Photo by Yvette de Wit on Unsplash
Fousheé’s ethereal melodies possess an enigmatic allure that transcends genres, evoking a kaleidoscope of emotions that linger long after the final note fades. With the release of her album “Pointy Heights,” the artist has woven a rich tapestry of sounds, intertwining her roots with the vibrant threads of rock and reggae, creating a harmonious fusion that defies categorization.
When the opening chords of “Still Around” reverberated through the speakers, an inexplicable shift in mood occurred—a visceral reaction that defied rational explanation. This lead single from Fousheé’s “Pointy Heights” album encapsulated the artist’s ability to craft melodies that resonate on a profound level, transcending the boundaries of genre and striking a chord deep within the listener’s psyche.
In a candid conversation, the artist acknowledged the existence of a distinct “Fousheé-type melody,” a statement that initially sparked trepidation, as no creator wishes to be confined within a singular mold. However, upon reflection, the sentiment rings true. Whether crafting hushed R&B over trap drums, aggressive punk-inspired rock, or sleek, synth-driven pop, Fousheé weaves melodies that bear her indelible mark, each note a carefully placed thread in a tapestry that only she could envision.
Fousheé’s artistry is a masterclass in contradictions, a delicate balance of yearning, pain, nostalgia, serenity, anger, tenderness, and despair. Her melodies evoke a spectrum of emotions that swirl and intertwine, defying singular interpretation and inviting listeners to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery. This ambiguity is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, allowing each listener to find their own resonance within the intricate tapestry she weaves.
Fousheé’s ascent to prominence was ignited by an unlikely catalyst: a royalty-free sample she uploaded to Splice. Brooklyn drill rapper Sleepy Hallow seized upon this haunting vocal snippet, using it as the backbone for his “Deep End Freestyle,” propelling the track to viral success. Unbeknownst to Fousheé at first, this serendipitous moment paved the way for her own extended version of “Deep End,” showcasing her spellbinding performance over skittering hi-hats and sparse guitar.
Determined to defy the confines of any single genre, Fousheé followed her breakout hit with a diverse array of offerings. Her debut project, “Time Machine,” featured a Depeche Mode cover, a collaboration with Lil Yachty, and more than half of the tracks were drumless, showcasing her penchant for experimentation. On the 2022 release “softCORE,” she ventured into explosive pop-punk territory, enlisting the talents of Lil Uzi Vert for a genre-defying collaboration.
As her career flourished, Fousheé’s tapestry of collaborations grew increasingly intricate, interweaving her artistry with a diverse array of talents. From Steve Lacy (earning a Grammy nod for her contributions to “Bad Habit”) to Lil Wayne, Ravyn Lenae, Childish Gambino, Pink Siifu, Vince Staples, King Princess, Saba, and Teezo Touchdown, Fousheé’s collaborations have become a testament to her versatility and her ability to seamlessly blend her unique voice with those of her contemporaries.
The creation of “Pointy Heights” was a deeply personal endeavor for Fousheé, as she embarked on a journey back to her familial roots in Jamaica. The album was crafted during a trip to the community of Pointy Heights, a land her late grandfather had purchased for his family to call home. Although she had not visited since childhood, Fousheé’s connection to Jamaican culture ran deep, with her mother having been a drummer in an all-girl band on the island, and the rhythms of reggae ever-present in her New Jersey upbringing.
On “Pointy Heights,” Fousheé embraces her Jamaican heritage, seamlessly weaving the rhythms and messages of her ancestry into her sonic tapestry. The track “War” is powered by an untroubled ’60s rocksteady sample, with the hook featuring phrases that call for peace of mind and unity, yet delivered with a playful, mischievous tone that adds layers of complexity. In the sole verse, Fousheé sings irreverently, juxtaposing her words with the uplifting melody, creating a harmonious dissonance that is quintessentially Fousheé.
Fousheé’s artistry thrives on the interplay of contrasts, a delicate balance that she intentionally cultivates. “I love things that sit in between two things—good and bad, salty and sweet, love and anger,” she explains. “If the music is sweet, I love the irony of more gritty words on top of it. Mostly, I’m just trying to explain how I feel in the moment.” This approach imbues her music with a rich tapestry of emotions, inviting listeners to experience the full spectrum of human experience within the confines of a single song.
Fousheé’s journey to Pointy Heights was not merely a physical one; it was a spiritual reconnection with her ancestral roots, a recognition of the responsibility she now carries to pass down the stories of past generations. “Once I was there, I saw that wow, this is the road it took for my mom to be in the US and for me to be able to do what I love,” she reflects. “It made me question: am I ready to pass the torch on to the next? I guess in the present, I’m taking the torch and now I have the responsibility of telling those stories of past generations.”
Among Fousheé‘s many collaborators, her bond with Steve Lacy stands out as a particularly special one. Their creative partnership is akin to a game of ping-pong, where ideas and excitement are exchanged with an effortless fluidity. “We can speak without words and be honest and vulnerable, and he pushes me a lot to challenge myself,” Fousheé shares. “Everything is kind of this game of ping-pong with things we’re excited about.” Lacy’s influence has not only shaped Fousheé’s musicality but has also taught her invaluable lessons about maintaining a laid-back demeanor amidst the pressures of the industry.
In an era where commercial success often takes precedence over artistic integrity, Fousheé remains steadfast in her commitment to her creative vision. “I still believe that if you stay 100% focused on your artistic vision, the commercial success will follow,” she asserts. “If you chase commercial success, eventually you’ll get it. But I don’t think it gives you longevity in your career, in your artistry. I don’t think it makes it easier to sleep at night unless you’re soulless.”
For Fousheé, music is a means of survival through expression, a conduit for her innermost thoughts and emotions to find their way into the world. “I’m not a very open person, so I rely on these moments in music to express myself,” she confides.
While Fousheé acknowledges the allure of numbers and metrics, she remains wary of their potential to influence her art. Instead, she focuses on creating an immersive experience for her fans, one that challenges and surprises them in unexpected ways. “I wouldn’t want my supporters to be bored,” she quips, recognizing the thrill that comes with the unpredictable.
To Fousheé, the element of surprise is a double-edged sword, simultaneously exhilarating and daunting. “It’s scary to see the reaction. You never can calculate it. You never know what’s going to surprise someone,” she muses. Her transition from her first album to the punk-infused “softCORE” was a natural progression in her artistic evolution, yet it caught many by surprise, a testament to her ability to defy expectations.
In her exploration of musical genres, Fousheé found herself drawn to the second wave of ska that emerged in the 1970s when Jamaican immigrants brought their cultural influences to the UK. This fusion of ska, punk, new wave, and reggae resonated deeply with her, and she sought to incorporate those textures into her own work. “I’m reinterpreting that for now, to the present,” she explains. “That’s what the whole album is, an interpretation of the place my family comes from.”
Fousheé’s artistic vision extends beyond the realms of sound, encompassing a rich visual tapestry that complements her music. Inspired by the work of Malick Sidibé, a Malian photographer who captured the vibrant youth culture of the 1960s and ’70s, Fousheé sought to create visuals that evoked the essence of African rock during that era. “I love what that music sounded like, and what it looked like visually,” she reflects. “I did more research on African rock during that time, just seeing what it felt like visually, and [Sidibé] was an example of that.”
For Fousheé, the melody is often the genesis of her creative process, a seed from which the rest of the song blossoms. “Usually, the melody comes first,” she explains. “But sometimes a concept or idea will come first.” Her melodies are vessels, capturing the emotions of a specific moment, bottling them for posterity. “I’m trying to capture how I feel in a bottle, in a time capsule, and I never know what’s going to come out,” she muses.
This process is an ongoing exploration, a constant refinement of her craft as she strives to strike the perfect balance between the various elements that comprise her unique sound. “I’m still learning about that balance and making it more dynamic,” she admits, a testament to her commitment to growth and evolution.
While some artists find solace in a signature sound, Fousheé relishes the opportunity to explore new sonic landscapes. “I don’t think I could make one sound for the rest of my life,” she confesses. “I’d get bored if I had to stay in one sonic palette. I just don’t think I’m that type of artist. Maybe I’m someone put here to find new paths.”
Yet, even as she traverses diverse sonic terrains, there remains a thread that binds her work together, a distinct “Fousheé-type melody” that resonates throughout her discography. “I love a melody that kind of makes me want to cry a little bit,” she admits, acknowledging the bittersweet quality that permeates her compositions.
As “Pointy Heights” prepares to make its debut, Fousheé finds herself in a state of emotional flux, oscillating between excitement, nervousness, and relief. However, one constant remains: her unwavering belief in the album’s integrity. “One thing that has been consistent is when I hear this album in its entirety, it’s still something I stand behind,” she affirms.
Yet, even as she savors this moment, her mind is already focused on what lies ahead. “I’m always thinking about what the next thing is,” she confides, revealing that she has already begun work on another album, a new sonic exploration that remains shrouded in mystery.
For Fousheé, the future is an open canvas, waiting to be painted with the vibrant hues of her imagination. “I want to see some art and listen to all the music I can. I want to experience all the life I can to see what the next evolution of myself is going to be,” she muses, her voice brimming with anticipation.
