Ze! Interview: SXSW 2010

Don't let the bright makeup and Technicolor outfits fool you: Ze! is bursting on the circuit with her own audio school chops and passion for fashion to give the boys a run for their money. With her album in the works, Spinner recently spoke with the Kuala Lumpur-born singer about her plans for SXSW. With her audacious lyrics, electro-clash sound and devil-may-care attitude, she is far from the typical girlie girl.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Loud, sweaty and sparkly.

When did you realize you wanted to perform? What was your first gig like?

My first gig, if I recall now was embarrassing to say the least, but also because my girlfriends and I gave our absolute best and wanted to give the best show we could even though we came out looking like complete dorks. But, I'm proud to learn now that I've given my 100 percent from the very beginning. I wasn't born a performer and neither did I grow up thinking I wanted to be one but I've always, always loved music and slowly fell into it.

What are your musical influences?

I like putting together very old '80s sound with extra-terrestrial futuristic sounds. I absolutely love the combination of those two.

What does Ze mean?

It's short for zebra.

What's your creative process like? How did you get together with producer Ruben Debusschere from MC Dusaar?

I don't have the one process that works; it's always different with every song. I've come up with songs while taking a shower, riding a bike and out at the supermarket getting groceries. I met Ruben when we studied together in Australia, he was my boyfriend then and we connected on so many different levels, which is why we can work so incredibly well together.

You went to audio school. What did you study? You must've been one of the few girls playing with the boys.

I studied audio engineering and yes, I was totally surrounded by boys. I enjoyed college very much [laughs].

Where do you dream to perform?

A gay pride festival--the pictures [make it] look like so much fun. The vibe, the outfits, the people! I was supposed to perform at Lovedance last year but it got canceled! So I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this summer.

You're on Loliland Records in the United States. Are you interested in creating a music and fashion empire like the label's founder, DJ Loli? You already have a fashion line with your sister.

Yeah, Loli's awesome! I love her work. And yes, my sister and I started our streetwear line, OSIXNINE, but I'm focusing on my music and my album right now so we'll see where it goes from here!

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Listening to my own music?

What's your biggest vice?

Probably the clothes I choose to wear--that was at least until Lady Gaga came along. I feel so normal now.

What's in your festival survival kit?

Ray Bans, a pair of wellies and lots of water.

Lipstick or nailpolish?

Oh gosh, that is a tough one. Do I really have to choose? [Pauses]. Okay, lipstick.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Michael Jackson. Yeah, he was probably my first love!

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

I don't think I've toured enough to encounter anything super crazy yet! I've met crazy people though!

Where do you call home and what are you most excited about for your visit to the US? Have you been here before?

No matter how fun it is anywhere else, Kuala Lumpur will always remain my home. Last I was in the US was when I was 12 and with my family. So it's about time I took a visit, on my own, if you get what I mean!


Areti Sakellaris is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.