Interview with Laurie Nicoll aka Basheba - Singer/Songwriter
The remix to her EP 'No More' is fresh to Vevo; a real raw and passionate track - it's definitely worth a listen so check it out.
Basheba - No More (Yo Yo Boy Remix)
1. Do have any female role models in the music industry?
I think in this current industry it is hard to have a “Role Model” as such. However there are female artist I respect such as Aretha Franklin, Lana Del Rey, Adele and Paloma Faith.
2. Do you think music (lyrics and videos) influences how people treat women?
Definitely. I think young girls feel they have to live up to what artists such as Rihanna or Beyonce portray. I think sex has always been a focal point in music, however in this day and age it transfers to videos taking it to another level.
3. Can you think of any male artists who promote a positive portrayal of women?
I think John Legend is a good example of a male artist who portrays women in a positive way.
4. Can you think of any artists who don’t have the most positive lyrics; but are your guilty pleasure?
I do occasionally find myself singing along to a Miley Cyrus track (unfortunately) But I would say Lana Del Rey’s lyrics are very dark and focuses heavily on drugs, Sex and hate quite openly.
5. Often women in the music industry are scrutinised for how they look and dress?
What pressures do you think are on male artists? I actually think male artist today have it harder than ever. Being “cool” is highly important to labels. Attracting a large female fan base today is not as easy as it used to be.
6. How does your music and your videos reflect upon you?
Laurie Nicoll and Basheba are two very different people. I like to keep them separate as I feel in music it’s best not to take yourself too seriously. I use my video and music as an outlet and from that outlet I created the character Basheba. Basheba is a very dark and mysterious character, where as I am quite the opposite.
