The Los Angeles singer-songwriter-dancer-actress has been lauded as the current queen of disco in the city thanks to her work with the Stones Throw approved producer Mayer Hawthorne. She’s performed at iconic venues like The Troubadour and Hollywood Bowl with Billboard and Spin hyping her as one to watch.
We love the funky disco vibes that your music has. What’s the root of your disco influence? Who are your biggest music influences?
I am lucky to have parents who had amazing taste in music. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Prince, Diana Ross, and Donna Summer regularly; all of whom have greatly influenced me as a performer and artist. I remember watching videos of Michael and Diana Ross performing and I just fell in love with the way their music and personas brought people together. I got into modern disco phenoms like LCD Soundsystem and Daft Punk later which also influence the way I approach disco.
You’ve been called an “indie disco pop princess.” How do you fuse the past with present “indie sounds”? Or is it not a conscious thing?
It's definitely a conscious thing! I took me so long to figure out how to translate inspiration found in music from the 70s and 80s into a sound that is relevant to my generation. No matter how much I love listening to "I Feel Love" or "Off The Wall", I believe it's my job to take that inspiration and make it accessible and palpable for a modern audience through my lyrics and melodies. That's why I love bands like LCD Soundsystem and Holy Ghost; they have mastered making modern disco relevant and fresh. That's the goal.
You’ve worked a lot with Tokimonsta. How did you guys meet?
I love Toki. We met a really long time ago through Myspace! I had a few demos up on my page and she messaged me seeing if I was interested in collaborating being that we were both from LA. At first we exchanged ideas, beats, melodies and eventually we started crafting really beautiful songs together which led to our mini-album, You're Invited released last year.
We are in love with your dance moves! Do you choreograph your own performances?
(Laughs) Thanks! I started off as a dancer first so typically I allow myself to get lost in the music and let my body lead me rather than have someone else choreograph something from scratch for me. I like to see what my body naturally does and then I will have my friend and brilliant choreographer, Beverly Bautista refine my instincts and give me some more options. I want the movement to enhance the experience and encourage the audience to dance!
Favourite oldie movie?
Purple Rain! I just watched it again and it's just epic in every way.
How does living in Los Angeles influence your sound and style?
LA is my home. It's so diverse, musically and culturally and also a city that can make or break you. I grew up going to see amazing live music which encouraged me to take the risk and pursue it myself. LA is also experiencing a musical renaissance of sorts right now with artists such as Tokimonsta, Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, and Anderson Paak, leading the way in soul, jazz, and electronic music across the world. It's such an exciting time to be in LA and to be a music lover. I'm constantly challenged and inspired living here.
Have you ever been to China? If so, what did you think? If not, what do you expect?
I have never been to China and I am so incredibly excited to go. I'm not sure what to expect. I heard Shanghai is one of the most amazing cities in the world. I can't wait to experience the people, the food, the night life and of course, to perform!
Favorite disco tune?
Would have to be 'I Wanna Rock You' by Giorgio Moroder. Never gets old.
'On the Line' is getting a lot of attention. What was the process of creating this song?
I wrote this song with a phenomenal producer out of LA, named Chris Hartz. I love working with him because he always challenges me to take the less obvious route musically and lyrically. He had the live drums that ended up on the track playing on repeat and I just loved the groove. I came up with the lyrics and melody immediately which is always a good sign. It's my "keep going" anthem. I needed it and figured someone else did too.
What’s next for Gavin Turek?
I am working on my next EP and should have it out this fall. Lots of shows and touring will surround that release and hopefully I will be able to return to Shanghai. (smiles) Still have a lot to accomplish in 2016.
July 22, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.
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