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Class Actress or Elizabeth Harper is a Brooklyn resident with a love for the 80s, Depeche Mode, and true artistry. Citing early Madonna, Chekov, & Martin Gore as her inspirations, Elizabeth Harper takes an older sound and makes it her own. And not only that, she really loves her fans, imploring them to “say hi and lets hug” at her shows.
Class Actress – “Careful What You Say” // download
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Abby: What’s your perspective on your musical career?
Class Actress: Its on ongoing journey into self-actualization.
Abby:Is this what you always wanted? How did you know?
Class Actress: Yes, it’s a driving force. I cannot contain it. Like Nina from Chekov’s The Seagull explains, “Whether we’re writers or actors, the important thing is not fame, or glory, not what I used to dream about, but learning how to endure. I must bear my cross, and have faith. If I have faith, it doesn’t hurt so much, and when I think of my calling, I’m not afraid of life.”
Abby: How did you begin?
CA: Slowly then all at once.
Abby: Who is your inspiration? Who do you like to be around when new ideas need to be created?
CA: I am inspired by the most random things. But mostly friends and lovers.
Chris Keating from Yeasayer and Caroline Polachek from Chairlift both studied visual arts and they are two of my favorite people to suss out those ideas with. But mainly it’s my own higher self who puts things into action. Different cultures fascinate me endlessly. In French you say “small son” where we say “grand son,” how does that affect your mentality growing up? I guess that’s where music comes in…
Abby: You were called, “Brooklyn’s very own Madonna.” by The New York Pres. Is this how you want to be seen?
CA: Ha, Sure why not. I think they were referring to early Madonna which is a massive compliment. I’m not part of androgynous swan people. It’s such a wild abstract statement, that I will gladly take it in stride.
Abby: What is your creative process? How the process of each song begin and end?
CA: Girl meets boy, boy fucks up, girl cries, has catharses, gets happy from hot dance beats. Repeat.
But seriously its all very mysterious even to myself. Its think its a rush of chemicals to heart then to the head then to the pen and last the voice.
Abby: What is your favorite activity to do in BK?
CA: If I told you the truth it would be in bad taste, so go figure. I mean what’s everyone’s favorite activity in Brooklyn? “Shopping dinner parties playing music”…but aside from human nature I love the Brooklyn observatory in the winter, orchids, art galleries, going out to all the great restaurants, being with friends, making music…But more than anything – stimulating conversation, learning new things and INSPIRATION. That’s the best.
Abby: What are you listening to right now?
CA: Depeche Mode.
Abby: Who is your greatest inspiration?
CA: Martin Gore.
Abby: What is your outlet when you are stressed?
CA: Decadent, derelict behavior or making green juice and fasting.
Abby: Who is your style icon?
CA: David Gahan (I am having a serious Depeche Mode moment).
Abby: Where do you think most of your ideas come from?
CA: Disappointment and hope.
Abby: How do you think success should be measured?
CA: Pure joy in that you are sharing what you love to do with others and they are having as much fun as you. The love trade.
Abby: Is there anything else you would like your fans to know about you?
CA: Say hi and lets hug.
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