Fih: Living Her Truth

Let’s hop right into this latest single, “Tanqueray,“ featuring Nico Seigal a.k.a. Donnie Trumpet — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

“Tanqueray” is definitely one of my favorites off the project. I actually remember the night we began to make it. I was with Chailatay and Stephan Hicks, two of the main producers on the project, and Tay just started to play these crazy guitar chords. We had a couple more musicians help embellish this track; Brooke and Nigel Fregozo. After that, we took it to Nate Fox, one of the executive producers of my upcoming project, and he was like, “the last thing we need is to get Nico on this song!” I was so happy he was down to be a part of it. But that’s pretty much the story of how “Tanqueray” was made.

“Tanqueray” comes courtesy of your still forthcoming solo LP, La Brea Baby — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

La Brea Baby is my debut project, so I feel like it’s really representing me coming into my own and being vulnerable with myself and its listeners. La Brea is a super long street in L.A. and takes you to so many different places, and that’s what I feel this project does. There’s so many different moods and genres throughout this tape.

How then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Fih entries?

I think with these new songs it pushed me to be more vulnerable, and to write about specific things that I’ve experienced throughout my life.

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

I usually hear a melody in my head, and then I just reflect on different moments in my life that would best represent the song’s mood.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Fih [short for the number five, which is a masculine number with feminine traits]?

Well, I’ve always had a love for music as a kid. I’ve always kinda been in my own world, and music would just help me escape from reality. But the moment I knew music was going to be a part of my life was when I went to this Jay-Z concert when I was 11. I didn’t know how or what I would be doing – haha! – but I just knew. Once I moved to New York for school, it was just a done deal. Being in a city full of so many artists pursuing their passions, it’s pretty hard to not get inspired to pursue yours. But that’s where I began my journey as Fih.

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?

My top strongest musical influences would have to be Erykah Badu, Nas, OutKast, Missy Elliott, Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z. But there’s so many artists from my city that inspired me as well; like, ScHoolboy Q, Earl, Ab-Soul, Jhené Aiko, Jay Rock. I would keep going, but those are just a few.

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

I really would say my sound is a melting pot of different genres, but its foundation is a mix of R&B and Hip Hop.

Switching gears here…

What do you feel will be the ultimate key to your longevity?

I think the ultimate key for me is to continue experiencing and enjoying life. All those experiences are what help inspire the music I create, and prevent me from feeling stagnant in my creativity.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want them to know there’s someone out there that they can relate to and that relates to them. Music has always been a voice of healing for me, and I would love to do that for someone else through mine.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

Yeah, I feel like there’s this shift in music right now, and it’s really exciting to watch and be a part of. I can’t really explain it, but I think there’s so many artists that are just pushing the boundaries with their music and thinking outside the box.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I really aspire to be an executive producer for other artists when I’m older, and help give independent artists opportunities who don’t get as much exposure.

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

I don’t think I’ve had my peak greatest career moment, but I just had a show about a month ago and my dad was able to come see me perform. After he saw me perform with a live band and songs I made from scratch, he supported me going after my dream. I’ll never forget him saying, “forget what I’ve said in the past, I understand now and you can’t stop. Keep going!” Not to be corny or anything, but I always wanted his support and respect…so this was such an important moment for me in my career.

What’s an average day like for you?

An average day for me would consist of: a morning coffee or Red Bull; don’t judge, sometimes I need that extra push, haha! Practicing guitar, working on content, studio sessions…and ending the day by cooking and watching a show with my bestie.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m always really appreciative when I meet fans because I’m like, “damn, I have fans?!” Haha. While I am a bit awkward, I do love genuine human connections. So I’m always down to talk and get to know any fans I have.

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

I think my favorite part about being an artist is the ability and freedom to create something completely new. Finding that perfect harmony or chorus for a song always feels like a mini victory to me. Also being able to make music and perform with my friends is literally the best thing ever! It makes the experience so much more fun. My least favorite thing, honestly, would have to be how social media has taken such a pivotal role in an artist’s success. Sometimes it just feels as if it’s not really about the music, like you having a large following or some viral video to even be recognized. You can be super talented, but that doesn’t promise any success. That’s not always the case, but it’s just something I’ve noticed over the years…and I think it’s kinda crazy.

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

Some advice I would give someone pursuing to be an artist is, no matter how difficult the journey may seem sometimes relish on the good moments. All the mini successes that pushed you to that next level of your artistry. And also don’t compare your journey to somebody else’s. Your experience is uniquely curated just for you.

Lastly, what’s next for you, Fih?

I have another single (that came out December 9th) called “Aye Yai Yai.” The production has a little Spanish flair to it, and I tap into my Hip Hop side in this one. I’m excited to start rolling this single out before releasing my upcoming project next year.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

No, this was a great interview and we covered a lot of ground.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

I’m Fih, and thank you for reading and watching my journey. I hope you enjoy this next single, and if you want to stay in the know about releases and shows, you can find it all on my Instagram: @thatsfih.

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Tags: Ab-Soul, Brooke, Chailatay, Donnie Trumpet, EARL, Erykah Badu, Fih, Jay Rock, Jay-Z, Jhene Aiko, La Brea, Missy Elliott, Nas, Nate Fox, Nico Seigal, Nigel Fregozo, Nipsey Hussle, Outkast, Schoolboy Q, Stephan Hicks