PREMIERE: Becca Starr - Defixio (EX) (EP) + 10 Questions
In history and mythology, a Defixio is a curse tablet. Not many remain in existence and most of those that do are now viewable in museums around the world. They are bound with malicious, dark energy, what the religious among us may refer to as “occult”.
The record itself is not a Defixio, but rather the theme is about breaking curses and evil spoken over you. Becca Starr personally is a Wednesday’s Child, so she has historical curses to break from birth! She has spoken evil over herself, the last record was all about confronting that.
She has allowed others to speak and wish evil over her… and this record addresses that in spectacularly direct fashion. It acknowledges blessings and what brings strength and what action must be taken with that newly-discovered conviction and power. Musically, it is Becca’s most complex release to date. As was the case with Speak No Evil, Becca has fully written, composed, performed, recorded and engineered the record in her home studio - Family Starr.
It is the darker side of two halves and is much more masculine and aggressive in its overall tone and delivery, both vocally and instrumentally. Much like Speak No Evil, it effortlessly incorporates and merges genres in a way only Becca has become known for.
An expertly crafted, diverse and accessible record. 9 Tracks long, with 3 planned singles. Becca is trying to lean more into her pop sensibilities while still maintaining the edge she has authentically cultivated throughout her career.
The main genre to creep in is unsurprisingly - Hip Hop. However, this new era adds a greater soul and R&B element than Becca has delved into before.
It has moments of dirt, distortion and subby-bass-led grooves.The final track ‘Brand New’ really acts as a segway between DEFIXIO and SERAPH. It deals with personal and heavy real-life subject matter, with grace and forward eloquence. It is grandiose, soulful and Becca’s vocal prowess ends the record on a high, after a gradual crawl from the darkness of the first track, ‘Deep Down’.
Becca has also been recently inspired by some K-Pop Producers and some particular artists on the SM Entertainment roster. This is very much reflected in two evolutionary tunes for Becca ‘Get Hype’ and ‘Follow The Leader’. Both tracks were created and conceptualized for choreography and dance incorporation..Softer, soulful, human elements creep in arrestingly with ‘Feel Me’ and also ‘What Now?’ which features Gluco.
Becca Starr sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love for music came before I could even speak! I showed a great affinity for sung melodies. I also had a decent ear for a toddler, I'm told I sounded-out many-a jingle and show theme music on my musical toys!
Music has literally been my whole life. I know it's cliche, but in my case it is entirely true. I self taught many of the instruments I play. In my teens I dabbled in producing, but didn't find my stride as an all-round producer until my twenties. The flood gates really opened creatively when I started producing and engineering all my own stuff!
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
At the top of my list of influences are Portishead. Their album Dummy changed my whole view of music. Beth's voice is incredibly emotive and the production is... breathtaking. I also greatly admire Gotye. All of his records are so innovative and immersive. I have so much respect for Missy Elliott, she's one of a kind. If I could work with Missy, with Timbaland on production, that's pretty much dream material right there! Get Kojey Radical to sing the hook... job done!
But genuinely, I could sit for hours talking just about my influences, they are vast and varied. From death metal to Pavarotti!
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Certainly! I am so excited as my new album Defixio (Ex) comes out on Friday 13th December, through my newly established label Family Starr Records!
It is a very diverse and experimental record for me. I've chosen to go darker and heavier with it at points. I fully composed, recorded, produced and engineered the album myself. It was a labour of great love.
In my last record 'Speak No Evil' I did a lot of conceptual writing, however on this one I've been much more direct and literal. It's very honest and raw. Vocally, I think it's my best work.
And the production too! I think it's a level-up for me. Defixio is part one of a two-part series. The next record is called Seraph and will come out next winter. Watch this space!
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is very, very diverse. Just like me! My sound is very me. Passionate, heartfelt and soulful. Dead catchy too by the way, haha!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
In 2022 I won Best Hip Hop Artist at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, That was incredibly validating and I genuinely didn't expect to win. I was the only female in the category that year and I felt the odds might be against me. So winning was a huge honour and meant a great deal to me. I recently just got nominated again in the Best Hip Hop category, this time for the Scottish Live Music Awards, which was also a wholly pleasant and welcomed surprise! I'm going to that awards ceremony on 11th December. A couple days before my album drops, so it's gonna be a very exciting week! Fingers crossed!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Give it everything you have. Put your heart and soul in it. Be diligent and disciplined if you wanna increase your skill set... and you will be unstoppable. And make sure you are present and enjoy all the opportunities that come your way.
Don't be scared to make opportunities happen! And... maybe most importantly... know when to take a break and replenish yourself. Now go make the best music you possibly can.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Aye I absolutely have a belter for you - Frank's House. They are absolutely bananas talented and they are only just getting started, Im very excited to see where their career takes them! They are funky, soulful and absolutely badass.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Bit of a throwback but I've been rinsing The Prodigy catalogue recently! 'Invaders Must Die' in particular. I listen to it and imagine how my live band could cover a few of the tunes... maybe one day!
On a totally different tone, keep returning to eaJ's 2023 release 'laughing in insomnia' too. Love the production and his voice is dope.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I'm a gamer and binge-watcher! I'm currently playing a few different games. The most recent Borderlands gameTiny Tinas Wonderlands, Fall Guys and I pretty frequently play Skyrim. The more honest statement would be "I've pretty frequently played Skyrim for the past ten years" haha! I grew up playing Rayman and Tomb Raider, so my gaming tastes are also pretty diverse!
I've recently been re-watching Game of Thrones. What a show. Still love the ending. Sorry! Know that's controversial!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Joggies, cuppa earl grey... that's kinda it. We good to go! :)