We Speak Music
Recording Artist Kayla Marque Delivers Powerful Acting Debut in Short Film “STATIC”
DENVER, CO — Acclaimed recording artist and musician Kayla Marque takes center stage in the upcoming short film “STATIC,” a deeply personal and emotionally resonant narrative from Denver filmmaker Fa’al Ali. The film made its public debut on June 19, 2026, at the Arapahoe Theater in Lafayette, Colorado, as part of the city’s Juneteenth Festival celebration.
After nearly two decades of creating films and multimedia projects for clients through his production company Eazy Media, Ali steps into narrative filmmaking with a story that explores the often unseen realities of anxiety, isolation, and emotional struggle.
“STATIC” follows Elise, portrayed by Marque, as she navigates an ordinary day that slowly begins to unravel under the weight of intrusive thoughts, missed connections, and sensory overload. Through intimate visuals and subtle tension, the film examines the silent battles many people face internally while maintaining the appearance of composure on the outside.
Set against an atmospheric backdrop, “STATIC” captures the experience of feeling trapped within one’s own mind while searching for peace in a world that never seems to slow down.
The project was inspired by Ali’s own reflections and conversations surrounding mental health, particularly within communities where emotional struggles are often overlooked.
“As a Black filmmaker, I’ve seen how mental health is often only acknowledged when our performance starts slipping,” says Ali. “While things have improved, many people—regardless of race—still struggle silently with anxiety, depression, and the pressure to keep functioning while falling apart inside.”
For Ali, the film marks a significant creative milestone.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could tell a story for me,” he says. “Not for a client. Not for a campaign. Something personal.”
At the heart of the film is Kayla Marque’s compelling performance as Elise. Already recognized for her distinctive artistry as a singer-songwriter, Marque brings authenticity and emotional depth to the role while contributing significantly behind the scenes as well.
In addition to starring in the film, Marque wrote and performed original music featured throughout the project, including live musical moments woven directly into the story. She also created original score elements that help shape the emotional tone and atmosphere of the film.
Her original song “Wander” is featured prominently in the film’s trailer, and plans are underway to release the music from the project as an official soundtrack EP.
“Kayla’s songwriting ability and emotional intelligence were a huge part of why I knew she was right for this role,” Ali explains. “She understood the emotional layers of the character in a way that elevated every scene.”
Following its premiere, “STATIC” will begin a national festival run while also hosting community screenings throughout Colorado aimed at encouraging conversations around mental health and emotional wellness. A wider streaming release is planned for Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2027.
Through its honest portrayal of anxiety and emotional resilience, “STATIC” offers audiences a moving reminder that many of life’s greatest struggles happen beneath the surface—and that no one is truly alone in facing them.
Swiss artist Fanny Alexandra returns with “Black Pearl Summer”, a new single that finds her exploring a more open side of her alternative sound. Released via Now Listen, the track combines coastal imagery with a story about growing through grief, pressure and the experiences that can shape a person over time.
Alexandra notes that the song is relatively summery by her own standards. She has said that her music is usually darker and that she has never been particularly drawn to the typical idea of summer, preferring cold air, jackets and rugged coastlines. That gives the release a clear sense of personality from the outset.
The song centres on Alexandra’s reflections on being 19 and spending years focused on survival rather than fully living. Those experiences are presented through the image of a black pearl, which becomes a way of considering how something worthwhile can emerge from a challenging period.
What makes the track particularly effective is the balance between its subject matter and its musical approach. The production gives the song room to breathe, while Alexandra keeps the focus firmly on the story she is telling. It means the track can be enjoyed as a seasonal release while still offering more to discover in the lyrics.
There is also a clear sense of change in the way Alexandra approaches her younger self. The song is not about returning to that period or trying to erase it. Instead, it considers what can be learned from experiences that once felt overwhelming.
“Black Pearl Summer” therefore offers newcomers a useful introduction to Alexandra’s work. It shows an artist comfortable writing about serious subjects, while also demonstrating a lighter musical side that may not be as familiar to listeners who know her darker material.
It is an interesting glimpse of what Alexandra can do when she lets a little more light into the picture.
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