonies,” Fana remembers. “Music is literally in the fabric of our family [and] our bond as a family,”
Along with her family’s musical encouragements, Hues brings to her work a love for theatre and the mindset of an actor who never moves or speaks unintentionally, a discipline that is prevalent among her writing and theatrical and abstract music video concepts.
Words: Patti Sanchez
For more on Fana Hues and her music, make sure to visit her website or follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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