I ’ M NOBODY ! WHO ARE
YOU ?
Interview by Erin Flanagan
Kristine Flaherty , also known as K . Flay , is an American musician known for her genre-defying style . She believed that most of the hip-hop music on the radio was too simple and often misogynistic , so she decided to challenge the norms and create her own style . She released her first mixtape , Suburban Rap Queen , in 2004 which kickstarted her career . She signed with RCA records in 2012 and released two EPs , Eyes Shut and What if it Is . After parting ways with RCA in 2013 , K . Flay signed with her current record label , Interscope Records , in 2016 . Her newest EP , Crush Me , was released on August 19th , 2016 . The EP draws from lo-fi pop and hip hop that possesses a strong indie component , which diversifies her as an artist . K . Flay also released a new single Blood in the Cut on September 20th , 2016 , and continues to see major success and attention . Q- Would you say being raised so close to the City of Chicago has had an influence on your style of music ? A- Definitely . I grew up listening to such a mix of musical styles , and I think that the midwest instilled a real humility in me . Q- How would you describe the moment where you first performed in front of a large audience ? A- Pretty surreal . I wasn ’ t a performer growing up , so it took me a while to feel comfortable up there .