Blayre Mic isn't your average popstar. She's a woman refusing to bite her tongue and willing to go up against the usual machine of the industry in order to succeed as the star SHE wants to be.
Blayre Mic
We got the opportunity not only to today premiere her incredible track 'Love BPM', but to put some questions to her all about her music, creativity and more...
How would you describe yourself as an artist for those now first being introduced to you?
Well, first of all, I'm dope as hell! (laughs) I'm a royal blue-haired, outspoken, in-your-face singer/songwriter/lyricist, who wears her heart on her sleeve, is addicted to hearing the beat drop, and [is] always on the look out for a sensible six inch stiletto. Oh, and did I mention I'm dope as hell?!
When did your love for music truly begin?
My love for music truly began when I was little and my older brother brought home the Prince produced soundtrack to the movie, Girl 6. I was instantly like, 'Oh yeah! This is the type of music that I want to listen to all day every day!' I was super young but the day I fell in love with music is also the day I became obsessed with Prince. To this day, 'Why Don't You Call Me Anymore' is my all-time favourite Prince jam!
Can you tell us about some of your earliest music-related memories?
Driving around my hometown with my Dad, and he would eject his James Brown or Rick James tapes from the deck in his truck and turn on classical music radio stations. He would make me identify the instruments being played and try to figure out the key they were in. At a young age my Dad was training my ear. He made it like a game, which was really helpful and a reason why I like to approach music in a fun way.
How difficult an industry would you say this one is to break out into?
The entertainment industry in general can be easy to break into for anyone and everyone in my opinion. It really depends on what you want to do when you get in, your patience, and what your work ethic is. A lot of people want to be stars, but don't want to do the work to have a career versus a mere 15 minutes.
If you truly love something, it's inevitable that you have to grind hard for it, and work hard to maintain it once you get what you want. I knew I didn't just want to be somebody standing in front of a mic expecting people to like my s**t because I'm kinda cute. My job is to entertain the hell out of people, so I work my ass off trying to do that in the most authentic way possible I know. If you're dope people will find you, and you'll break-out. Guess this means you think I'm dope?!
Do you think women still have a harder job making it in this world than men and why?
S**t yeah! And it's crazy that the world still exists like this when no other time in history has there been more women in the world than right now. We don't get equal pay for equal work in most countries, and there are still so many closed-minded folks out there that don't believe women deserve to be educated just like our male counterparts. It's heavy stuff that I think about often because I've got three nieces that look up to me. I want them to see a strong woman that can do anything she sets her mind to, and to aspire to do the same. I don't want them ever feel like they aren't good enough because of their gender.
Being female is an asset not a damn obstacle, which some people would have us believe. I think some men fear women and our strength, and to a certain extent they should. We are powerful beings, across all species of life. Think about, we carry and nurture life within us. Men don't. That's powerful s**t right there, but the caveat is that we need each other in order to evolve. We are all partners in this, no matter how you look at it. Sadly, we aren't valued as a partner a lot of the time.
We're premiering your new single 'Love BPM' today - can you tell us a little bit about the creative process behind this track?
I went in the studio with the intent of making a love song, but I didn't want it to be sappy. I wanted it to be really strong and unapologetic. I'm an in-your-face type of lover, and I fall really hard and passionately when I'm in love with you. I'm not a material type that gets aroused or moved by lots of money or fast cars, so if you want love from me, you can't buy it, you have to earn it by putting in work. If I'm working with you, then I think we've got something real dope - maybe even love - but please believe that if you play me, I'll break your heart. That's what the song is about. I'm a fiery chick so there's always some love and war battle going on in my head.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I draw major influence and inspiration from fashion and history in my work. I'm a colour and textile freak so I love to have lots of colour and texture around me at all times. Blank palettes make me feel like I'm in a mental asylum! I'm fascinated by costume and fashion history throughout the world. It's all so amazing to me! I like to approach fashion as an art form and it influences my music from the jump. Before I record a song I let the fashion speak to me based on my mood at that moment, so when I show up to a studio session, I'm present and authentically me. Sometimes my producers think my style looks crazy as hell, but then they get it when the track is dope and I'm all in. Fashion to me is like Samson's long hair from the biblical story Samson & Delilah; it's where I like to think my strength is harnessed. If you see me in the studio with sweats and flip flops, 'Houston we have a big f*ckin' problem!'
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
I've got so many career goals that I want to accomplish, but one of my biggest goals is to bring my music to countries that have high illiteracy rates for women and inspire them to break down cultural and societal barriers around them, and learn to read. I'd throw free concerts just for them.
Finally, what's next for you?
I'm really looking forward to performing live, 'Love BPM' as well as the other tracks from my upcoming EP release, 'The Pledge'. It's going to be a blast swhaking my ass and singing/rapping my face off on stage. It's a very exciting time for me right now, and I can't wait to share my music with everyone!