Deep within the soul of Hong Kong, a fierce prodigy rises from the depths. Showing no mercy with every release. Tackling new challenges left and right. And giving electronic music the push it needs. Yes, we’re talking about icon, Farrah. From killer self-releases, to leaving an everlasting mark on labels such as Electric Hawk, Jadū Dala and more, she’s a warrior of rhythm and melody altogether. Creating a futuristic world for her listeners to bask in. Blessing our ears no matter what.
When it comes to flexibility within the spectrum, she’s one of the first who comes to mind. Her highly developed set of skills take the form of mind-blowing works of art. From hard-hitting leads to angelic melodic structures, she’s an absolute weapon within the underground. She’s even flipped some notable tracks from artists such as TroyBoi, Kumarion, Eliminate and more! Creating a whole new meaning to the originals. Throughout the years, Farrah has been working non-stop to bring her most notable work yet! And it’s our pleasure to present our newest guest mix + interview with this legend. Nothing but pure energetic atmospheres and emotions running through your veins each second. Plus, we dove deeper and asked her questions regarding her journey as an artist and the overall future for her brand!
First off, how’ve you been during the year so far?
I’ve been great! There’s been a lot of big life changes for me this year and I have just been enjoying life and the people around me!
What can listeners expect when diving into this journey of gems?
Listeners can expect a wide range of bops that I am currently obsessed with, they are mostly gems from my talented friends and some IDs that no one has heard of yet!
Music is my best friend and it has been the only consistent thing throughout my life.
During your time in Hong Kong, were there any significant experiences that made you truly fall in love with the arts?
I would describe Hong Kong as a city that thrives as a financial/corporate capital. Creative careers are very obscure so the music community is small. Growing up, I have always been surrounded by music. I was a drummer and then I became obsessed with hip hop choreography as I started college. Music is my best friend and it has been the only consistent thing throughout my life.
Were you formally trained or a self-taught musician?
I took lessons to learn how to play the drums when I was a kid. For music production, I took a few lessons locally in Hong Kong to learn how to navigate Ableton when I was starting out. Ever since then, it’s been just online tutorials and endless YouTube videos to learn music theory and other aspects of production.
What made you choose the life of music compared to any other occupation?
This is going to sound cliché but I can’t imagine doing any other career because music has been so deeply integrated in my life since I was young. When I realized that people could do this for a living by creating and performing their art out in a live setting, I was convinced that this is the route I want to take for my life.
Every person is just winging it too so there’s no point in comparing yourself to other people because you never know what other people are struggling with. Be kind to others just as you would like to be treated as such and believe in your taste because that is going to take you far.
If you could go back and tell your past self a key tip or piece of advice for the future, what would you say?
I would just say to be present, realize that no one has figured everything out no matter how “big” of an artist they are. Every person is just winging it too so there’s no point in comparing yourself to other people because you never know what other people are struggling with. Be kind to others just as you would like to be treated as such and believe in your taste because that is going to take you far.
Your most recent flip for RL Grime and ISOxo was truly eclectic, how did that come to be?
I remember when I first listened to ‘Stinger’ and I felt nostalgic because that took me back to when I first discovered trap back in high school since it had that horror/mysterious vibe but it was also the welcoming of what the new/future of trap is. Whenever I flip a track, I usually would do something opposite from the original and for this one, I decided to bring a bit of that euphoric wave-sounding arp for the first drop and then change it to a more of a dark/nightmare but dance-ready second highlight. The idea came out so instinctively that I finished it within one day and it was so fun to make!
How was working with Osins on your Jadū Dala piece, ‘Omen?’ Were they your first choice for pitching the track?
Yes! Osins and I actually had ‘Omen’ for two years and back then, there was only one home that we thought would accept our song and it was Jadū. We’re so glad that two years later, it ended up exactly where it was intended to belong from the beginning!
I have always loved the idea of crossing genres for both my songs or my sets.
Where do you see the Farrah project in a few years?
I see the Farrah project going into multiple directions in terms of sound and career-wise. I have always loved the idea of crossing genres for both my songs or my sets. I want to continue to explore that by collaborating with other people. I would love to present the Farrah experience both visually and sonically, which people have yet to see in the U.S.
Are there any underground gems within Hong Kong that others should know about?
The best places to go to in Hong Kong are definitely not in the city, the Peak is one of the most popular places for people who want a wide view of the cityscape but in terms of food and photo-ready places, there are a few places such as Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui which has great food for any price range and just a good place to walk around!
If you could play any event or festival, what would be your top 3?
I would love to do a show with Brownies and Lemonade, EDCLV, and Def Global. There’s a different reason for each of those events and there’s just something about playing in an intimate setting with a room packed with people and also being able to deliver a Farrah experience set at a large stage motivates me everyday.
Tracklist
msft — ID
Farrah + Juuku — ID
So Sus + Sejo — ID
Quiet Bison — Call It Even (feat. Pauline Herr)
Cozway + ROSSY — Shimmer
Farah + Osins — Omen
Musa — Wonderland
Knock2 — Murdah
RL Grime + ISOxo — Stinger (Farrah Flip)
Jon Casey — Poison
G Jones — IN YOUR HEAD (CELO + 808gong Remix)
ISOxo — Nightrealm
Farrah — ID
Farrah — ID
Farrah + REMNANT.Exe — ID
Farrah + Allen Mock — ID
