Pop singer KC Star released one of the most interesting records of the year, and we had the opportunity to review it! BOYS SUCK! is an anthemic EP full of innovation and imagination – if that sounds good, make sure you check out the stream at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released an EP titled BOYS SUCK!, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the EP?
This EP is meant to be an angry, cathartic look at heartbreak and betrayal, capturing the angst, passion and tongue-in-cheek style that my fans know and love! It is rooted in my typical pop sensibilities with a unique blend of influences of rock, punk and electronic music, accented by live drums, electric guitars and synths that drive the tracks. It’s a little messy, a little aggressive and a little different from my other releases, but that’s what makes it so special to me. There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to release all of these songs into the world, but I think we can tend to shy away from our anger and frustration, so I wanted to fully embrace it. And some of my favorite songs of all time are the ones I can scream along to about how boys suck… so I had to!
How has the reception been for the EP and where can it be purchased?
It had the biggest first week of streams of any project I’ve dropped so far, so I really couldn’t ask for more! I think people have really been connecting with it, which is the most important thing for me, especially with such a sonically different project. With each drop my goal is always just to reach at least one new listener who hopefully connects and supports my independent hustle!
Do you plan to release any singles from the EP in the near future?
Before the EP dropped, I released two singles from the project this summer, both collaborations with two of my favorite people. The first single was CHANGE YOUR MIND, a collaboration with fellow independent artist Austen the Poet, who brings a rap verse and stellar harmonies to the song. Thematically, the track plays with the idea of all
the things you want to say to your ex’s new partner. Second was HOW MANY TIMES?, a collaboration with my real-life best friend Ellie H, who lends a verse and witty exchanges to the song. Thematically, the track plays with the idea of two people double crossed by the same lover coming together to attack. With the drop of the full EP, I was really pushing the new tracks, my personal favorite being YOUR SONG. I want to let this project breathe for a little bit longer before my next drop, but it’s definitely already ready and I’m so excited.
Are there any plans to release a full-length album?
Honestly, I ask myself this same question every day. I just really love EPs because they allow me to really explore one concept in just a concise way. I certainly have enough material in the works to make a full-length album, but I always want to be very intentional with what I do put out. But definitely one day, when it’s right!
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
In all honesty, for a while it gave me a chance to take a breath and recenter myself and my music. When the first lockdown happened, I took full advantage of it to work on my music. It was in that lockdown that I finished my third EP, Crushes, and wrote most of the material for my fourth EP, Get There, the title track of which was inspired by the
pandemic. Since then, there hasn’t been too much of an effect on my work – I have still yet to perform live so there was no obstacles in that realm for me. But now that things are looking up, I would love to get out and perform!
Your music is very eclectic, containing elements of many different genres. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
One thing about me – I have the weirdest and, some might say, worst music taste. If you couldn’t tell by my music, I live and breathe pop music. I grew up in the golden age of dance, electro, synth pop like Kesha, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, and I really aim to bring back that bombastic pop sound that I feel like we have lost recently. I also take
some inspiration from the world of rap and hip-hop, namely Nicki Minaj. I know every word in her discography by heart and her style and flows have been such a big influence on my own music. In fact, I got my start by posting very embarrassing covers of some of her verses on Soundcloud… Don’t look them up.
How do you compose your songs? What’s the process like?
Every song is different, and I have found that the song really informs the process and vice versa. Sometimes I start with a lyric, sometimes a melody, sometimes a concept. My favorite songs to write are the easy ones, where I sit down at my computer or piano and the entire song flows out in less than an hour. And honestly, those are my best
songs too! I am a bit of a perfectionist though, so every song sits on my computer for a while getting edited and redrafted a million times before I even think about putting it out. I also like to take a step back and look at the big picture of the project I am putting together as a whole – what do I want to say and how can I elevate these songs to come together and convey that message?
Where are you based? What is the local music scene like?
I actually just moved to Los Angeles back in September and I am absolutely loving it so far! I haven’t had the chance to get super deep into the music scene yet, but I am always looking to collaborate with fellow independent artists, so… if you’re reading this, hit me up!!!
Do you have any UK tour dates lined up?
Like I said earlier, I have actually never been on tour or performed live! But it is absolutely a dream of mine, and one of my goals for 2023 – you’ll see me on a stage somewhere, even if it’s an Ikea parking lot like Gaga. But I promise one day to make it across the pond (if you’ll have me)!
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you so truly to anyone who listens to my music. This silly dream of being a popstar is just a fantasy, but there are people who are really trying to help make it happen and that means the world to me. Keep streaming and sharing, and I will keep dropping the bops.