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Tag Archives: music

Interview with Musician Sierra West

24 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by natasiarose in Celebrities, Music, Sexy Ladies

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Alternative Rock, animal, artist, Break ups, Celebrities, coming out, ellen, Entertainment, healing, Interview, joan baez, lesbian, LGBT, Love, music, Queer, relationship, Sierra West, U Haul

Image courtesy of http://www.sierrarocks.com

Sierra West is the latest talented queer lady to hit the music scene hard. West released her latest LP, “Hold Your Fire” in early September. Her sound is soothing, with an edge and her lyrics are sprinkled with metaphors referencing nature. West turned to music after the sudden loss of her brother to a drunk driver and her pain, love and hope is reflected in her sound. The openly lesbian animal lover chatted with me about music, break-ups, U-hauls and animals. What more could you want in a gay lady interview?!

Hot Femme: When did you discover your passion for music?

Sierra West: I’ve always loved living and creating music. I suppose it became my passion in high school after a difficult break-up.  However, it became my career focus at UVM in Chittenden Hall when my new friend Dawn made me play in the hallway for all the girls on our floor. I never had so much fun. I later became one of the first performers at Radio Bean (Burlington, VT), which was quite a change from secretly playing and writing in my room at home. I have been playing out ever since. I will always be a writer and musician, perhaps I always was.

HF: What was your first song about?

SW: My Aunt Joanie secretly taped me singing in my room when I was around the age of 5. She mailed me the tape for my 18th birthday and one song was about my best friend Brooke, her older sister, and gymnastics. It’s pretty funny. I wrote other songs in 8th grade that were more environmental. I remember submitting to a magazine as a school assignment in which Jackson Browne would cover the song if it won. Mine was not chosen, but it was about saving dolphins and I bet it made someone smile.

HF: You’ve mentioned that Joan Baez and Bob Dylan are two of your most important musical influences, what is it about their music that you relate too?

SW: I really connect with the raw content, the lyrics, and the history behind the stories. They are the artists who opened my eyes to folk music. Actually, Ani DiFranco made me aware of folk artists like Woody Guthrie and Utah Phillips much along the same path. They were creating a movement, a community, a way of living. They didn’t just write songs, they changed lives…and still do.

Image courtesy of http://www.sierrarocks.com

HF: You’re here and queer; has that had any impact on your music?

SW: Absolutely, it keeps it interesting. In fact, I have performed at several Dyke March Fundraisers and opened for a few drag shows. One more recently in Northampton, MA called “Suicide is a Drag” for the Mass Coalition for Suicide Prevention. Being “here and queer” requires combating a lot of hatred, fear, and loneliness. It is important to be open and help other people feel supported and less alone.

HF: You’re a super huge animal lover, working as a vet tech and donating regularly to animal shelters….which is pretty par for the course for lesbians. Why do you think we all love animals so much?

SW: I actually never correlated the two together aside from knowing how much Ellen DeGeneres supports animal causes, but now that you ask I can see why. I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was four years old, but I didn’t realize I was queer until my senior year in high school. I can’t speak for everyone, but I imagine it is because animals usually don’t judge people or discriminate against them. They love unconditionally. Judgment comes with a history of abuse or trauma. I think it is our duty to speak for them and help calm their fear. We practice compassion and forgiveness because we are challenged on a daily basis. We combat fear every day.

HF: Have you ever U-hauled with a girlfriend and then written a song about it?

SW: I haven’t, but I did just U-haul all the way across the country for love. Maybe now is the time for that song to come out!

HF: To take a serious turn, fans may not know this, but you lost your brother to a drunk driver suddenly when you were a teenager. How has music helped you heal from your loss?

SW: Music is the only thing that keeps me sane when I think about it. I not only lost a brother and all of the friends we shared at the time, but I lost my unconditional best friend for life. The healing is never complete; it just changes form and reveals itself in new ways. He was a musician as well, an extraverted, fun-loving people person. I was very shy and quiet, but we shared music all the time. I know we would be performing together if he were here. He is with me every time I sing.

HF: Which songs (both of yours and in general) would you recommend for people who are suffering from the loss of a loved one?

SW: I wrote a song called “21” for Jay when I was 17 on my self-made album Depleted Oxygen. I have written others, but have yet to put them on an album. The three songs that currently jump out at me are “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root (which was dedicated to him at a live show the summer after it happened), “Horses” by Rickie Lee Jones, and “Goodbye” by Patty Griffin. In general, anything that gets the emotions out.

HF: Your latest album, “Hold Your Fire,” was released earlier this month. What are some of the themes you explore and what message do you want listeners to walk away with.

SW: I explore various themes, but the most important message from the album comes from “Good Enough” because it deals with rejection and self-doubt. My favorite line from that song is “you want the castle, but not the sand”. I want listeners to overcome not being accepted. If a person doesn’t like you, a college doesn’t accept you, a radio station won’t play you, a job falls through, you don’t get picked for the team, or you don’t win the contest of your dreams or get the gig…just keep trying. Someone will think you’re good enough the way you are if you keep trying. It’s about stamina.

HF: You recently moved from Boston to San Diego, where can locals go to hear you?

SW: I will be attending and volunteering at the Independent Music Conference in LA October 18-21st (http://www.indiemusicon.com) and attending the HMMA as a nominee for “Hold Your Fire” (http://www.hmmawards.org) in LA November 15th. As a new artist unfamiliar with the area, I will explore the open mic circuit, especially at LeStat’s Coffee House on Tuesday nights. I will have a performance with ListenLocalSD (http://www.listenlocalsd.com) in the future and am very excited to build a fan base here. I hope to become well acquainted with the Belly Up (about a ten-minute walk from my new home) and have a community much like the one I had back east at Passim. For now, the best way to hear my music is online through my website, which will connect you to me through any link of your choice (http://www.sierrarocks.com).

Vintage Interview: Hunter Valentine

14 Monday May 2012

Posted by natasiarose in Music, Sexy Ladies, Social Disease

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

gay, hot girls, hot lesbians, Hunter Valentine, Interview, Kiyomi, lesbian, LGBT, music, Queer, rock band, rock music, Showtime, The Real L Word

Hunter Valentine circa May 2010, from left to right: Laura, Kiyomi, Adrienne

Two years ago, a younger, stupider, more optimistic Hot Femme was trying to make her living as a full time blogger. Silly Hot Femme, everyone knows writers can’t make money on the internet! Anyway, the reason I’m bringing this up is because my very first video interview was with the rock band, Hunter Valentine. In 2010 the band was made up of Kiyomi, Laura and Adrienne, three incredibly hot, incredibly talented queer girls. Which honestly was enough, at the time, to make me nervous.

They totally thought I was some kind of legit journalist or whatever until the interview started and it was clear I was nervous and had no idea what I was doing. I can’t even watch this video now, because of how horrendous it was. BUT in light of finding out that Kiyomi is now starring on the upcoming season of The Real L Word, I thought I would bring this interview back. Snarking on The Real L Word launched my bloggy career, so I kind of owe the show. Just a little bit. Interview below, enjoy!

The One That’s Kind of Serious: Heartbreak

21 Saturday Jan 2012

Posted by natasiarose in Music, Relationships

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

art, Beauty, Etta James, heartbreak, I'd rather go blind, lost love, music

Etta James has passed away. Her songs remind me that artists can take the pain in life and turn it into something universal; something that can connect millions of people for decades. Etta frequently sang of romance gone bad. Lost love is a horrible feeling, but the upside is the art that can come out of it. “I’d Rather Go Blind” makes me think of all the heartbreak the world has seen. We all have ‘the one that got away’ or ‘the one that never was’ or ‘a rough patch’ in a long term relationship. It’s a human experience that binds us, regardless of nationality or sexuality. Etta showed the beauty that grows from pain. That life is beautiful because it is ephemeral.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.

2012 Workout Playlist To Keep Your New Year’s Resolution!

11 Wednesday Jan 2012

Posted by natasiarose in Music, Sexy Ladies, Social Disease

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

2012, Big Sean, britney spears, gym, Jessie J, Ke$ha, kelis, LFMAO, Mariah Carey, music, new year's, NIcki Minaj, Pitbull, resolution, Sean Paul, T-Pain, Timbaland, Tinie Tempah, Workout

Eva Lyn model working out Pictures, Images and Photos

I can guess your top New Year’s resolution without even being a psychic. It was to work out more. See also: “lose weight” or “be healthier.” The tiny gym in my building is flooded with people I have never seen before, add that to the regulars who are there 5/6 days a week and that equal’s total gridlock.

Personally, I know how easy it is to lose motivation. I usually work out before heading to the office and the temptation of hitting snooze is powerful. Especially since it’s pitch black at 6 o’clock in the morning. And, if you’re a regular reader of Hot Femme, you know I work out at the tiny gym in my building. It’s now flooded with Resolutioners, which has upped the wait times for a machine from none to about 10 minutes. Having a great playlist can help give you the motivation to get out of bed. Here are the songs that motivate me!

1. Shake Señora- Pitbull feat. T-Pain and Sean Paul

This song is like my dream. A reggaeton beat to satisfy the Boriqua in me and a sampling of a song from my favorite yuppie classic, Beetlejuice. This song makes 4 minutes on the treadmill feel like 30 seconds.

2. Dance (A$$)- Big Sean

I love this song. Especially the “go stupid” part, because that’s what my Minority Report partner in crime Cynthia says to me when I dance!

3. Obsessed- Mariah Carey

I know, I know, it’s an old song. BUT, you know that b*tch that’s telling everyone she got something she didn’t get? Listening to this song provides the soundtrack to a good revenge fantasy.

4. Caught Out There- Kelis

You might be sensing a theme…nothing is more motivating than anger. Think of the ex that broke your heart and get that much closer to hot.

5. Turn Me On- Nicki Minaj

This song is all about sex. And you know what you want to get in shape for? Exactly.

A Anime Girl Working out With a Ball Pictures, Images and Photos

You're halfway done!

6. Frisky- Tinie Tempah

See no. 5.

7. Pass At Me- Timbaland

Because I love it when you make a pass at me.

8. Sexy and I Know It- LMFAO

Keep your eyes on the prize, girl. If you want to be sexy you better keep running.

9. Till the World Ends: Femme Fatale Remix- Britney Spears feat. Nicki Minaj and Ke$ha

Britney Spears Pictures, Images and Photos

It’s Britney, bitch. ‘Nuff said.

10. Domino- Jessie J.

This one is going to remind you of The Girl. The one that makes your heart sing. Don’t you want to stay in shape for her? Exactly.


Songs About Your Ex Girlfriend

09 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by natasiarose in Music, Relationships, Sexy Ladies, Social Disease, Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

bisexual, Celebrities, dancing, Dating, drinking, ex girlfriends, exes, femme, heartbreak, lesbian, lesbians, LGBT, music, NYC, Queer, rock, village

Last Saturday night Cleveland dyke band 11 After was performing in my hood. So I meandered on over to drink and listen to some grrl-band music. After a long week at work, it’s nice to kick back and listen to some grrls rock out.

11 After kills it at The Village Lantern. Check 'em out: http://www.reverbnation.com/11after

It got emotional.

My favorite song was an 11 After original Psycho Psycho. It reminded me of someone. Yeah, that chick was a total psycho! Amirite?! She was obsessed with me because I’m the effing shiz. High five bra! Half a vodka tonic I realized it would probably remind someone else of me. Actually, I know exactly who it would remind of me. Sobering thought. Need more alcohol.

Mistake.

When 11After’s frontlez starting wailing a kickass version of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Games, I might have

passionately yelled, “It was a wicked thing to do! God it was so wicked.” before clutching someone’s shoulder and wondering if tears would be too over the top. Then I noticed that one of the 11 After girls was unzipping her pants and lifting up her shirt. Crisis averted…this time.

Insert dirty caption here.

There are some songs that are going to trigger beer tears over an ex. Let’s take a stroll down ‘Suck it Romance’ lane and look at some of my favorite lesbian break up songs.

“Give Me One Reason”- Tracy Chapman

Give me one reason to stay here/ And I’ll turn right back around/Because I don’t want to leave you lonely but you gotta make me change my mind.

This song means: I don’t want to break up with you but you never call me and are sleeping with my best friend/ex-girlfriend/boss/mom. So unless you stop we can’t work it out. You are pretending to break up with the other person in order to save the shreds of dignity you have left, but at the end of the day we all know what’s happening. Ouchies. Lie to yourself enough and you’ll survive.

Pick me, choose me, love me. Or download 11After's new single, 'Choose Me' on itunes!

“Like the Way I Do”- Melissa Etheridge

Tell me does she love you/like the way I love you/Does she stimulate you/Attract and captivate you?

Why will this song make you cry into your mic on lesbian karaoke night? Because it’ll make you think “I’M SO MUCH BETTER THAN HER WHY DO YOU LIKE HER MORE OH GOD WHO WANTS TO DO SOME SHOTS?” Ladies, let me tell you, the shots will make things worse not better. Now take a breath.

“Rolling in the Deep”- Adele

The scars of your love remind me of us/They keep me thinking that we almost had it all. You had my heart inside of your hand/And you played it to the beat.

Technically Adele isn’t a lesbian, but she still gets to be on this list cuz it’s my list and my rules. This song will make you think of the girl who who painted rainbows onto your heart and promised to love

you forever…but then she decided to hook up with the chick on her football team instead. That one. You can’t even get away from this song because of it’s awesome club remix. Nice. There is no way to stop the tears this time. Go outside and bum a smoke off someone sexy before your mascara runs.

Your future ex girlfriends

“She Only Loves Me When She’s Wasted”- Hunter Valentine

I have a mini-wienermobile http://www.robingelfenbien.com

The title of this song speaks for itself. You know that ‘relationship’ you had with that straight girl? Yeah. She’s not really your girlfriend. You know that but this song hammers it home. You watch your queer girlfriends make out with their queer girlfriends and effffff. Here come the tears. You’re never going to really have her! This blows! Just like the str8 chick. Man up and make out with the hot single lez with the wallet chain and vow never to touch a str8 woman again.

Speaking of straight chicks. During the 11 After show, a straight girl slipped me her wiener while her date was in the bathroom. She was a comedian who likes to drive vans that look like wieners.

Do you have any songs that remind you of your ex? Leave them in the comments!

Recent Posts

  • Interview with Drae Campbell of Prime: The Queer Party for Grown Folks
  • Ask the Femme: Is it OK to Cheat on my Husband with a Woman…Again?
  • Ask the Femme: How do you Handle Racist Family Members?
  • Interview with Musician Sierra West
  • Interview with Stephanie Schroeder, Author of “Beautiful Wreck”

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