“One big room, full of bad bitches”. This catchy line was probably stuck in your head at least once after attending a house party this past semester. The artist of this song, Kreayshawn, was nominated for a Grammy in the “best new artist” category. Kreayshawn is indeed a new artist, but will not be a one hit wonder; she is here to stay.

Kreayshawn’s real name is Natassia Gail Zolot. Her rap name is a play on the word “creation”. This is a fitting name for her as she does loves to create; “I was already writings poems for like ever and started sharing them” says Kreayshawn during an interview when asked about how she got into the music business. Kreayshawn describes her childhood and how she was “raised in a musical household”. Her mom “was all about the music”. Like mother like daughter, Kreayshawn is “all about the music” and is dedicated to getting her creations noticed and heard. However, Kreayshawn’s intentions weren’t always to become well known and famous; “I never had the intention of becoming something big, It was just about having fun and keeping the right attitude” explains Kreayshawn.

When asked about her biggest inspiration Kreayshawn responds “Probably would have to say the spice girls…They’re all about that girl power and they’re all so different”. She is also very inspired by Gwen Stefani, a woman who is totally unafraid to be herself. These inspirations have taught Kreayshawn how to be original and unaffected by other people’s judgments. This boldness is evident in her lyrics, such as “Gucci Gucci”, her most popular song in which she exerts her individuality by comparing herself to “basic bitches”. She raps “Basic bitches wear that shit so I don’t even bother”. Kreayshawn’s non-conservative lyrics and “bad-ass bitch” attitude sets her apart from other female artists. What also sets her apart is the fact that her talent goes further than just rapping. She is also a music video director. This ability derives from her belief that rapping and making music videos go hand in hand; “When you listen to music, you make a picture in your head of a story or in emotion, and with rap music, it can have the most ridiculous lyrics, but I’m able to make that picture in my head” she explains.

Kreayshawn plans to “make some Gwen Stefani moves” in the near future; “Getting into fashion, starting a clothing line. Doing and making more music videos, and producing some reality shows. I really want to do a lot of behind the scenes work on top of what I do already, so I can always have different forms my work out there” she explains. Kreayshawn has made a name for herself because of her numerous talents and spunky attitude. She deserves all of this attention, especially the nomination for “Best New Artist” and I have no doubt that she will continue to rise and make a name herself in the music industry.

It became clear upon entering the house that the two guitars I had seen through the window were not the only ones about; there were at least 5 others hung on walls, one of which was a rather lovely 12 string guitar that I was itching to pick up and play, and if this hadn’t been enough proof that we were in a musical household, the guests would have been enough to tell me so, as everyone there seemed to be involved in music somehow. My audience consisted of songwriters, music teachers, managers, guitarists, performers, music students… it could have been a terrifying experience. It could have resulted in a deathly silence after every song followed by some distant coughing, where it not for the fact that my audience were also ridiculously nice people!

The Harveys had laid out their living room unlike any of the one’s I’d previously played; they had made it into a mini venue, with chairs sat neatly in lines and two large sofas pushed against the back wall. The ‘stage’ backed onto two open doors leading into the ‘backstage’, which was basically an office. It was the most thought through set up that I’ve encountered so far!

Once everyone had found a seat and the room was looking promisingly full, Jess, the youngest Harvey, and her friend Harry kickstarted the evening off with a half an hour set. They played a mixture of original songs written by either one of them with a couple of covers thrown in for good measure. ‘Baby steps’, a lyrically clever take on the fairly well-worn story of growing up and falling in love and one of Jess’ own original songs, was probably my favourite track. She started the song by telling us that she couldn’t play the guitar, but then proceeded to ….um, play the guitar. Brilliant.

After a small break, I was up. Since it was apparent that most people in the room were fairly musical, I had high hopes for them when it came to ‘Go’, and I wasn’t disappointed. Here’s how they did:

Volume: 7/10

Enthusiasm: 9/10

Accuracy: 9/10

Which would give them a total of 25/30, BUT I’m going to award them a bonus point for the most in-time clicking on ‘Practice Room’ that I have ever heard, so in actual fact they have a total of 26/30! Lovely.

On the subject of Practice Room, I’ve got a video of it just to prove exactly how good they were at clicking; it was a bit like playing along to a giant metronome. Before you watch this footage, I should clear up just what all the laughing was about in the middle: at the words, ‘There’s a pre-madonna in the room behind me’, the photographer, David, chose that exact moment to appear in the room behind me, which is what everyone found so funny and it’s why I keep looking round. I won’t lie though, there was a moment where I was extremely confused at such an unusual reaction to the lyrics… anyway, check it out:

It was a brilliant evening over all and it was a fantastic way to end the week, so a huge thank you to the audience for being such an awesome crowd and accomplished clickers, thanks very much to Jess and Harry for their great set and getting the evening going, thanks again to the lovely Sabrina for her vocal skills, thanks to David Cobb for the photos, and finally a massive thank you to George, for inviting me in the first place, and also to Barbara, Rachel and Jess for hosting such an enjoyable night.

George Harvey (host): It was fantastic! People loved the vibe you created – interaction and great performances of your songs. Sabrina has a beautiful voice too- wonderful harmonies! Thank you so much for coming and playing. It’s one of those evenings that people will never forget – loads of heartwarming comments.