“Big Tuna” stands out as a statement of supreme confidence for melodic trap artist Anastasia Hera, who floats metaphors about aquatic ecosystems to describe her big-fish-in-a-small-pond mentality, while showcasing her southern swagger with talk of “Swangin’ out wide in the intersection.”
“It’s about wishing for more, working for more, striving for better circumstances, but I wanted to put it across in a slightly cocky way – like I’m feeling myself,” Hera says of the single. “I know success is mine if I go after it and I wanted to say that in my own way of speaking as a southern woman and a native Texan.”
Lead single of May’s This is Anastasia EP, helmed by melodic-minded producer Ty on Da Track, the dance floor worthy “Big Tuna” now sees a video release. The clip, shot by videographer Daniel Castillo – aka Dan2theL – depicts the depths of Hera’s hustle as she goes from a job, to lunch, to the gym, to the studio, to the practice space, to a photo shoot, to a video session, and on and on.
“It plays out like a day in the life,” Hera explains of the video. “All the things I have to do to stay on top of my career and what I’m trying to accomplish.”
Fronting a live ensemble billed as Anastasia and the Heroes, Hera appears tonight at Haute Spot in Cedar Park. She’s also recently announced appearances at Empire Garage on July 3 for the Keyz Street Block Party and a proper EP release show on July 28 at Geraldine’s. A post-pandemic reemergence to the stage comes bittersweet for the artist whose homebody nature leads her friends to call her a “recluse.”
“Once things began to open up, I didn’t have any excuse to stay home anymore,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve got this body work I’m very confident in, that I put all this energy into while we were home… now I have to go out and push it.”
Real shit. Big facts. “Big Tuna” premieres here:
This article appears in June 18 • 2021.