Faioso

Posted by Sterling at 4:50PM
Local female artist Faioso glamorizes the freedom of an independent artist in Hawaii with her self-released album, “Nobody Owns Me.” Downloads are now available on itunes.com and cdbaby.com. This Urban/R&B/Hip-Hop artist blends influences from neo-soul, funk, spoken word, as well as world music. This tantalizing mix appeals to the modern ear with her bold lyrics and brassy vocal styings.

Listen to her music HERE. (links to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Faioso)
- www.808click.com

Born in Seattle, a Hawaii resident since high school, singer/songwriter Faioso Leau introduces herself with a collection of original hip-hop vignettes inspired by "personal life, relationships, politics and culture." She released them as downloads in December but now steps up with the complete package on CD.

The title track turns out to be a whimsical love song. Unlike Lesley Gore's 1964 anthem, "You Don't Own Me," the message here is that Faioso is so into the boy she loves that her heart "blows bubbles." A entirely different side of her personality is heard in "Better" as she informs a misbehaving man that "I need leave you to make you better."

"I'm Movin On" stands out musically in combining stream-of-consciousness lyrics with the human beat box percussion of Jason Tom. Yet another noteworthy cut, "U Can," delivers a message of empowerment that should be utilized as a public service message by a local social service agency ("If you think you can't, you can't! If you think you can, you might!").

Faioso delves into the darker side of hip hop culture as well. Some cuts refer to drug dealing. One isn't clear as to what's for sale. Such is street life.

Faioso and her production team keep it fresh using an imaginative variety of beats, tempos and backing tracks. The individual tracks are interesting but the full package makes a stronger statement.

"Nobody Owns Me" is available via iTunes and Faioso's Web site, www.faioso.com.



By John Berger - Honolulu Star-Bulletin