Jeffree Star Interview

Jeffree Star Interview

"I'm not a man, I'm not a woman, I'm a mannequin" Jeffree Star

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Jeffree Star is loading up his Louis Vuitton suitcases and heading to Australia. Go and buy some sunglasses because the future is bright for this multi-talented make up artist/designer/model/ musician, who hits our shores in September.

The tour follows the release of Jeffree's album Beauty Killer - a buffet for the ears. Featuring cupcake pop and razor sharp guitars, the album exhibits the flamboyant artist's diversity. Jeffree himself says "Every song has a different feel to it. There's even some club anthems mixed in there."

The self proclaimed 'Head of the Makeup Mafia' and 'Queen Bitch Supreme Among Internet Royalty' stared his music career when he put some beats behind his mouthy opinions and cyanide laced wit. Star began writing "really crazy lyrics" to rap beats, in homage to his obsession with hip-hop which led to a chance encounter with Peaches drummer Samantha Maloney, who produced his first solo tracks in 2006.

He has toured extensively in the US, joining the likes of Eagles of Death Metal and Metro Station for rock and electro-pop inspiration.

Since his first EP and single releases, Jeffree has become the darling of MySpace with his vivid cerise hair and heavily tatted complexion gaining the number one position on the MySpace charts and staying there 'till Star is ready to leave'. But the wonder of Jeffree Star doesn't stop there; his live shows are as bold and as shocking as the man himself, which he daringly showed to the Warped Tour '09 crowd.

Every live show is an experiment; recently Star has had the idea of "having the fans hold up a giant mirror in the audience so I can watch myself perform". It's this kind of self involved arrogance that makes Jeffree Star so wrong but oh so right.

Jeffree Star Australian Tour
Tickets on Sale July 30th

Friday the 17th of September: Billboard, 170 Russell Street, Melbourne (18+)
Saturday the 18th of September: Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney
Tickets from: www.oztix.com.au an dall Oztix outlets.

Interview with Jeffree Star

Tell us about Beauty Killer?

Jeffree Star: Beauty Killer is like my first born child. It's my first proper album and I had the chance to explore myself as an artist more then my previous works and got to work with some amazing producers. Musically and lyrically it's different then what I've released in the past... it's the perfect CD for anyone who's lost and needs to find their diamond tiara.


How do you find time to be a: make up artist, designer, model and musician?

Jeffree Star: I live and breathe music and art. I wake up and write lyrics, I'm constantly thinking about what's the next move and I love being busy. So many people focus on partying and going out but I'd rather work on a new song than get wasted at a club.


How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Jeffree Star: It's still new to me... so many people know who I am but my music hasn't reached the success as my 'celebrity' has. America is afraid to take risks and I'm knocking down the doors every day kicking and screaming until they embrace me.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Jeffree Star: Everyone is out to get you and take as much money as possible.


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Jeffree Star: I write all the lyrics and producers help make my vision a reality.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Jeffree Star: I'm obsessed with Lil Kim, the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and any dirty hip hop artists like Three 6 Mafia and Rick Ross.


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Jeffree Star: Sometimes I still feel like that because not everyone is on my side. So many people have yet to accept me as an artist and I find that I don't get taken serious because of my past actions. But I'm here to stay and NOT ready to give up


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jeffree Star: There's nothing like connecting with a live audience and hear people sing back the lyrics you wrote in your bedroom... so surreal and beautiful!


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Jeffree Star: All the pop stars in the 90's. I'd watch MTV and wish I was on the stage with everyone watching me.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Jeffree Star: Being respected for what I do.


What's a typical day like?

Jeffree Star: Chaos. Shopping, fist fights and straight guys galore.


What has been your favorite part of becoming a music artist?

Jeffree Star: Traveling the world and meeting so many new people!


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Jeffree Star: Britney Spears!


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Jeffree Star: www.myspace.com/jeffreestar


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Jeffree Star: Magnum condoms, glitter, MAC Lipstick, Louis Vuitton hand bags and loyalty.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Jeffree Star: Always stay true to yourself and never take NO for an answer! My fans mean so much to me and I owe them my happiness.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Jeffree Star
Nickname(s): Mrs. Orange County, Jstar
Star Sign: Scorpio
Music Talent: singing, screaming and whispering sweet nothings in your ear
Favorite Food: red velvet cupcakes
Favorite Film: Jawbreaker
Favorite Actor: Anthony Hopkins
Pet: Pink Pomeranian
Best Feature: My perfect makeup
Worst Feature: My loud foul mouth
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: My future ex husband
Hobbies/Interests: Eating birthday cake and spending money
First Job: Makeup artist @ MAC Cosmetics
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Straight bars with loud music
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: my iPad!
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Wow, I look fierce!

Interview by Brooke Hunter
Photo credit: Brit Woollard