SNOW WIFE OUR NEW POP PRINCESS
BY JESSE ZAPATERO
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Dress: GENESIS, Cuff: BETSEY JOHNSON
In the world of pop music, few new artists have made as impactful an entrance as Snow Wife. Named one of Spotify’s Pop Rising Artists to Watch for 2024, this multifaceted talent burst onto the scene with her electrifying single “American Horror Show,” amassing over 54 million streams. Her debut EP, "QUEEN DEGENERATE," with its addictive blend of hyper-pop and hip-hop influences, further cemented her status as a pop star in the making, garnering over 45 million streams.
Her journey from Houston to Los Angeles has profoundly shaped her artistic vision, imbuing her music with a blend of cultural richness and personal introspection. Her unapologetic approach to songwriting and her fearless stage presence set her apart in the crowded pop world. Join us as we delve into the world of Snow Wife, a true storyteller and boundary-pushing artist on the cusp of stardom.
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How has growing up in Houston and being based in Los Angeles influenced your musical style and artistry?
I think growing up in Houston, now being based in Los Angeles shaped my musical style and artistry in such a fundamental way. Houston is such a melting pot of culture and expression. It exposes you to all the realities of life in the way any large city does, but also has the sweetness that southern hospitality and community also have to offer. It allowed me to really be affected by every community of people and empathize with every struggle or privilege that comes with it.
You've mentioned that pop icons like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Brooke Candy, and Doja Cat inspire you. How have these artists influenced your music and performance style?
I think it’s safe to say that I have grown up being a wild consumer of pop culture and have been blessed to be able to see how it has affected society and young people’s progression. I think that in 2024 my “originality” as a pop artist is all about how I pay respect from what I have learned from every icon who has walked before me. These icons affect not only me but every person who chooses pop music and they are the only reason any of us are standing and re-revolutionizing what it means to be a woman in pop music.
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What was the turning point that made you shift from professional dance to pursuing a career in singing and songwriting?
As soon as I started writing music I instantaneously realized that my years of dance training were going to contribute to my music, as my music is equally contributing to my performance. I feel as though they exist as one and that every form of my visual and audio expression work in tandem and could never be the same without one another. I feel the same about art in every form.
Your breakout single "American Horror Show" has been incredibly successful. What inspired you to write this song, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
“American Horror Show” and “Queen Degenerate” to me both mean reclaiming all the hard parts about you. Also showing the world and yourself that your flaws and traumas are what make you powerful, rather than making you weak.
As a rising artist, how do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being named one of Spotify's 2024 Pop Rising Artists to Watch?
To me, existing in pop performance music is a responsibility to be an example and to use your gifts/platform to change and challenge perspective. I think the way I deal with the pressure is by constantly reminding myself that the work that I’m doing is much bigger than me. I also try and accept every task one at a time and do each thing as respectfully and as well as I can. I am human and all I can do is try my best!
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Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song? How do you start, and what steps do you take to bring your ideas to life?
I think for me creating songs right now in my life is about having fun and creating symbolism for society and culture. I try to let the production guide me and the melodies flow through my body. Lyrically I want to have fun, empower others and create a feeling for everyone who gets to experience it. That starts with creating a feeling within myself!! Life is a feeling! And music is too!.
What was the inspiration behind your recent single "WET DREAM" and its accompanying music video?
My inspiration behind “Wet Dream” was definitely the 2010s sweet/sour bubblegum pop music and visuals, pioneered by Katy Perry, Cher Lloyd, Nicki Minaj, and many others. I had so much fun interpreting what this era of music felt like to me in this song!!
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How does your background in various dance styles influence your approach to live performances and music video choreography?
I think the way my dancers and I approach the choreography in the videos and performances is to create timeless movement. In so many music videos we all look up to, the choreography is original, memorable and able to last a lifetime. We try to just create the movement in a way where we know we will remember every step when we’re looking back at the best years of our lives.
What can fans expect from your new track “POOL?”
“POOL” is the epitome of a 2017 summer!! It’s everything I miss about spring break in high school, and what I can imagine pool parties for adults were in that time period as well. All fun!!
Looking back at your sold-out debut performance at The Viper Room, how did it feel to perform live for the first time, and how has that experience shaped your future performances?
I think my first show at the Viper Room is something that my dancers and I will all remember forever. We wanted to do something that felt historic and a part of our story. It felt like so much respect and love in that room from all parties and I think it was the perfect way to kick off our lifetime of performance and adventure together.
What are some of your long-term goals as an artist, and where do you see your career heading in the next few years?
My long term goal as an artist is to make my imprint on society, culture and art. Fame and adoration are just collateral by-products of the real tasks that I feel the need to share with the public.
Are there any collaborations with other artists that you're particularly excited about or hope to achieve in the future?
There are so many incredible artists who came before me and young artists on the move up that I would love the chance to work with. I think the biggest ones that come to mind right now would be Gaga, Doechii, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, and Ariana Grande.
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How do you balance your time between creating new music, performing live, and engaging with your fans?
I think I just try and get the most out of every moment I have everyday. Living in the present has always been hard for me but I think with the type of work I do I master it more and more everyday. Balance and presence is key to navigating the music industry and life!
How do you stay grounded and maintain your creative energy amidst the fast-paced nature of the music industry?
I take a lot of time to spend with my friends and care about the lives of people around me. I love to get to know people and to be a part of their world as well. I think as an artist, it can feel like everyone’s attention is always on you. I think it’s super important that I remove myself from that regularly.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and dancers?
The biggest piece of advice I would give to aspiring artists would be to believe in yourself, for yourself. I think that as long as you love yourself and you love what you’re creating you will always find happiness in that. Other perspectives can be teachable and helpful, yes, as long as you already have a confident foundation within yourself!! Be kind to yourself and to your art! It is for you after all!!
Can you share a personal anecdote or experience that has had a significant impact on your journey as an artist?
What affects me the most as an artist would be the people I have in my life. I live with my dancers/choreographers Lola, Thiago, and Miles, so we live and breathe love for each other. I think that has been one of the most beautiful things I have experienced.
\What else can we expect from you in 2024?
In 2024, you can expect to watch me transform!! I am working on something huge! And I want to share it at just the right time! Until then, continue having fun with me and my music and let’s enjoy this journey together!!
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
If I was a book, I would be The Four Agreements.
