Enfnts Terribles

Maxim Meyer-Horn

27 Jan 2023
Music

Interview Betty Who: “I Have Always and Will Always Be Obsessed With Britney”

She’s an icon. She’s a legend. And yes, she’s the moment. The Australian-American queer icon Betty Who has been around for nearly a decade and inspired countless people to be their true authentic selves. In October, she released her fourth album ‘BIG!’ and dug even deeper than ever before. Before she’s heading on her biggest tour to date – traveling through Europe and the US – we had a chat with the “I Love You Always Forever”-singer to talk about her artistry, releasing the album, and going on this tour.

A new year also means that people make new resolutions. What are your resolutions for the next twelve months?

I want to read more. I haven’t read a whole ass book in years because I’m lazy and love tv but 2023 is my year of reading! I’ve already read two books and it’s only been two weeks so WATCH OUT WORLD. I AM AN INTELLECTUAL NOW.

BIG! does it name all justice as it’s such a fun pop album. How was the writing process of the project?

The writing process matches the title. It was BIG in all it’s joy and pain, it’s ease and hardship. I went through so many big emotions trying to pull this record out and I will forever be grateful to my collaborators for sticking by me while we went looking for it.

What’s your personal fave on BIG! ?

Oof, impossible question to answer but CURRENTLY it’s “I Can Be Your Man”. It’s my favourite number to perform cause it’s so campy and fun, I love the character of the song. But I’ll have a different favourite tomorrow.

It’s already your fourth album. What was/felt different this time?

I feel old. lol. I know so much more now, I’ve really spent the last decade gathering experience points so heading into this album I knew a lot of how I didn’t want to be or feel so I let that guide me.

Do you get inspired by different things compared to for example ten years ago?

My relationship with inspiration feels really different now, ten years in. I can smell her coming and can put on the kettle, make her a cup of tea and sit in my armchair patiently waiting for her to arrive. I try to be ready when she does.

What do you have planned the next months besides touring?

I want to start a baking youtube channel because that’s my other passion! Other than that? Sleeping probably because these next few months are going to be a wild ride.

You’re a huge fan of Britney Spears. How or where did she influence the new album?

I have always and will always be obsessed with Britney. so much of that incredibly musical, swedish pop of the 90s and early 2000s will always be lingering inside me so it comes out every now and then. But a lot of this record is referencing so many other genres and bands that I love – I made a song called “The One” on my third album that was absolutely an ode to Britney and NSYNC. I think it scratched that itch for me so I could pivot a little and make music on this album inspired by Journey and Phil Collins and Avril Lavigne. (I really am all over the place.)

The music industry has drastically changed since you’ve debuted. Is it a positive or negative evolution in your opinion?

I don’t know if I think of it positively or negatively, more that it just “is”. I won’t wake up overnight and be 19 going viral on tiktok so I don’t put that much pressure on myself to compete with someone who is 19 and going viral on tiktok. When I first started, everyone was obsessed with youtube and pop blogs. We change. Time moves on and so do we. I think in an increasingly digital world, I find myself doubling down on live and in-person experience. That’s why I’m so excited about tour. There’s nothing like it.

You’re about to hit the road for your biggest tour to date to promote your new album. How would you summarize your excitement for the next months?

I feel really ready. I spent the last three years praying I’d be able to go out into the world and see my fans again and I haven’t played a real headlining show since 2019, so it’s been a long time coming. I think i’m gonna cry.

You’re taking NEVE, Shea Couleé and Slayyyter on tour. Why are they your ideal opening act?

We have so much incredible talent on this tour, between all our different openers and the people on our bus that are putting my show together. I just feel really grateful that we get to be a community and share in the gift of live music. We were deprived of it for so long.

Are there other artists on your radar we should keep an eye on?

I always like to promote my friends who are some of the most talented people out there so I always tell everyone to listen to Vincint! One of my besties and an incredible singer and performer. I listen to “Kill My Heart” every day at the gym.

Betty Who is currently on tour through Europe and the US to promote her new album BIG!

Pictures by Kate Biel.

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