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Four years ago Ed Banger artist Uffie released her first single ‘Pop the Glock’ which earned her a cult underground following. HV caught up with the now 22 year old to find out why the release of her debut album ‘Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans’ took so long, what she thinks of Ke$ha, and what her ideal pet would be…
HV: Why was there such a gap in between releasing ‘Pop the Glock’ in 2006 and the release of the album? Do you think there has been an advantage to having some time out?
U: I think people forget that Pop the Glock was my first musical experience, so I mean, it took a while to find a style that I wanted for the album and that sort of thing. And as well, we were touring non-stop for three years so it was pretty hard to find time to get into the studio.
You’ve had incredible recognition for an artist with no album – how do you see things developing now you have the album behind you?
Definitely lots more promo you know for touring, I think everything is just kind of solidified now.
And you’ve had a baby, does she go with you on tour?
No, definitely not.
It worked for Bjork… How is it being a mother? I imagine it’s been pretty hectic…
Definitely, it’s finding a balance. Find time to be home with her and time for your career. Yes, definitely hectic!
So, ‘Pop the Glock’ made it onto the album, how come ‘Hot Chick’ and ‘Ready to Uff’ didn’t?
I think it was kind of an old style for me by the time that I was releasing the album and you know they’re fun tracks for clubs but I think the album… it was going a bit more experimental so it didn’t fit anymore so well.
Feadz worked on your early tracks, did he have quite a big role in this album?
Yeh, half the tracks were done by him and Mr.Oizo and the other half are Mirwais.
And what’s it like working with them all in the studio? Do you write songs together or do they have beats and you write lyrics over it?
Sometimes there is a beat that completely inspires the whole lyrics, or sometimes I’ll already have it and then I find a beat that fits, it’s kind of really random each time.
Where do you get your ideas from for songs?
Erm… Life.
In terms of making the album, what’s the worst part?
I think… there always gets to a point where you’re not quite sure if it’s ever going to be finished! You’re like shall I throw it away and start over, and just trying to like, connect the whole thing.
How was it working with Pharell for the new single?
He’s a really lovely guy to work with, he’s super sweet. We actually met I think when I was 19, so it was fun to see him again and work on that.
You’ve collaborated with many other artists, who else would you like to work with?
I think I’d like to work with Pharrell as a producer.
And what about any more collaborations with Justice?
Who knows…
Everyone asks you about Ke$ha, but its only because your fans think she’s a shit version of you! Have you met her? And did you give her a slap? I noticed in the song ‘Art if Uff’ you say something like ‘all you stupid faking fools’….
No I’ve never met her. I mean, I’m really not that bothered by her honestly.
On that note… how do you feel about people such as Ke$ha inspiring almost the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ image, what do you think it says about pop and women in pop, and how close do you feel to this identity?
I mean I think that her type in general (but not her specifically)… that it kinda sucks in general when there are these girls and it’s obviously not their background, and it’s complete label formation of someone. I think for someone like that it doesn’t end up lasting or working. If it’s not really the person, people will eventually figure it out.
What is the worst and best thing about touring?
Right now the best thing is the tour bus! It means we get to sleep! The worst thing is that it’s seven boys….
So is the tour bus huge?
It’s not huge yet… baby steps.
What do you think of the UK? I saw you at Sankeys a couple years back.
I love playing there the crowds quite crazy! Ah yeh that was the Bugged out party wasn’t it? Most definitely crazy.
Where do you like touring the most?
I love playing in Australia. I’ve just been out there and it’s hot there when it’s cold here.
You were born in America, grew up in Hong Kong, and now live in Paris – why Paris?
My dad was living here so I got to come and stay here, and I just never really left!
Has Paris been the biggest influence on your music?
I mean not necessarily because I’m not there so much.
What are your top 5 places to go out at night in Paris?
Paris is shit for going out right now! The only place people go is the Baron.
So what other cities are good to go out?
New York obviously, LA is quite fun but everything closes at 2am, but maybe that’s a good thing though!
You say a bit of French in Art if Uff, ever thought about doing some songs solely in French?
I actually tried one for this album but I hated it so we didn’t take it.
If you were going to be any other artist who would it be?
I think it would be awesome to be Debbie Harry in Blondie.
You covered one of my favourite Siousxie and the Banshees songs for the album, why did you choose this song to cover?
I think just because it’s one of my favourites and I think not many people know it and it would be fun to bring it back. And I lived in Hong Kong so it seemed a bit like fate.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you do? I know you originally were studying fashion in Paris…
I’m actually planning a collection for Diesel right now. So maybe just be doing anything in fashion!
So your name… it has something to do with an egg right?
Erm kind of, my dad was always telling me ‘enough enough enough’ and he’s like oh un oeuf is a petite egg, and I don’t know somehow that turned into Uffie.
Lastly, what pet would you like?
I would love to have a little pig.
Have you seen those teacup pigs?
Yeh they’re incredible!
The new album by Uffie, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is out now TAGS: Uffie, Justice, Pharrell Williams, Words by: Sarah Boardman
Links:
Uffie - Myspace
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