FANA HUES: Timeless

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “DRIVE” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?

I was in the middle of recording my project flora+fana and desperately needed relief. Sometimes I can take my work too seriously and lose sight of the fun in it. Writing “Drive” gave me a necessary release and a reminder to always have fun first.

Of course, “DRIVE,” comes courtesy of See You Next Year, the forthcoming Pigeons & Planes compilation exec produced by Mike Dean — How did this opp even come about?

I had been a supporter of Pigeons & Planes for years, so when they reached out to my team I was all for it.

Early this year also saw the release of flora + fana — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

To put it simply, flora + fana represents balance to me. Throughout the project, there’s a back and forth within me that feels uneasy and unleveled, but by the end of it all I find solace in patience.

How then does flora + fana either differ and / or compare to previous efforts?

flora+fana feels more mature than my previous sounds. All around just a new level of myself. My principals in life and in music stay the same, but my understanding of them has evolved.

What particular string of events led to your current signing to Bright Antenna Records?

One day I got a DM on Instagram from about 5 people in their office saying they heard my song “Icarus” on Spotify and saw the music video. They were trying to connect and set up a call, which was overwhelming, but also intriguing. So, my manager and I invited the A&R out to see me perform in a musical that I was a part of in Las Vegas at the time. After he came, they flew me to San Francisco, I met the whole team and the rest is history.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

Rarely do I actually write out my lyrics before I sing them. I draw from life and being outside, so I do a lot of my writing while driving in the car. I’ll play with an idea for ages until it feels right.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for FANA HUES?

I don’t remember a time in my life where music wasn’t the focal. I was in a family band as a kid and both my parents were musical. But, I discovered music for myself and started developing my taste around middle school.

Now you’re a native of Los Angeles, CA, correct? So growing up in the ‘City of Angels,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Some of my strongest musical influences would be Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I feel like my sound is a melting pot of genres, but at its core it’s Soul and R&B.

Switching gears here…

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Having almost my entire family come see me at the YouTube Theater has been the best moment so far.

What’s an average day like for you?

Honestly, not that exciting. I take my dog on a walk, eat, maybe link with family or my best friend, studio or a photo / video shoot. Eat again, then go binge something till I fall asleep.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I try to be as responsive as possible and make (sure I) show them how much I love and appreciate them. It’s really insane to me that there’s people out there that even consider themselves a supporter of mine, so I’m always trying to make them feel seen and loved.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite is performing, by far. I love showing off all the work I’ve put in writing, producing, mixing…all the things. I love showcasing it on stage and getting an immediate reaction. My least favorite would be the never ending cycle of meetings. And what people want you to do in them. The selling or pitching yourself game they want you to play.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

If you have an idea that’s unique and specific to you, see it through! Don’t let too many cooks enter the kitchen. Stay the course.

Lastly, what’s next for you, FANA?

I’m currently working on my Deluxe for flora +fana…I’m about to go on tour with Givēon, and I’m just executing more ideas.

Connect w/FANA HUES Online:

Instagram