Hua Li 化力 the enigmatic “half-Chinese, half-militant, half-rapper of your heart,” announces the highly-anticipated release of her upcoming album, ripe fruit falls but not in your mouth, scheduled to drop on March 27, 2024, via Next Door Records. Alongside this exciting announcement, Hua Li presents her latest single and music video, “Part Time Muses,” directed by Yang Shi.

“Part Time Muses” is a sonic journey that transcends genres, offering listeners a taste of the eclectic and vibrant world that Hua Li creates in her music. The accompanying music video, directed by Yang Shi, explores the enchanting chaos of Montreal’s Plaza St. Hubert, embodying the delulu longing in the lyrics.

Speaking of the music video, director Yang Shi says “I was inspired by the cool, laid-back feel of 90’s hip-hop videos. I’ve always been drawn to that time’s unique styles and bold looks, and I wanted to bring that vibe into today’s world. There’s something about that era that resonates with me profoundly—the styling, the hair, the attitudes, singing to the camera—it all conjures a sense of nostalgia, rawness and authenticity.”

Yang Shi continues, “The narrative is based on our protagonist who’s on a quest for her dream prom date. Set against a blue-icy backdrop, she weaves through the halls of desire, caught between reality and daydreams. I chose a blue-icy backdrop that not only complements the cool aesthetic of the 90’s inspiration but also symbolizes the often cold and elusive nature of our deepest yearnings.”

Hua Li’s project has often worked the fruitful tension between opposing forces, whether being mixed-race, bisexual, or overtly political and softly vulnerable. Now the “half-Chinese, half-militant, half-rapper of your heart” is back with ripe fruit falls but not in your mouth, her most ambitious and personal record to date. Playing between hazy R&B, hip-hop, jazz and electronic, Hua Li’s sophomore LP takes the imaginary garden as a proxy for cultivating home. With complex vocal arrangements, lush production by Alex Thibault (aka Gloze), and big, vibrant mixing by TNGHT’s Lunice, ripe fruit is a private confessional on a loud-ass record.

In support of the album, Hua Li is set to join Land of Talk for the first half of their Spring dates, with the complete list to be announced on January 26. Additionally, Hua Li will host an album release party in Montreal at Bar le Systeme on April 5, immediately following the show at Sotterenea from 10pm-3 am. The event promises a hybrid DJ/live set from Hua Li, along with DJ sets from Cindy AO and a special guest to be announced.

Upcoming Live Dates:
Apr 4 – Ottawa, ON – NAC
Apr 5 – Montreal, QC – Sotterenea
Apr 6 – Boston, MA – Rockwood Music Hall
Apr 8 – Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere (Zone One)
Apr 9 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas
Apr 11 – Washington, DC – DC9
Apr 12 – Durham, NC – Motorco Musical Hall
Apr 13 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
Apr 25 – Kingston, ON – Broom Factory
Apr 26 – Hamilton, ON – Bridgeworks
Apr 27 – Toronto, ON – The Great Hall
Apr 29 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
Apr 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Icehouse

Stream “Part Time Muses” HERE.