Flaunt Premiere | Fuck Nudes, Send Me Your Playlist
by Paulette Ely
With bright colors and fierce facial expressions, the music video for Alus’ “fuck nudes, send your playlist” is a cultural quake on what it means to be a liberated woman. We’ve all listened to Whoopie Goldberg put her two cents in on Bella Thorne’s bare body and we’ve all taken a personal stance on the relationship relevancy of dick pics and mirror selfies. That being said, through outward support and a “fuck the system” stance, Alus gives us another take on the importance of female liberation beyond the body. The New Jersey born badass gave us a banger that speaks to an even deeper level of vulnerability than just nakedness as well as a video that proves the presence of actual personality that exists in music. Alus’ dedication to using her songwriting skills to be the voice of change in our world is beyond a breath of fresh air, and by using that voice she shows her message of the magnitude of music to be true. Check out the video below and learn a little more about Alus’ activism from our Q&A.
What was the inspiration for the song “Fuck Nudes, Send Me Your Playlist” and how does the video match that?
For FNSMYP, I wanted to talk about the generational standards of today. Our beauty is more than skin deep. It’s important that we discuss there’s more to someone than their physique. We are complex beings with more to learn if you just pick at someone’s brain. I think the best way to get to know someone is through their musical taste, or “playlist”.
The video’s symbolism of vinyl records covering my naked body was supposed to speak on how no matter what I’m clothed in, my music speaks louder than my body.
You’re a self proclaimed activist and use your voice to empower those that are voiceless. When did you first start using your voice for progress?
I have always been very outspoken about standing up for what you believe in as a woman. Growing up in the music industry, it taught me how to take the reigns of my life when everyone around me believed they knew what was best for me. To me, having a voice is the most important part of not only being an artist, but being a woman. I remember I started writing about women empowerment in my adolescence. I decided to voice my opinion and call the shots in my life.
You’re very reminiscent of Ariana Grande in both sound and message. What other strong women do you draw inspiration from?
I think people draw comparisons to other artists to help familiarize themselves with who you are, so that they can understand you better. Being compared to her is an honor. As a 90’s baby, I grew up listening to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, etc. I think if you end up having similar influences, subconsciously, your sound can be influenced by those same artists.
Why do you feel music videos are so important in our multi media world? How do they further show your message?
Music videos are an integral part to any artists career, especially today. The internet has become a new vessel into artist discovery. When you give an audience a visual, it’s another element into learning about the artist... about their image, their persona, their brand. When you have a message in a song, you can further explain it through the visual of how you choose to explore that creatively. It can show people a different perspective on the song. That’s why I love shooting music videos, what my visual world is for a song might be a different outlook on how the song can be interpreted to someone else.
What’s next for you?
More new music! More music videos! More shows! I want to meet the Alus Army, the incredible people who support me from all around the world. I want to keep evolving as an artist. Growth doesn’t have a ceiling :)