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Longhorn Life
KREAYSHAWN
by Channing Holman
O
akland native Kreyshawn is not your typical female, overly sexualized, label-obsessed rapper. She brings the heat lyrically and stylistically, two attributes she will likely convey during her Fun Fun Fun Fest set. But how did Natassia Zolot become Kreayshawn? “I said that I would create something every day, so I would lock myself in my room for hours just creating,” said Zolot. After years of independent work she was signed to Columbia Records where she released her debut album “Somethin’ ‘Bout Kreay” mid-September of this year. She inspires fellow members of the fairer sex to assert equality by being themselves. “Put on whatever clothes, have fun, be creative and stay in school.
photo courtesy of Paradigm Label
This year’s Fun Fun Fun Fest lineup is arguably the best yet – with shows by legendary rap group Run-D.M.C., instrumental sensation Explosions in the Sky, international punk band Against Me! and more. With three days, four stages and over 100 acts, FFF Fest is one of Austin’s most highly anticipated fall events. We’ve been profiling spotlight artists all week on our website, highlighting festival performers like electronic duo Tanlines and experimental pop quintet Twin Sister. Now check out Longhorn Life’s exclusive FFF Fest interviews: Edwarde Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros discuss their upcoming album; lead singer Elizabeth Harper reveals what inspires Class Actress’ music; STRFKR lead Josh Hodges talks about making his audiences uncomfortable and California rapper Kreayshawn offers life advice.
CLASS ACTRESS by Alex Vickery
lizabeth Harper, — lead E songstress of synthpop outfit Class Actress — opened up about music, her acting roots and her personal journey through love and heartbreak. The Brooklyn darling chatted while driving through the Los Angeles hills, in search for adequate cell service and coffee along the Pacific coast. “I bet your interviews never turn out like this,” she laughed.
Originally from LA, Harper moved to New York to focus on an acting career — hence the inspiration for band name Class Actress. Her transition from acting to singing came rather naturally in a rare life-altering moment where picking up a guitar simply made everything fall into place. From there, her enticing vocals and electronic sound paired with her affinity for risk-taking fueled the band’s rise. “Let’s face it, nothing good ever happens in life unless
you risk it and throw your self full-force into something,” she said. Harper draws from a plethora of inspirations in creating her bold, retro 80s sound. “Music, for me, is kind of a mismatch of film, clothes, textures and all kinds of things,” she explained. Her acting background in particular still plays a major role in her music. “Everything is cinematic or dramatic in my mind,” she noted. “I
me so much. Finding new stories to tell, things to think about in different ways and to talk about life and love, there’s so much to say.” “Rapprocher” was the product of extreme heartbreak, but that doesn’t stop Elizabeth from opening herself up to new experiences that allow her to appreciate life’s extremes. “I had an epiphany this morning; I think some of the best records on that
“Let’s face it, nothing good ever happens in life unless you risk it and throw yourself full-force into something,” want to amp up my video prowess for the next album.”
album were written when I was the happiest and the saddest,” she said.
A year after the band’s acclaimed full-length debut “Rapprocher,” Harper is excited to be writing and recording a new record.
“People feel like they’re getting older because they’re having fewer new experiences. Just enjoy being alive. Don’t be so protective of your heart.”
“Dance music has moved
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Go be a dental assistant or something — just go hard,” Zolot said. She prides herself on being an anti-stylist and wearing her own clothes in videos, performances and events. Now Kreayshawn is also being noticed for her style, and she doesn’t break the bank doing it.
she also shoots videos on the side. “I just started recording with a camera, started editing and adding music and they turned into music videos,” she said. Her hit single, ”Gucci Gucci” disses women that base their style on designer labels, and is also her grandpa’s favorite song on the album.
“I really just put on whatever. I like shopping and finding weird stuff; whatever is
“Gucci Gucci” was also sampled by Lil Wayne on his mix tape “Sorry 4 The
“Put on whatever clothes, have fun, be creative and stay in school. Go be a dental assistant or something — just go hard,” cool. I love thrift shopping because it’s all I could afford,” Zolot said. “I go to the Goodwill on Fairfax, and when I’m in random towns I Google Goodwills in whatever city I’m in. I like finding rare things there,” she added. On “Somethin’ ‘Bout Kreay,” Kreayshawn collaborates with hip-hop elites 2 Chainz and Kid Cudi. Not only is she a rapper on the rise with a sick fashion appeal,
Wait.” “[That] was crazy! I forget it happened sometimes. On the radio they’ll sometimes play both our verses, so it’s like we collaborated,” Zolot said. This 23-year-old can compete with the best in the industry and do it in style. Check her out at her FFF Fest set and at ND Austin Saturday night. “I love watching shows and I’ve been to Austin before, so I’m just excited to go out there,” she said.