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Celebrating creativity with H.E.R

We chat to the enigmatic artist and seven local creatives about the moments that shaped them

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Enigmatic R&B singer-songwriter H.E.R. is undeniably killing it, albeit it in the most mysterious of ways. Since emerging in late 2016 with the silky smooth E.P. H.E.R Volume 1, she has established herself as one of the most captivating yet untraceable artists around, refusing to disclose her identity and concealing her face in all publicity stills. Her seductive brand of trap-influenced woozy R&B has garnered critical acclaim, amassing hundreds of millions of streams and likely providing the soundtrack for many listener’s intimate evenings. Lyrically, her work calls to mind Lauryn Hill style confessionals, exploring themes of identity, womanhood, and sexuality, H.E.R. carefully cultivated anonymity somehow imbuing her music with a raw, vulnerable relatability. Connecting with women is a core focus for H.E.R., and through revealing her truths she aims to show them that they are not alone in their emotional experiences, however messy and conflicted they may feel internally.

Following her debut Australian tour, we chat to H.E.R. and seven local creatives achieving greatness in their respective fields. We spoke with each of them about the advice they’d give their younger selves, and the music that has shaped them into the women they are today.

Listen to our Spotify playlist curated by H.E.R and friends here.

01. H.E.R.

@hermusicofficial

What do you do professionally?
I’m a singer/songwriter.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
The motivation didn’t really come until more recently. For most my life, I just did music because it came naturally to me, and I love it. Since I released the EPs Volume 1 and Volume 2, I’ve created a movement that empowers young women, so the motivation has turned into being a voice for women.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
I think performing on Jimmy Kimmel was a huge career milestone.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
I would tell my 16-year-old self to trust your intuition, trust the process, and be patient. You never really know exactly who you’re going to become, you create yourself and learn what makes you happy.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
I’ve looked up to a lot of artists like Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill, but one person that I was very close to besides my mother growing up was my Aunt Carmella. She used to write all the time. Songs, poems, thoughts, etc. She would show me something new every time I saw her and it encouraged me to write poems and songs.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘Greatest Love Of All’ by Whitney Houston.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to a mixture of things. I love Post Malone’s new album, J Cole’s new album, and the Robert Glasper & Kaytranada album.

02. JADE ZOE

@jadezoe_

What do you do professionally?
I’m a DJ and a presenter.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
I actually fell into DJing but was motivated to stick with it early on and finally commit to something. I get distracted and bored easily, but I wanted to see how far I could go if I really put the work in. It’s led me to so many opportunities that I couldn’t have ever imagined.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
Last year I interviewed Craig David which I still cannot believe happened. Earlier this year, I hosted and played tunes for Nike’s Air Max Day in Melbourne. I’m due for another one soon.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
Just keep working hard and you will get there. If it feels difficult and scary, then you’re on the right path. Take each day as it comes. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, just focus on yourself.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
I loved the Spice Girls and Aaliyah. But as a Chinese-Malaysian-Australian growing up, there weren’t any women I looked up to or related to because no one looked like me. Creative Asian women weren’t really represented back then. I looked up to my single mum who was always working hard to give my sister and I the best life possible. Now that I’m older, I look up to so many women, especially my friends who are going after their dreams. It’s great to see so many women achieving great things and finally being represented. SophieGrophy, Shelly Liu of Valve Sounds, Mia and Maribelle of Crush Club Records, Sole Finess creator Murata, Alex Drewniak, SoSuperSam, Noodles, Yo Mafia, Lotus Moonchild, Amber Akilla, SAL – the list goes on. I believe it’s important to showcase these women so that they can inspire younger girls to see that they can achieve anything they want to.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘Woah’ by Lil Kim.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Alta’s ‘Now You Want Me’ on repeat, Kali Uchis, and SoSuperSam’s Priority EP.

Photography: Murata PJs

03. MALAÏKA

@malaika_slt

What do you do professionally?
Im a dancer and a singer.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
A chaotic life, a need for it, and passion and love have driven me to this path. The young me, the baby walking around the house with a microphone and dancing in front of the TV, had no fear to jump on a stage and perform. I stopped when I was around 17, mainly because I came from a middle-class family where we were taught to find a good job and settle into life for the future. But I never really felt comfortable in anything I tried, and it all led to me developing anxiety and depression. Somehow, one day I stopped thinking and I met someone, came to Australia with him, slowly tested the waters and then jumped in. I was inspired by this man, he had the courage to pursue his dream career at 30-years old, so why not me?

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
It has been over two years that I have lived this life and at every stage, something great has happened. I had no goals when I first started, so I feel like every little thing I’ve done has felt like a career milestone. No matter what I achieve, my biggest surprise is to have my parents accepting my career choice and giving me their full support, especially in my music.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
I honestly think my 16-year old self has more to offer than I do. Sometimes I’m happy with the person I’ve become, but I hate my awareness. I am aware of judgement today and this is the worst thing, constantly being conscious of what people will think of you. I’m extremely shy and I know that my alter ego only comes out when I am on stage.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
My first love was Janet Jackson, her music and her videos always inspired me as a young kid. Later on, I discovered Destiny’s Child/Beyonce. Yes, I am a true Beyonce fan, I’m not going to lie about that. There’s a lot of creative women that inspire me but no one like her. Everything about that woman impresses me.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ from Innervisions by Stevie Wonder.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Im currently listening to Esperanza Spalding.

04. MARIBELLE

@maribellemusic

What do you do professionally?
I’m a singer/songwriter, and producer. I also run a label called Crush Club Records.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
I grew up surrounded by music. I never thought that I would do it professionally until my cousin uploaded a video of me singing one of my original songs to YouTube when I was 13-years old. I haven’t stopped since.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
I just released a single called ‘I’m A Mess Without You’. The release is a huge milestone for me because I finally feel like I know who I am.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
Keep working hard. Never have expectations. Patience is key.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
Too many! Janet Jackson is always somebody I’ve looked up to with my music. I also wanted to be like 90’s Britney for basically my entire childhood.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘Together Again’ by Janet Jackson. That song has helped me through some tough times and never fails to put a massive smile on my face.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Kali Uchis, Aminé, Bazzi.

Photography: Duncan Killick

05. VILLETTE

@villettedasha

What do you do professionally?
I’m a singer/songwriter, and producer.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
My mum, growing up in a musical family and wanting to follow my dreams.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
Today!

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
None. 16-year-old Villette can learn the hard way.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
I really looked up to Amy Winehouse & Lacey Sturm (Flyleaf).

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘My Heart’ by Paramore. This song, particularly the bridge, has always made me feel powerful and centred. It reminds me that I have a voice and I should use it.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
A lot of Brent Faiyaz, Sinead Harnett, H.E.R., dvsn, Tre Capital & as per usual Michael Jackson & Young Thug.

06. MADDY MADDEN

@madeleine_madden

What do you do professionally?
I’m an actor.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
I’ve always been creative. When I was young I was constantly surrounded by artists in every field. We were always encouraged to express ourselves creatively. My mum works in the arts and she’s always encouraged us to have open minds and open hearts.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
This year has been a big year for my career. Being in four television shows as an indigenous actress is massive. I’m currently shooting a series called ‘Tidelands’. It’s the first Australian Netflix original series which is pretty monumental.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
Trust your instincts.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
I was obsessed with Audrey Hepburn when I was little. She exuded such elegance and occupied every space she was in. I also really admired her charitable work. She was one of the first actresses/activists and that really inspired me.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Diana Ross.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve got BROCKHAMPTON on high rotation at the moment.

Photography: Steven Chee

07. KAIIT

@kaiit_isshe

What do you do professionally?
I’m a singer/songwriter.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
I wanted what I did for work to be something that I loved to do, and knowing that I was greatly supported by my family and friends motivated me and affirmed my decision.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
My last conquered career milestone was this year when I supported The Internet at their sold-out gig at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne. The Forum has always been a dream venue for me to perform at and The Internet are one of my favourite bands.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
The career advice I would give to my 16-year old self would be not to take no for an answer and if no-one believes in you, then believe in yourself! Last of all, be your authentic self – don’t feel like you need to change for anyone.

Were there any particular creative women that you looked up to when you were younger?
My Mama, Lisa Waup. She is a visual artist, so I got to see firsthand both the good aspects and the struggle side of the arts industry. But her passion was and still is inspiring.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
One classic song that always makes me feel powerful and inspired would have to be ‘Hello’ by Erykah Badu and André 3000. The way that song sonically makes me feel. I hope that one day my music can affect others the way that song has inspired and affected me.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I have been listening to a lot of old Kendrick Lamar, but I never really stray too far from my favourites.

Photography: Lydia Rui

08. JOY.

@joymusic

What do you do professionally?
I’m a record producer, artist, and singer/songwriter.

What was the motivation for you to pursue your current career path?
I had a love and passion for music from a young age, it just took me a long time to realise it was a possible career option. Making and performing music is addictive.

When was the last time you conquered a career milestone?
Today. I’m in Oslo Norway in the middle of a World tour (European Leg) with Demi Lovato. I’ve never been to Europe before or played any international shows until now, so just being here is a milestone for me.

What career advice would you give to your 16-year old self?
Everything you are dreaming about will happen, maybe not exactly how you imagine it to, maybe not as easy as you picture it – but it’s coming.

Name one classic song that always makes you feel powerful and inspired?
‘I can’t make you love me’ by Bonnie Rait.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to a kind of broad range of music, I really love 70’s records, but also new wave rap. I guess I try and listen to a wide range of music to influence both my production and my artist project separately. But my basics are always D’angelo, partynextdoor, Bobby Caldwell, Future, Sonder, Fleetwood Mac, and 50 cent.