When you think “pop-star” you think of Madonna, Britney and other one named female singers that ooze sexuality and lust on the stage with a bunch of back-up dancers. At least that’s what I thought when I came across the press release for Sony Red’s new “pop-star” Becca. That is until I listened to the digital download they sent me. Immediately I was taken back to the late 70s/early 80s where female punk rockers ruled the roost with their own unique style of pop mixed with punk intensity and edgy lyrics.
I sat down with Becca on a normal chaotic Monday for her, the release of her new EP just days away from hitting every major digital outlet. I’ve interviewed a lot of people thus far, most of them come off either one of two ways. Either they’re comfident and somewhat cocky about their craft or they’re humble and hard to break through their creative shell. What surprised me most was that Becca wasn’t either of those things.
The 20 year old grew up in the industry during the time when most people her age were dealing with school crushes and homework. Becca was busy honing her craft with the woman who found her, Meredith Brooks. The Portland girl moved to Los Angeles and quickly began working. The hard work has finally come, as her new EP hits soon when we talk. “It’s this crazy feeling. You work for something and it seems like work, but then you stop and it’s just this shocking feeling when it finally works out,” Becca exclaims. There is a tone of genuine shock to her voice. The shock that only comes when you really work for what you want.
While her peers in school are busy about to graduate college, she’s been touring in Japan, Sony testing her out on the market there. Becca playing the massive 2008 Summer Sonic Festival is Osaka festival to a packed audience. “It was awesome! Like it’s a totally different crowd than here in America. There if I scream and throw my arm up in the air, they all do it too. It’s really cool.” At heart, Becca is a big time geek confessing that she loves Japanese animation and comics known as manga. “I wanted to know more, so I went in and had them give me their most popular stuff. I loved all of it. Especially Death Note.” She recently attended and played a comic book convention. “It was cool to see all these people really into it. Like people spend a lot of time and effort into the costumes and they look just like who they’re dressed up as.”
Becca is trying to break the mold of the stereotypical female pop-rock musician. Her glam-punk image is a start, but what captures your attention is the furocity she delievers her lyrics. When asked about her inspiration, she paused for a second pondering. “Well, I’m always writing. I mean there is always something going on to write about. It’s never been a problem.” A far cry from those whose lack of inspiration are shown in hiring song writers. You can tell by talking to her she’s not at all caught up in the “rock star” mentality most get when making the jump to Los Angeles at such an early age. She recognizes this is a lot of work and seems not to think of it as such. “Yeah it’s a lot, but I find ways to relax. I love it though, it’s hard to settle down!”
After the EP there is more work to be done, as Becca is already putting the finishing touches on her full length that will be debuting in 2010 along with touring. “I’m really excited to be touring and the album coming out. I mean it’s just all so unreal, I don’t think it’s settled in yet.”
