As a performer, Hua Li 化力 commands the stage with charisma and confidence. As a “Part Time Muse,” however, Hua Li 化力 allows herself to be seen in a new light—à la crying at the club style. As someone who didn’t attend their senior prom, the allure of the night seems foreign to me, yet the poised and fiery energy Li displays promises a night that, while sometimes painful, can be as vibrant and dynamic as the artist herself. Interestingly enough, instead of taking place during the evening, her latest music video is shot during the daytime. It’s as if she is inviting us to step into the vibrant streets of Montreal’s Plaza St. Hubert, where the eclectic blend of prom dress stores, hair salons, and hidden culinary gems creates a kaleidoscope of chaotic hyper-beauty. It is within this daunting setting that Hua Li’s 化力 music video for “Part Time Muses” unfolds, offering viewers a glimpse into the opalescent world of her earthy, diss-track anthem.
Directed by Yang Shi and brought to life by cinematographer Evan Shay and editor Lesley Marshall, the music video is a visual feast that perfectly complements the song’s hypnotic energy. Against the backdrop of bustling streets, Hua Li 化力 lives out the persona of a prom queen, channelling a sense of so-called “delulu longing” that resonates deeply with the song’s incisive lyrics. The video captures Hua Li’s 化力 magnetic presence as she navigates the chaotic beauty of Montreal, her performance a captivating blend of grace and unpredictability. Nothing is staged about the video; from the start, it offers live reactions of onlookers fortunate enough to gaze upon her prowess or even receive flowers from her. From the intricate glances to the striking cinematography, every frame feels meticulously crafted to draw viewers into Hua Li’s 化力 world of slept-on pleasures and near misses. One of the video’s standout moments is Hua Li’s 化力 interaction with the Kawai grand- miniature piano, a nod to the song’s origins at the Banff Centre. As she weaves a melody over the impressionistic piano line, the music takes on a haunting quality, setting the stage for the song’s synth lines to come to life.
Throughout the video, her collaboration with Yang Shi shines brightly, their shared vision evident in every frame. Together, they capture the essence of “Part Time Muses,” creating a visual masterpiece that is as mesmerizing as it is enigmatic. Born from a blend of cultural influences, Hua Li 化力 is one who deftly navigates the intricacies of her identity, fearlessly exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with raw honesty. Drawing from diverse musical influences, including R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic, Hua Li 化力 stands at the forefront of contemporary music as a multifaceted artist whose work transcends conventional boundaries.
This latest single comes ahead of her upcoming record, ripe fruit falls but not in your mouth. It promises to be as intimate as it is a love letter to Montreal’s nightlife. She manages to walk the fine line that every city kid knows between loving the night and preparing for the next heartbreak. After a glamour-filled day of longing, the song’s music video proves a testament to the power of art to go beyond boundaries and captivate audiences. With its captivating visuals and lyricism, “Part Time Muses” shows that Hua Li 化力 is back, offering us a glimpse under the hood of one of Canada’s most intriguing artists.
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