and stepped out as a singer and collaborator of Hercules and Love Affair. “You can’t help but to be inspired by New York and its energy,” says the now solo artist, debuting her new record Return It in this dreamy video, which captures New York City’s downtown vision in impeccable execution.  Directed by Jonathan Turner with art direction by Silvia Prada, a number of downtown models and dancers star alongside Kim Ann, with fashion by Hood By Air’s, Shayne Oliver and hair by Holli Smith.  Trendland caught up with Kim Ann to get the scoop on stepping out as a solo artist.

TL: Can you tell us a little bit about the your references/inspiration for “Return It” as far as the general vibe, and also the styling?

KAF: The video was all about beauty, and the beauty of relationships, trust, love, brotherhood, friendships, emotion, connection, and honesty. Its about the journey of relationships and what we learn from them. We wanted it totally stripped down and concentrated just on beauty and the feeling of being close to someone. We wanted it still, with movements mostly from the camera only. We wanted it dreamy feeling and smooth.

TL: As someone who references a range of styles in your work, how do you keep it modern and new?

KAF: I think by taking inspirations and mixing the elements together properly with a twist or splash to make things current is the trick to keep it moving forward. It could be in the track as well as in the vocals. It could just the different combinations itself which is explored and taken to a place that pushes it forward.

TL: Where do you go to for inspiration in New York City?

KAF: I get it from everywhere, from the streets, from the people. I love to take long walks through the city. I walk as much as possible and I think it gives you time to take in inspiration and also time to let your thoughts wander.

TL: Tell us a little bit about growing up in Hawaii.

KAF: I was really into freestyle, and early dancehall, and R&B, radio hip hop, and early electro (break dancing music), That music was really popular in Hawaii. I was crazy about dancing. I was intrigued with VH1 and MTV because that world was so far away from island life.

TL: What song do you love to include in your DJ sets?

KAF: Bicep – Vision of Love

TL: One word to describe becoming a solo artist?

KAF: Freedom.

KIM ANN FOXMAN “Return It”
director JONATHAN TURNER
art direction SILVIA PRADA
producer MITSU HAGIWARA (HIDEOKI PRODUCTIONS, LTD.)
cinematographer RYO MURAKAMI
lighting director SHIN
lighting assistants TOMOYA HARA, JACKSON NOTIER, TAKAKO IDA
editor ANDREW BORIN
fashion director SHAYNE OLIVER / HOOD BY AIR
fashion assistant IAN SMITH
hair HOLLI SMITH
makeup artist KARLO KARLO
styling assistant OMAR LAWRENCE CAMBELL
production design DINA CHANG
models MEY BUN, LUIS VINER, WILLIAM SANTANA, TIGGA CALORE, LAWRENCE “LJ” GOODWIN, JR.

check Kim Ann’s latest Beatport chart here

TAGS: kim ann foxman, music, return it, VIDEO