Psalm One Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 1st 2010 2:00PM by Tessa Metayer
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Chicago native Psalm One is a female emcee that wants to give you the type of music that feels like a great meal; it leaves you full, satisfied and wanting more. The former University of Illinois student majored in chemistry; debuting her first album in 2002, the aptly titled 'Bio:Chemistry,' while still in school. Psalm One has ripped the mic with the likes of artists such as 50 Cent, Slick Rick, Atmosphere, MF Doom, De La Soul, Camp Lo, Murs, Gym Class Heroes. Spinner recently spoke with her in anticipation of her stint at this year's SXSW.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Eclectic, witty, artful, sensual and strong.

Describe your personality in five words or less.

Eclectic, witty, artful, sensual and strong.

How did you break into music?

Music actually broke into me. I must have left the door unlocked.

What are your musical influences?

The drum set at Trinity Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, Stevie Wonder, watching my uncle struggle with music and the Midwest.

How did you come up with your name?　

[The name is a result of] when you choose your name in high school and your crew dictates the trends. I needed something that was catchy and looked good in case I wanted to do graffiti. It also had to have many meanings. Growing up in church,　I was always more song-oriented than verse. So I decided on Psalm. In tagging it's common to identify yourself as an original, so I became Psalm One.

What five songs are you listening to now?

The Rubi Sapphyr remix of 'No No No' by Gucci Mane. 'Mercedes Benz' by Janis Joplin. 'Stuff With Abe Lincoln' by Psalm One. 'Joy Inside My Tears' by Stevie Wonder. 'Big Booty Hoes' by Biggie and Too-$hort.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Water, Sweet Island Skunk, my phone and my room key.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?　

I got into a huge argument with a great musician friend of mine about Oprah, of all things, after having never been in a fight with him in the five years I had known him. We were on the road and we actually had to pull over because it was that heated. Oprah does crazy things to people.　

Which performer would be your dream collaboration with?

I would love to work with Flying Lotus; his soundscapes are ridiculous, sexy and challenging.

What is it about your music that you want people to leave with?　

I want you to feel like you're stuffed, yet you want to eat a lot more of it. I don't make music like anyone else. I want you to get the 'Itis" after you dine with me. I want you to feel like you can't handle anymore but you can't wait to do it again.

What do you think it takes to be a female emcee?　

Boobs [laughs]. Seriously, you have to be tough and you have to know that it's a fierce competition. But you also have to know that you're the only one who matters.　

What do you think makes you different from other female MC's?　

My skill set. I can hold my own with the best of the boys, yet I'm all woman. I don't play the little naive girl games. I'm a scientist. And that makes me stand out.

Tessa Metayer is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.