If I had to pick one word to describe Deb Fan’s sound, it would have to be ethereal. Her voice floats languidly like smoke curling slowly in hazy lounge. Her delivery is almost paranormal, as if coming to our ears from a shadow world of spirits and ghosts. On her latest EP, Kowloon Demos, the LA-based artist finds herself deep in introspection. Fan reflects upon her past and all that has changed since she last stepped foot in Hong Kong. It’s a beautiful, moody project that showcases her ability to curate a distinct artistic vision. I spoke with Deb Fan to dive deeper into her upbringing in Hong Kong, her musical influences, and the importance of originality in artistry.

‍

SHEESH: Could you tell me the story of how you crafted Kowloon Demos? What does this project represent to you on a personal level?

‍

Deb Fan: I’ve been living here in the US for eight years now, and I haven’t been able to go back home much. The last time I was in Hong Kong was the first time in over three years. I felt very foreign in my own city, which wasn’t a great feeling. It made me reflect on everything that has changed about myself. I felt like I was back at the start of a cycle again but in a new stage of life. I wrote all of the songs on Kowloon Demos by myself before coming back to the States. It was a very introspective and spiritual process for me. 

‍‍

Who did you grow up listening to in Hong Kong?

‍

There’s not really a big art scene in Hong Kong. My parents weren’t big music listeners, but they did know a lot of classics from around the world. They listened to a lot of instrumental music, Spanish music, even Mongolian throat singing. Growing up, I wasn’t tapped into the independent music scene. I didn’t know any niche artists until I came to the States. Spotify actually helped me get into 70's rock and beautiful singers from the 80's. Their genre playlists made it a lot easier to dig deeper into music.

‍

Spotify’s daylists are so hyper-niche when it comes to genre. The titles are wild. I remember getting “clean girl makeout indie aesthetic” one day, like “Excuse me, what?!” The algorithm is getting so extremely specific.

‍

I love the daylists though. They genuinely surprise me. They change every few hours so I’ll be listening and all of a sudden the mood shifts entirely.

‍

What’s your favorite Hong Kong dish your parents cooked for you?

‍

Honestly, soup. I miss soup, man. Yeah, there’s soup here in America, like Campbell’s tomato soup or cream of mushroom, but it’s different in Hong Kong. It’s a staple, we have soup before or after almost every meal. It’s brewed carefully by soaking the ingredients in water for over twenty-four hours. It’s herbal and healthy too, not just to fill you up like in America. It’s really hard to find herbal soup out here! 

‍

What do you think people typically misunderstand about Hong Kong?

‍

A big misconception is that people think we don’t speak English. Hong Kong is such an international city that our second language is English, not Mandarin. I don’t blame people for thinking that, but I get remarks here like, “Wow, your English is so good!” 

‍

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music?

‍

I like that question, instead of “What type of music do you make?” That question always stumps me. Hints of R&B. A lot of rock influences. Especially for this project, a lot of classical influence as well, which is why the project feels somewhat ethereal or haunting. 

‍

‍

I read that you’re a trained audio engineer, classical pianist, and classical vocalist. What’s a musical detail on the project that you love but think most listeners wouldn’t pick up on?

‍

Oooh. I never liked singing opera because I grew up hating it. I didn’t like how it wasn’t hip. My producer, Max, encouraged me to sing a few opera stacks. So on “Closer to Hell,” you’ll hear elements of opera in the track, which makes it feel pretty eerie. I never thought to include that in my artistry, but now I want to embrace it. Max inspired me in that way.

‍

Do you consciously think about classical scales and key signatures when you make your music, or is it more of a vibe you catch? 

‍

Not so much anymore, but I used to. When I first started making music, I felt very restricted by scales. I felt I couldn’t make the music just to feel the music, it had to be technically impressive. Even though I’ve strayed away from classical or jazz scales, it’s still always in the back of my head. 

‍

Who are three artists you dream about collaborating with?

‍

Solange, Kali Uchis, and Lana Del Rey. It’s funny because they’re all Cancers, and I’m a Cancer too. Also, FKA Twigs!

‍

That’s an insanely stacked roster. 

‍

Yeah, they’re definitely my inspirations. All four of them have such a specific artistry that you can’t replicate. They’re so unique. 

‍

And if you get into the car with friends, who are you putting on aux?

‍

Probably D’Angelo. I really like listening to him in the car. Playing “Cruisin’” while driving is such a vibe. He blends R&B and rock so well. 

‍

What helps you overcome writer’s block or a creative rut?

‍

I would love to say going for a walk, but if I’m being honest, I probably just hit a blunt and call it a day. It helps me relax and lets my mind disappear so I can just feel the music without overthinking. It feels so nice. Recently, I’ve been trying to dance to my music more. It gets you to appreciate how the music makes you feel, rather than thinking about a specific chord or vocal mix. 

‍

‍

What is the best compliment you’ve received about your music?

‍

I think when people say my music sounds like something they’ve never heard before, or that it sounds refreshing. 

‍‍

That’s such a great compliment. Originality is everything. For me, Mk.gee is the perfect example of that. 

‍

Yeah, you can tell he makes music purely for himself. I don’t want to geek out and be all audio engineer nerd, but there’s so much that goes into that project. Every single line and sound is so intentional. 

‍

Okay, what would be your personal “I’ve made it” moment?

‍

Probably playing Coachella. More specifically, being able to give an artist’s pass to everyone I love. When you perform for Coachella, they only give you a limited amount, so I’ll know I made it when I can bring everyone out. Also, if I make a song that my parents or sisters hear without me telling them about it. 

‍

What’s your personal motto or mantra?

‍

In terms of artistry, make music for yourself. Don’t ever chase a sound that isn’t yours. Otherwise, you’ll get stuck making music that you don’t even like. Don’t chase trends!

‍

Do you have a specific goal or dream for you to achieve in the next few years?

‍

I’m such a concept girly. I want to do a concept album at some point, but honestly, right now I just want to have fun with music. I want to spread more of a positive message. I feel like I’ve been overwriting depressing, deeply introspective songs, so I want to find that love for music again. I want to drop singles that make people happy, you know, music that you can dance to. It doesn’t have to be that deep! Life is too tiring for that. It’s okay to have fun!

‍

Listen to “Kowloon Demos” by Deb Fan, available now on all streaming platforms:

‍

‍