ELLE.com.au, August 2014,
"She’s in last season's sweater, I wore it last season better/They're chasing after Brooke Candy/But they know they'll never get her/It's Marant or Laurent, It’s McQueen or Celine/Got these bitches so jealous, I hope they look good in green."
Talented 25-year-old rapper Brooke Candy is an original. Right now she may only be known to a few, but her influence can be felt right across the pop spectrum, both musically and stylistically. Don't believe us? Just look to Katy Perry's recent Tumblr-chic-meets-stripper-swag reinvention.
Earlier this year the talented artist, ex-stripper and fierce feminist, who got her break after she appeared in Grimes' clip for her 2012 hit "Genesis", released her debut EP Opulence – a fantastically dynamic five track dedication to fashion, OTT luxury and female empowerment. Naturally, we were smitten. She has gone on to become muse to Nicola Formichetti, a title once held by Lady Gaga, no less.
Currently in the studio working on her debut album, we decided to call on Candy to talk fashion, influences and what we can expect to come.
You’ve worked with some pretty amazing fashion heavyweights this year – for instance, your video for your EP’s lead single, Opulence was directed by fashion photographer and legend Steven Klein. What was he like to work with?
"Steven is so fucking cool. He is like my brother, soulmate, family. He's fucking funny, has amazing reference points, has got the most insane eye, he's hardworking and dedicated, and one of the most gentle men I've ever known, while simultaneously having an incredibly dangerous mystique to him. Working with Steven helped to completely transform me as a performer and helped to elevate my consciousness and strengthen my core belief system."
Nicola Formichetti has counts you as a muse. How did you both meet and what does it mean to be one of his muses, considering another is Lady Gaga?
“I love Nicola like a brother too. He saw something within me long before I myself was able to recognize it. He's a fucking savant man, this fucking guy is a classically trained pianist! Amongst everything else he can play piano better than anyone I've ever met. I'm inspired by his kindness, vision, and versatility daily.“
Your style is original ever changing- Where are you at right now, stylistically speaking?
"I just shaved my head and tattooed my skull and it's been my favorite "accessory". I've been wearing a lot of red. Monochromatic. I'm obsessed with excessive glamour or filthy gutter punk. The idea of duality. I'm very inspired by women like Lana Turner, Jane Mansfield, Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Lil’ Kim and [the film and character] Tank Girl."
In the spirit of Opulence, what are some of the items on your wish list, if you had unlimited funds?
"Preserving the life of African elephants as they are a fading breed. Investing in methane power. I would open up health facilities and housing for young queer youth, I would invest in a lot of different alternative energy sources... Oh... And a yacht or something..."
You were discovered by Sia on Instagram, which is a pretty major call.
"I'm so thankful Sia stumbled on my Instagram page and reached out the way she did. She was the first person to really see enough potential in me to stick their neck out for me. It was the first person whom I had major admiration for discovering my passion and drive. I'm blessed."
What was it like collaborating with her and what kind of things did you learn?
"I can't tell the secrets of the studio sessions... Buuuut... [Sia’s latest album] 1000 Forms Of Fear is fucking sick! Every performance she has done promoting this album has been so inspiring and flawless! Sia has such an extraordinary outlook on this industry because she has had success in both worlds: alternative and Top 40, and I think that combination is what inevitably led her to see the magic I possessed and made our collaborations solid and honest!"
You've talked about how one of the main themes behind your music is empowerment. Who are some of the females you think have this message on lock?
"Patti Smith, Jane Goodall, Cherry Vanilla."
You’re currently in the studio putting the final touches on your debut album, what can you tell us about it so far? I know Sia called in a few favours to collaborate as well..
"My album is literally comprised of blood and sweat. No tears. I've worked and re-worked songs five times to get them as close to perfect as I can. All I want is to make good music and speak truth. I want to revolutionize the world and music and I will. Sia is helping to lead me towards a light. I don't want to say who I'm working with but just know, every mother fucker that has contributed to this album knows EXACTLY what they're doing and are a master in their field."
Brooke Candy’s EP Opulence is out now, her debut album is yet to be announced.