CHLOE MAGAZINE
You know , it ’ s an odd thing being on stage , but i ’ m a lot more at ease these days . Q- What drew you into mixing so many genres together , creating a “ genre-defying ” style that shapes you as an artist ? A- It ’ s really a product of me not coming up in a particular scene . When i started making music , I was experimenting with no rules , no real understanding of what was cool , and no limits on how things should sound . That spirit has carried through today . I ’ m equally influenced by Karen O , Outkast , and Nine Inch Nails . When it feels right to sing , I sing . When it feel right to rap , I rap . I ’ ve especially embraced that the last couple years . Q- How has your new change in record labels , from RCA to Interscope Records , had a positive impact on your career ? A- I learned a lot from my experiences at RCA . I was still figuring out my identity then , both as a person and as an artist . I learned a lot about what I didn ’ t want from a label , and what I needed , too . With Interscope , I ’ d already put out a record on my own , toured for a few years , and defined myself internally . It was like a second marriage , where it ’ s just kind of better and more mature and loving . They ’ ve supported my vision for all of the new music . Q- What has been your most exciting moment as a musician thus far ? A- The most exciting moment still remains the day I pressed my first CD . That feeling of turning thoughts and words into a real , physical thing . Q- How long did it take you to write your first song ? What kind of emotions did you feel ? A- Not very long , and I felt excited . Q- What to date has been your most interesting venue experience while performing ? A- I recently played a festival in Shanghai . It was crazy hot out , super humid , and the crowd was very still , quiet , and respectful . Just listening to the music . During the last song , blood in the cut , I could see this straw hat in the front row very subtly head banging , that was pretty awesome . Q- Is there a story behind your stage name K . Flay ? A- It ’ s just a nickname . My real name is Kristine Flaherty , so , flay , k . flay , k , flayzer , fleezy . I respond to all of them . Q- What are your first memories of involvement with music and instruments ? A- My dad taught me to play guitar as a kid and I played the trumpet for a little bit starting in 5th grade . I remember playing a lot of early Beatles songs in the living room . Q- What was the first record you ever purchased ? Would you say you still like that record now ? A- I can ’ t quite remember , but an early one was Ace of Bass , ‘ The Sign ’, and yes I definitely still like that record . Q- Would you consider your music to possess feministic characteristics ? A- I certainly regard myself as a feminist , whether or not it ’ s always explicit in the music . I believe that women ’ s rights are human rights , and that how a society treats those who are most oppressed — along the axes of gender , class , race , religion , sexual orientation , nationality — is the ultimate test of its values , which makes right now a very disturbing time in the United States . Q- What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have received as an artist ? A- No matter what people tell you to do , YOU are the one who has to sing the songs , get up on stage , stand behind the music . Listen to those you trust , but be true to yourself and your instincts . Q- A ‘ fave ’ Quote . A- ‘ I ’ m nobody ! Q- Who are you ? A- ‘ It ’ s a line from an Emily Dickinson poem . Q- Any words to share for our Chloe readers . A- Hope I see you at a show , and I hope you like the new tunes . They are on the way … kflay . com