MADAM3EMPRESS
MADAM3EMPRESS For Astrophe’s ongoing series - What it measn to feel; EXPLORING THE ULTIMATE EMOTIONAL INTIMACY OF THE ARTISTS’ PRACTICE AS A MEANS OF PERSONAL EXPRESSION, SELF-ACCEPTANCE AND VULNERABILITY. WE ASKED MADAM3EMPRESS WHAT THE KEY FACETS HAVE BEEN IN DEVELOPING STYLE THROUGH UNIQUE INFLUENCES IN MUSIC PRODUCTION, AND WHAT EMOTIONS ARE PARAMOUNT TO HER INITIAL JOURNEY, CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT, AND HOW THESE ARE SIGNIFICANT PERSONALLY AND TO AUDIENCES
What initially prompted you to experiment with music as a means of exploring and validating your emotions? How was it special and alluring compared to other forms of creative expression, and what role did it play in your development of self-concept?
Initially it was the fact that I could sing, as music was something I could easily partake in naturally, which is such a blessing. However, from a young age I realised that music could be a vessel in which I became aware of my emotions and further developed and understanding of why I have them in the first place. Im a ‘dabbler’, truly… I partake in many forms of creative expression, however, music has always been the constant. Perhaps that’s because of my culture, or perhaps my ability to feel is more connected to my auditory senses than my visual, but, in the end it has become a conscious choice of mine. I choose music because it has an ability to bring out elements of myself that I didn’t even know existed. Creating music also teaches me to believe in myself and to trust what is within, and aren’t these two things the fundamental foundation of self? I think so.
Did your initial experience as a musician centre around a specific genre? Has this remained static, as in you always knew what sound best represented you, or if not, how did your initial interest in a genre traverse to what you create now?
My initial experience with music was around Gospel and Jazz. Gospel, due to the fact I grew up in the church and Jazz because that’s what my parents listened to in my house growing up. This has definitely remained consistent in my music and is something I often go back to when I need some sonic grounding. These two genres were naturally placed upon me , but there is no doubt in my mind that even if I grew up listening to rock and EDM, I would have found my way to Gospel and Jazz. These genres feel like home. My voice was made to sing in a minor 7th key with whatever timing I feel. My vocals can be lazy and raspy one minute and empowering and bold the next, so these genres just suit my voice – I just also have a deep love and appreciation for them so it just works.
Whether extroverted or introverted, vulnerability is the core of human connection; do you seek to instigate conversations about the subject matter you express, or is your work an intimate catharsis that has connected you with others as a secondary effect? Has music enabled you to enhance your practice of vulnerability? How has this influenced your life in other aspects positively?
I keep my circle tight, so I’m not in these streets conversing on a deep level about my art with anyone, but I most definitely discuss it constantly with my people. The perceptions and ideologies we hold grow when they are challenged, are they not? So I am constantly welcoming discussion with people I trust about the concepts of my art... Heck !! My whole mixtape (which I’m currently working on) has taken hundreds of conversations to get to where it is.
Music has defiantly not only enabled but forced me to practice vulnerability, due to this.
I strongly dislike inauthenticity, period. I am constantly trying to keep it real at all times. The MADAM3EMPRESS project is about that, it’s about being true to yourself and being completely and utterly vulnerable. This has kept me accountable so many times in my personal life because if I’m preaching vulnerability, I have to practice it to move to a more authentic self. So in short, yes my music has enhanced my practice of vulnerability and it’s been super positive. The more vulnerable and authentic we are as humans the better.
What has been the most difficult experience in your practice as a musician? Whether this is related to outward performance, production, or even your personal life. How did you leverage uncomfortable experiences into a positive direction that led you to where you are now?
Honestly I think the hardest experience is something I’m still going through, and its a constant battle that I presume I will undergo for the rest of my life - which is being true, not only to myself but to the music I want to create. The hardest thing is living the MADAM3EMPRESS projects truth, and even though I’m doing it, it’s hard, it’s really fucking hard sometimes. I created this project because it’s what I’m striving for, it’s my goals as an artist and as a women. It’s easy for me to be yelling “I’m unapologetic this and I’m a bad ass bitch that” but in an industry that isn’t made for you, it can be really hard at times. Full transparency, I haven’t yet figured out exactly how to leverage all of this into a positive direction, but I’m working on it. What I’ve figured out so far is that hard work and staying focused will always pay off. So I got to keep my head down and things will move as they are suppose to.
Do you believe there are both enriching and detrimental aspects to being an artist in regards to your self-concept? What are they in particular, and what parameters do you use to measure your success? What are your goals for the future?
Honestly... probably, but you could say that about anything - it just depends on the perception you choose. As humans we are trying to get the most enriching experience at all times, hence why we have constant desires for new and enhanced ways of living this life. We want the best possible experience - well I do anyway. Music is a part of that for me... I will not and cannot reach the highest possible experience in my life without it. So yeah, there are detrimental aspects, but why does it matter if I can’t be without it?
Measuring success lol, that’s a whole can of worms - the parameters I place to measure success for me are simply personal ones... eg. When I finish my mixtape and I am proud of it, this would be a moment of success for me as opposed to reaching a certain amount of streams. My future goals are to finish my mixtape... I’d also love to perform on color studios or tiny desk - as I grow my goals definitely get bigger.
Photography: Yasmin Suteja / Location: Culture Machine Studios / Styling: Hunter Blue / Hair: Laura Mazikana / MUA: Tina Matti // Words by Jay Rickards // See more from MADAM3EMPRESS here
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