Danish artist Rebecca Lou isn’t afraid to empower both herself and those listening to her with her incredibly compelling and infectious music. Recently releasing her brilliant debut single ‘Bitch U Look Good!’, she inspires her fans to love their bodies and feel beautiful. This week, we got the chance to put some questions to the star all about ambitions, inspirations, and more. Read on to find out what she had to say…
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
Empowering and self-confident, in-your-face moped rock, with a twist of Bikini Kill and Mariah Carey.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
Being a female rock musician has definitely been challenging sometimes, but I’ve come to a point where I’ve chosen to give the fact that I’m a female rock musician less attention. I need to distance myself from the fact that some people are focused on my gender, and just give it a rest. I’m tired of it stealing the focus of my work and I’ve had to put up with a lot of s*** over the years because of it. When I was younger I felt I had to prove myself harder than male rock bands, but I don’t have that chip on my shoulder anymore; it’s a waste of my time and focus. I’ll be taking my space, so move over if you don’t like it.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
I don’t think anyone that is pursuing a dream as a musician wakes up and thinks that it’s easy. It’s a tough journey, but really rewarding and totally worth it. I think the key is to remember that as long as you believe in yourself, you’re always on the right track. I’ve also learned that being around the right people and having a team that supports you is really important. You need the best energy in the process as you can get. Don’t compromise with that.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
It’s really important! You have to be uncompromising in every aspect of your work, even when it feels hard and cruel. I’ve parted ways with some really great people because of that, but at the end of the day, this is my vision, my name on the bill, and my guts on the line. Have confidence in yourself and be authentic. That’s my best advice for anyone.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I write music about my life and my “image” is 100% me. There is no greater underline or marketing plan behind my sound or my look. I write about love, feminism, and being a young woman that f***s up and that is learning about life and myself. I’ve always been a huge dreamer, and that has carried me a long way in terms of being creative and allowing myself to stick by that. My music is a safe space for me to be who I am.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
That’s a tough question, there’s so many great ones! I’m a huge fan of Karen O. I love her; she is such an original, weird, ugly, and fantastic woman. I’ve been thinking about [how] I’d like to do a duet some time soon and collaborate with some awesome artist. I think we need way more women in the music industry collaborating and working together. Maybe a duet! Definitely need to do that soon!
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I love dinosaurs. I’m obsessed with the Jurassic Park movies and I have a lot of tiny dinosaur figures as décor in my home. They make me smile and I feel like a T-Rex is my spirit animal. Strong and sensitive.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
Well yes, it’s hard not to! I could definitely give you a list of things I’d like to do or check off on some kind of list of dreams, but honestly I’m trying to live in the moment right now and do my best day by day and enjoy the positive stuff. I feel like it’s easy to miss the small and great every day stuff when you’re always fixated on huge goals. I know it sounds corny, but I love the greatness in the small things and trying to appreciate them as much as I can and I leave the five-year plan to my manager, Jakob.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Hopefully I’m recording my debut album this time next year. I’d also like to tour outside Denmark! UK, Sweden, Germany… the US! I live for playing live. I love it so f***ing much, it’s who I am.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
I’m working on the details on my next upcoming single releases, and currently writing new songs with my awesome band. And I have some great live gigs coming up. So many positive experiences at the moment!
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You can download and stream Rebecca Lou’s brilliant new single ‘Bitch U Look Good’ now.