Colette Carr is a feisty, tennis star-turned-rapper from Malibu, California. Her punchy lyrics and strong morals have made her the hottest thing in the music industry. Kidzworld recently chatted with Colette about how she got into the music biz, why she lives such an inspirational lifestyle and what vibe she wants to send to fans.
Kidzworld: When did you start making music?
Colette:About one year ago, I took a leap of faith and jumped on stage at "The Game" concert at UCLA and freestyled. That was about a year ago and since then I have not stopped making music. You can actually watch that exact moment on "The Life In the Day of Colette Carr" chapters on ColetteCarr.com.
Kidzworld: How would you describe your musical style?
Colette:My musical style is extremely unique, I personally have never heard anything like it and I have a hard time describing it effectively. I guess it would be like if hip hop met electro-pop in Malibu on the beach and they fell in love.
Kidzworld: Who are your musical influences? How has their work influenced your music?
Colette:One interesting person that influences me is Baris Mancho. He is a Turkish singer whose music really speaks to me even though I don't understand what he is saying. Although I grew up listening to mostly classic rock (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix etc) and the new romantic 80's vibe (I heart The Cure), when I was about 10 I bought my first Dr. Dre CD and was hooked for life. Rap it was. I love Biggie, Pac, Wu Tang, Eminem, Dre, Snoop. I'm sure everything I have ever listened to (that I loved, hated, got stuck in my head, don't remember ever hearing, everything) has influenced me.
Kidzworld: How did Nick Cannon first discover you? What has it been like to work with him?
Colette:Nick (Cannon) saw my music video "Back It Up" when it was number one on MTV and he had to meet with me right away. There was an instant connection, good vibes, and it’s been amazing ever since. I really like the way he balances all of the craziness in his life. I admire it, and his energy is friggidy-fresh. It's always so much fun working with Nick.
Kidzworld: You promote a drug-free, alcohol-free lifestyle. Why do you think this is important?
Colette:I am just very comfortable and confident with who I am, and that just so happens to be a girl who was never interested in drugs or getting "messed up". I always felt like I had the power to say "no" and exercised it. I love my body and I try to stay as healthy as possible. Drug free baby! It’s a choice I made for me, and it works.
Kidzworld: What principles do you value and live by?
Colette:Family is number one, honesty, hard work, discipline, trust and loyalty.
Kidzworld: Why do you want to be a role model?
Colette:I don't necessarily want to be a role model, I just think I am. Sometimes that feels like a lot of pressure but the truth is, besides loving the f word, I really do live a lifestyle that a lot of people can learn from.
Kidzworld: Growing up, who was your role model? How did they affect you?
Colette:My dad, he has never smoked anything ever, he has a thirst for learning, a desire for success, and works very hard to live a healthy lifestyle, provide for his family and be emotionally available. If you want to call that ambitious, then that is what I strive to be.
Kidzworld: Do you find it difficult to say no to drugs and alcohol while living in LA?
Colette:I saw a lot of people that I loved, who never wanted to be a part of that lifestyle, get lost in it and that was difficult for me. Saying "NO" to drugs has never been something I struggled with. I'd look around and that saying "everybody's doing it" was sadly true. All I knew was that I had control over my decisions and what I did, so I did what I wanted to do; played tennis, painted, went to the beach, watched movies, "healthy" things I guess you could say. Peer pressure grosses me out, people that want you to join in because they are too insecure to do something alone, that's weak, not the person that stands up to them and says no. Do what you want to do and what is good for you; that's all I really did.
Kidzworld: Do you feel like some parents might be worried about the amount of profanity in your music? What message do you think your lyrics send to your younger fans?
Colette:My music is me. I'm not too worried about what parents or any individual person might think. You either like it or you don't ¬– I'm not trippin. I do cuss a lot, but there are always edited versions of my songs, so if your kids like me and want to listen to me, hook ‘em up with a bleeped out version moms!
Kidzworld: You advocate for free speech. Why do you think free speech is important?
Colette:I can't imagine life with out free speech. I am so outspoken with no filters it would be an utter disaster if I couldn't speak my mind! I believe everyone should formulate their own opinions and be able to express themselves.
Kidzworld: What advice do you have for kids who want to pursue a career in music?
Colette:First make sure that this is what you really want to do. It's a lot of hard work. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and get ready to never sleep.
