A QUICK CHAT WITH BETTY WHO
What are some pivotal moments you’ve had between your first single ‘Somebody Loves You” (2012) to now and how has that created growth in who you are as an artist, and the music that you are creating in the upcoming album ‘Big’?
When I think of my career, it’s like the first eight years were a completely whirlwind blur, then covid happened and stopped the world in its tracks. I’m really excited to see what this next cycle has to offer because it truly, for the first time in a long time, feels fresh. It feels like I’m trying something new again. When I listen back to any of my first three albums, I have so much love for her but I don’t know if I know her anymore.
It’s incredible to see how many artists in Pop are queer role models for their fans, such as Dove Cameron, FLETCHER, and Maggie Lindemann, just to name a few. How do you think the music industry has evolved over the last few years with championing & supporting artists in the LGBTIQIA+ community?
It’s exciting to see so many queer people not only allowed to be themselves but being celebrated for it. I also think it’s a side effect of lockdown. We all stayed home and spent time with ourselves, away from the world’s perception of us. I can only speak for myself, but I know for a fact that the time away from the world allowed me to find myself, especially the queer parts of myself that had been in hibernation, if you will.
It’s great that your fans can create that authentic connection to you through your music when going through troubled waters. Who do you speak to when you try and navigate tricky waters within the industry and your personal life?
I have different people to call for different problems, but my dad is always one of my favorite people to go to when times are tough. My mum’s a fixer, she wants to step in and act which is great when my luggage is lost, and someone has to call customer service. But sometimes you just want someone to say, “Oh baby, I’m so sorry” and my dad does that for me.
It’s great to know you have those connections that you can find value in. What are some key messages and themes you hope your fans connect to in the music you are releasing in this album?
There’s a lot of self-evaluation on this album. Admitting that I have made mistakes along the way and coming to terms with that. I hope my fans will find grace within themselves. I hope they are encouraged seeing that none of us really know what the hell is going on and we’re all just doing our best.
What are some issues that you think still prevail in the LGBTIQIA+ community and what are some changes you’d like to see in the music industry over the next few years?
Something I have no tolerance for is discrimination within our own community. That’s the entire point of pride, of celebrating ourselves, of being different. It’s that different can look different on everybody. I hope to exist in a community where no matter what your “otherness” looks like, you are celebrated and welcome.
What track of yours have you received the most feedback from fans about, and what have some of the comments been that you can share?
All my friends that I sent the album to before it was out, have said they love “The Hard Way!”. I don’t know if I expected that! I’m so excited for my fans to hear it and tell me their favourites. It always changes my feelings towards the songs once there are fan faves.
How do you plan on finishing off this year and what can fans expect from Betty Who in 2023?
This year will be building tour and gearing up to go perform all over the world. It’s the thing I love to do the most and I’ve been waiting to do it since 2019. In saying that, please come see us on tour! We are pretty amazing if I do say so myself!