Q&A: Deb Fan's Newest Single “Lady” Explores Cultural Identity and Femininity
CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES AND RECLAIMING NARRATIVES — Deb Fan’s newest single, “Lady,” is an intricate alt-R&B track birthed from her most recent trip back to Hong Kong in over three years. Paring ’90s R&B and visual soundscapes of impressionist-era classical music, Fan states that “Lady” “interprets the intersectionality of being an Asian woman … [We] are much more complex than the stereotypes.”
The track’s music video takes viewers into a traditional tea party scene inspired by Qing Ming Jie (清明節). Blending tradition with high-tech elements, “Lady” challenges stereotypes through its “techno-orientalist” narrative, questioning outdated portrayals of Asian culture, featuring a full-female cast that subverts clichés by blending high-tech elements with traditional symbols to assert their identity.
Fan’s last release, Gemini Moon, channeled the artist’s emotions to bring forth the contradicting nature of life and love, focusing more on a cohesive sound. Since then, Fan has toured with Hojean and will play the KOHAI showcase in June. Her upcoming sophomore EP, Kowloon Demos, will experiment with elements such as neo-Seoul and psychedelic rock.
Continue reading below to learn about Kowloon Demos and how Fan challenges societal stereotypes of Asian women.
LUNA: Hey, Deb! It’s nice to have you back at The Luna Collective. How have things been since we last chatted with you about your debut EP, Gemini Moon?
FAN: Since I’ve put out Gemini Moon, I knew that I had a lot of growing to do, and this year has honestly been enlightening. I left my corporate job and started pursuing my artist career fully. I ultimately want to further my career in the US, so I’ve just been dealing with some visa-related hurdles that take me around the world. Although, it’s been a blessing in disguise because I get to visit places I’ve never been to before.
LUNA: Your new single, “Lady,” is amazing. I love how mesmerizing the beat is, and your vocals complement it so well. Can you break down the creative process, both lyrically and sonically?
FAN: My friend, Max He, made the initial track and I immediately gravitated towards it. I usually start writing my songs to live instrumentation, but the repetitive synth bass felt like a mantra, and I wanted it to be the focal point of the track. Max brought up a term to me called “techno-orientalism” and I felt that the integrated drum machines and synthetic sounds really captured the essence of it. Similar to Gemini Moon’s message, “Lady” interprets the intersectionality of being an Asian woman. I wanted “Lady” to lyrically express that we — Asian women — are much more complex than the stereotypes; there aren't and shouldn’t be boxes for us to fill.
LUNA: What was your favorite part of filming the music video for “Lady”?
FAN: The set design of this entire shoot is by far my favorite part of the music video. I haven’t been to many sets before in my life, but the location, props — the overall set — made the music video look expensive. I’ve also never had extras and a whole crew before, so this shoot has been a fever dream to me. I typically am stressed on set since I usually have to do most of the work myself, but everything was presented to me on a silver platter this time around. Most importantly, it was an all-female crew and cast (other than [the] DP, gaffer, etc.) that [I] felt aligned with the track.
LUNA: You have your sophomore EP, Kowloon Demos, coming up — what should we expect to hear or see?
FAN: Dynamics. Last year, I released Gemini Moon, which I thought was very cohesive-sounding, but Kowloon Demos highlights most of my influences, which range from psychedelic rock to smooth neo-soul. I definitely dove further into my rock influences in this one and I’m excited for people to hear. There’s more belting involved in this project so I hope listeners [will] appreciate the contrast in my voice that I’ve been wanting to embrace.
LUNA: How does it feel to know that you are one of many Asian women representing your community in the music industry?
FAN: Being an Asian artist, you expect to hear music and sounds similar to what you would hear in K-pop, since that is the most popular genre in “Asian” music, but I’d like to offer a different perspective. Asian representation in entertainment is still very small, and it feels good to be able to be one of the artists that pushes those boundaries and breaks all of the stereotypical limitations.
LUNA: Who and what inspires you in both music and in life?
FAN: My family and close friends inspire me the most in life. In my past, I’ve let a lot of conflicting characters into my life, and I’m glad to have a support system in my life who challenges me to look within. Otherwise I wouldn’t be the person/artist I am today. I didn't question myself about why I do music, but the people [who] stay around me are deep, passionate, and loving, which inevitably forced me to find my deeper purpose in music.
LUNA: What advice would you give to other Asian women who would want to pursue a music career?
FAN: Make art that stands out. Make art that resonates with you and not the masses. If you want to make a Blackpink song, then go to YG and work for the industry. It’s easy to claim music that has already been done and out there, but you wouldn’t be offering much to further push your voice out into this world. Being an Asian woman is complicated, so embrace the complexities. Speak your shit — don’t simplify your words because it’s digestible. You’re so much more than boba/anime/uwu–type aesthetics.
LUNA: Any other plans for 2024?
FAN: I have a couple of shows coming up in LA, which is exciting for me because I started as a performer. I’m also starting to formulate ideas for my next project. I’d like to think I can take a break from healing since both of my EPs are very introspective, so I’m trying to redirect myself into making songs that just feel good.
LUNA: What brings you joy?
FAN: I can’t be around the same scenery for too long. I constantly need new perspectives, so traveling and meeting new people from different backgrounds stimulates me.
LUNA: What are three things that you cannot live without?
FAN: My cat, my jewelry, and my eyeliner.
