Beginning with the release of her debut solo LP, Hues, in 2020, native Los Angeles singer-songwriter Fana has been ascending through the ranks of R&B, further proving herself as a real true force to be reckoned with.
MOTH (Matters Of The Heart) is Fana Hues’ third full length body of work, as well as the final chapter in this incredible musical trilogy.
Let’s hop right into this summer anthem-like single, “Rental,” — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it even come to fruition?
I was in the thick of creating my album MOTHand most of the songs I was writing were emotionally challenging, so I took a break and ended up with “Rental.” A happy accident.
Of course “Rental” comes courtesy of your latest project, MOTH — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
MOTH follows my journey of remembering that love and light is all around me, as well as in me.
How then does MOTH either differ and / or compare to previous Fana Hues’ efforts?
My previous projects, as well as MOTH, all have a through line of self discovery. When I make music, I’m putting a mirror up to myself and seeing what I like and what I don’t like.
As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw inspiration from?
Ive never written a lie, so I write about what I experience.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for Fana Hues?
I’ve been singing all my life, but I started writing songs in high school. From then on, I knew I wanted to share my creativity and see if other people could connect with what I made.
Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I’m from Pasadena, CA. My musical influences are pretty vast and change depending on the musical season I’m in. For MOTH specially, I leaned into Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder, etcetera, but also Portishead in some ways. My influences fluctuate, and I think that’s what keeps the music ever growing.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
I make RnB, and then some.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I’ve been documenting my life and my journey with music, but what I’m finding is that a lot of people have similar journeys and can connect to the way I narrate. So I don’t set out to have one mission or message through music other than connectivity.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
If I had it my way, I would love to have written a song with Sade in the ‘90’s. Her tone is so special to me.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
One of the first concerts I went to was at The Wiltern in L.A.. I’m definitely still chasing that venue, so I can have a full circle moment.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?
I think music is having growing pains currently, but also the music that I like isn’t necessarily in the mainstream and it’s thriving in the shadows.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
A slow burn.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I want to be a jeweler actually. That’s my second act I think.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Being able to tour. I’ve wanted to tour my entire life, so having a headlining tour is my biggest accomplishment.
What’s an average day like for you?
Pretty mundane. Cook, eat, go outside, work, dream.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
I respond to pretty much every DM I get, but I really like in real life interactions. It’s my favorite thing.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is seeing people absorb your creation in real time. I love when my music becomes the soundtrack to someone’s life. My least favorite is my art being viewed as a product. It strips the magic away from it.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Have an airtight vision and stick with it.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself touring, hopefully in love with a family, working on album #6.
As for the immediate, what's next for Fana Hues?
I’m ready to start working on new music, and enter a new stage of my creativity.
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
I appreciate anybody who is interested enough in my view on life to follow my journey. I love you for loving me. Listen to MOTH.
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