Mixing Electronica, HipHop and Soul this solo performer emanates raw emotional and spiritual energy. This is a Bay Area artist to keep your eyes on! We had the chance to go deep into what makes her a strong versatile female figure in the music scene…
Interview Meikee Magnetic
Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Castro and Sunset Districts. I’m still here by choice. I have found that nourishing my roots here in the Bay Area has given me so much understanding about what I want to bring to the rest of the world. After this year I think I’m ready for my next move.
You represent strength, positivity, sensuality and community. What are some other sides of Hazel Rose?
I appreciate that, I believe my intuitive and emotional side is a driving force. I was just looking at my astrological chart, and found a geometric triangle connecting all the water signs. This shows the presence of the subconscious and dream world, as well as Love represented by Venus. This sense of visioning and universal connectedness is where a lot of my art and also my work with youth in the community comes from.
Hazel, your a double talent threat from singing sensual catchy hooks to perfectly spit rhymes and you don’t follow any trends. You really make it your own on ‘HEARTBEAT’, what sets you apart from other artists out there?
I’m glad you liked it, I feel one thing that sets me apart is that versatility. I love lacing tracks from grimy Hip Hop, to synthy House to live band Funk or Dance Hall. Also I’m not going to compromise what I stand for. Though I’m far from perfect I want to prove that it’s possible to be successful without slandering others but encouraging them.
What do you consider you role in the world of music and what are you striving for?
My role is to take my message of empowerment around the world and inspire change. To fight the propaganda we see in today’s media. I also want to continue to collaborate with artists and musicians who are pushing the boundaries of art.
I like the direction of your ‘ROBOTIK’ track, can we expect more of this sound from you?
Thank you! And definitely. This live electronic soul sound is our direction in the studio and my favorite to perform. Nothing’s better than the live band experience.
What producers have you been working with and who is in your line-up?
My main squad are producers Stylo (known for his work with Los Rakas) and Mic Angelo. Also Marty MxFly and Yung Cutt-E, who are up and coming producers with so much heart and potential. I was previously in a group called 40Love with Soulection’s The Whooligan and Mikos Da Gawd so hopefully more collaborations with them too.
What can your fans expect at a live performance?
The vibe is dynamic, experimental, with a hint of sexy and a transfer of kinetic energy. My vocals are joined by Mic Angelo (talkbox/keyboard) and Stylo (Ableton Push/Guitar/Percussion). With the amazing dancers Marqui Martinez, Jazmine Vieira and CC Elise.
If you could do a song with any artist alive or dead who would that be?
I’m gonna take it all the way back and say Orpheus, the legendary Greek prophet who played hymns and Divine Music. Creating the Orphic Mysteries and playing in harmony with the celestial bodies.
What’s in your ipod?
Reggae island vibes, my beats and warmups. MIA. Prince.
Favorite places to shop in San Francisco:
Wasteland on Haight Street or Mishka in the Mission. I don’t shop much but when I do I love finding unique vintage pieces like my Peace bomber jacket I found at Afterlife on Valencia Street.
Favorite foods:
Rich flavors and sauces like Tom Kha Thai Coconut Soup, Indian Chicken Tikka Masala or La Taqueria tacos dorados. SMACK!
We’d love to know your future plans, I hear your new album ‘THE SEED’ has dropped:
My album ‘The Seed’ dropped in Spring of 2015. You can expect some singles and videos in early 2016 leading up to my new mixtape ‘The 5th Element’ followed by my next full-length album ‘9 Lives’.
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
Dark beauty to me is the beauty that is hidden. It is the choice to step into darkness to find the light. That could mean seeking to understand an obstacle or negative function in our life rather than fear it to transform and progress. It is the mystery to this human experience. The death that is inherent in Life. The Ouroboros. The dark matter of the Soul.
Photo Credit David Dutton
MORE INFO:
www.hazelrosemusic.com
www.facebook.com/hazel.rose
